Summary: The Senior Automation Engineer role focuses on driving network automation and optimization, particularly with Fortinet Firewalls and associated integrations. The position requires extensive experience in network automation tools and methodologies, with a strong emphasis on compliance and operational efficiency. The candidate will lead the implementation of automation strategies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance network operations. This is a remote position based in the UK, with a contract duration of four months.

Key Responsibilities:

• Testing of 3 major Automation tools (NetBrain - IP Fabric - FW Networks) to implement an intent-driven network strategy.
• Deployment of a lab environment to test various automation tools (Gitlab, Tyk, NetBrain, Nautobot, Netbox, etc).
• Lead and deploy NetBrain in UAT as a key piece of the intent-driven networking strategy.
• Debug Ansible Playbooks to improve figures on the number of backups taken across the network.
• Network Automation: Lead the design and implementation of automation strategies for Fortinet devices and integrations with associated platforms (IPAM, Infoblox, etc.) to streamline network operations, reduce risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Automation Use Case Development: Support the creation, development, and implementation of automation use cases, particularly focusing on zero-touch provisioning, Firewall management, software updates, and security compliance.
• Standardized Deployments: Establish standardized deployment structures to minimize cyber risk, improve compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Test Automation: Design and implement automated testing frameworks to validate pre- and post-change operations, contributing to the overall testing library and troubleshooting capabilities for the team.
• Data Aggregation & Integration: Develop and maintain a data aggregation engine for querying and processing data from various sources of truth platforms (eg, IPAM, ServiceNow, Skybox, etc.). Design workflows for data rationalization and automate inventory validation.
• Automation Tools: Utilize tools such as Ansible to create and manage playbooks for data ingestion, configuration management, and integration across various platforms and services.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to define business and technical requirements for automation use cases. Support agile practices, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and sprint reviews.
• Documentation: Document automation workflows, solution designs, and best practices to ensure maintainability and knowledge sharing across the team.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to the continual improvement of automation processes, standards, and tools to enhance productivity and security compliance.

Key Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in network automation, with a focus on Fortinet Firewalls (FortiManager) and integrations with platforms such as IPAM, Infoblox, and custom data sources.
• Expertise in automation tools and frameworks, such as Ansible, for configuration management, playbook development, and data ingestion.
• Strong knowledge of networking concepts, security best practices, Firewall management, and network monitoring solutions.
• Proven experience in agile environments, utilizing scrum, sprint planning, backlog refinement, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices.
• Experience in designing automated testing solutions for network and security environments, including pre/post-change validation and troubleshooting automation.
• Strong Scripting and programming skills, particularly in Python, Bash, or other automation-friendly languages.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex network and automation issues.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and interact with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions.

Salary (Rate): £700

City: undetermined

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: remote

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: IT