AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.   At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.    We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.    We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.  We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Software Defined Networking (SDN) Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in software-defined technologies, with deep hands-on expertise in VMware NSX (V & T) and Cisco ACI, Arista or Cisco VxLAN. This role involves leading the design, deployment, and support of complex data center network solutions while ensuring alignment with business goals and customer success.   The SDN Specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams and clients, participating in architectural discussions, delivering workshops, and ensuring successful implementations. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as a passion for staying current with emerging technologies. A proven track record of executing large-scale data center projects and holding relevant certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE, ACI, or VMware is highly preferred. Key Responsibilities • Service as subject matter expert for software defined technologies • Possess a strong understanding of VMware NSX (V & T) technologies and good understanding of Cisco ACI, Cisco or Arista VxLAN. • Participate in the deployment of complex solutions, create written deliverables, and conduct client workshops • Ability to communicate and execute architecture strategy & approach in clear, concise, and understandable terms to client senior management and other client stakeholders • Ability to implement design architecture objectives that align with client demand & business goals • Receptive listening skills with the ability to present ideas in a clear, concise fashion to technical and non-technical audiences • Excellent situational leadership and timely decision-making skills • Passionate about successful customer outcomes • Ability to work effectively within all levels of an organization (internally & externally) • Ability to work both individually and in a team environment • Demonstrated ability to deliver multiple IT projects on time and within budget • Ensure knowledge transfer to relevant client teams for smooth operation of deployed solutions • Obtain and maintain certifications with associated qualifications Skills Required • Minimum 10 years of data center experience in enterprise environments • Deep hands-on technical knowledge and expertise in: VMware NSX (V & T) technologies large scale data center deployments/migrationsand good understanding of Cisco ACI, Cisco or Arista VxLAN. • Extensive experience with ACI (multi-pod & multi-site) from design to deployment • Strong sense of ownership, problem solver, sense of urgency and ability to be proactive in resolving challenges • Experience with VxLAN design, deployment a plus • Experience with VMware NSX design, deployment, V to T migration a plus • Depth of knowledge around underlay, overlay concepts, segmentation strategies, and solution interoperability • Cisco CCNP, ACI, or CCIE certification required • VMware or Arista certifications a plus Why AHEAD:   Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.   We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.   India Employment Benefits include:  Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees, with options to extend coverage to dependents Paid time off and company holidays, along with additional leave benefits as per policy Flexible work arrangements, supporting work-life balance Learning and development opportunities to support continuous growth and upskilling Employee wellness initiatives and programs focused on physical and mental well-being Retirement and statutory benefits in line with India regulations Inclusive and people-first culture, with a strong focus on collaboration and ownership