Network Automation Design

1. We need to look for /"Network Automation Solution Designer / Architect/" position with a P0 priority (before developer and SME).
2. This is a senior profile (I would suggest 10 yrs+ usually unless the candidate is supremely talented) and has to be a pure hands-on developer (turned system architect/designer) profile in Python (Esp. knowing pyATs/Pyez), frameworks (/"not/" Django please)/ansible/ Rundeck (similar) based automation.
3. Network knowledge for a senior solution designer/architect – even if they have worked with any kind of network automation (any platform – cisco/Nokia/juniper) that would still be okay to check.

additional depth with respect to the following points à

1. Lead the design of a vendor-agnostic network automation framework using Rundeck, Python, and Jinja2-based templates.
2. Create the end-to-end automation architecture (scripts, job flows, inventory, rollback, testing, credential handling).
3. Define standards for base and service configuration templates across Nokia, Cisco, and Juniper platforms.
4. Design inventory structure (YAML/NetBox/DB) and variable mapping schemes.
5. Collaborate with network SMEs to capture configuration nuances and error recovery strategies.
6. Guide the development team with best practices in modular code, logging, test-driven development, and DRY principles.
7. Review HLDs, LLDs, and participate in design approvals with Colt architects.
8. Proven experience designing automation frameworks for multi-vendor network environments.
9. Strong understanding of network protocols, device life cycles, and real-world production risks.
10. Familiarity with model-driven and CLI-driven platforms; YANG, NETCONF, CLI parsing (TextFSM/pyATS).
11. Hands-on experience integrating orchestration tools like Rundeck, Ansible, NSO, or Terraform.
12. Strong documentation skills (HLD/LLD/runbooks/workflows).
13. Exposure to enterprise-scale automation challenges (e.g., rollback design, audit compliance, credential security).