Distinguished Engineer - Golden Config & Automation Architect

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Verizon Global Infrastructure is seeking an experienced Lab and Standards Automation Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of our enterprise-wide network automation and configuration management framework. This role will play a crucial part in driving network transformation by integrating automation design, development support, and standard modernization into a unified, cloud-native framework.

You will be responsible for the overall Configuration Management architecture and strategy, with a primary focus on establishing and maintaining the Golden Config across the global estate. You will be working with cutting-edge technology, driving vendor roadmaps, and redefining the future of network reliability through AI-driven automation.

Strategic Vision & Roadmap

• Defining the strategic vision and translate complex business requirements into a comprehensive network architecture roadmap.

• Ensuring the roadmap supports seamless automation, cloud integration, and emerging technologies.

• Leading the design and implementation of Configuration Management strategies, encompassing both automation and enterprise-wide compliance auditing.

Automation-Friendly Design

• Creating architectural patterns and designs that are inherently automation-friendly, prioritizing the use of APIs and software-defined networking.

• Defining technical standards and roadmaps for automation deployment to ensure scalability across lab and production environments.

• Building Low Level Design (LLD) diagrams to communicate automation workflows and design goals to implementation teams.

Development & Lab Support

• Supporting development teams by providing access to a secure Lab environment featuring both virtual (e.g., CML) and physical devices.

• Serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to guide engineering teams on modern software development practices within network operations.

• Leading proof-of-concepts (PoCs) and pilot projects to validate new AI frameworks and automation capabilities.

Standards Modernization

• Modernizing the standards process and configuration templates to ensure they are easily consumed by both human developers and AI tools.

• Collaborating with security and networking teams to integrate automated security policies and modernize technical standards.

• Driving the adoption of "Network as Code" and automated testing to accelerate feature development.

Partnership & Evaluation

• Evaluating and recommending automation vendors and tools (e.g., HPNA, Cisco NSO) to ensure they meet enterprise requirements.

• Partnering with IT leadership to leverage AI and Copilot frameworks to enhance configuration management.

• Building strong vendor relationships to influence roadmaps for AI-driven automation tools.

• Bachelor's degree or four or more years of work experience.

• Eight or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.

• Eight or more years of experience in enterprise network architecture, security, and automation

• Experience in Fortune 100 environments with complex, multi-vendor requirements.

• Prior leadership in digital transformation initiatives focused on AI integration.

• Extensive technology development and testing experience in high-scale lab settings.

• Strong expertise in Configuration Management architecture, including Golden Config and compliance auditing.

• Hands-on experience with automation tools such as HPNA, Cisco NSO, Ansible, or Terraform.

• Deep knowledge of AI and Copilot frameworks and their application in configuration management.

• Experience designing automated lab environments and standardized network models.

• Understanding of industry security standards like NIST or CIS benchmarks.

• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex concepts to executives.

• Industry certifications: CISSP, Cisco DevNet Professional/Expert, or CCIE.

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we've got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.