Distinguished Engineer – Data Center Network Architecture & Engineering

Distinguished Engineer – Data Center Network Architecture & Engineering 

Position Summary 

GEICO is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to define and lead the next generation of data center networking that powers our Private Cloud, Platform Engineering, AI/ML, and enterprise application ecosystems. This role will serve as the highest level of technical authority for network architecture, software-defined networking, network automation, and cloud connectivity across GEICO's on-premises and hybrid cloud environments. 

As a Distinguished Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting hyperscale-inspired network platforms that deliver the reliability, scalability, security, and operational simplicity required for modern cloud infrastructure. You will drive the transformation from traditional networking to a fully software-defined, automated, API-driven platform leveraging open networking, SmartNICs, programmable data planes, network virtualization, and infrastructure-as-code. 

This role requires deep expertise across routing and switching, data center fabrics, cloud networking, network operating systems, automation frameworks, and distributed systems. You will influence architecture decisions across Infrastructure, Security, Platform Engineering, and Cloud organizations while mentoring senior engineers and helping shape GEICO's long-term technology strategy. 

Position Description 

As a Distinguished Engineer, you will establish the technical vision and engineering strategy for GEICO's data center networking ecosystem, supporting our OpenStack-based Private Cloud, Kubernetes platforms, enterprise applications, AI/ML infrastructure, and hybrid cloud environments. 

You will lead the architecture and development of highly scalable Layer 3 Clos fabrics, software-defined networking platforms, cloud networking services, and network automation frameworks that enable self-service infrastructure at enterprise scale. You will work closely with cloud, compute, storage, security, and platform engineering teams to build a unified infrastructure architecture focused on resilience, automation, observability, and developer productivity. 

The ideal candidate combines deep networking expertise with strong software engineering skills and a proven track record designing and operating cloud-scale network platforms. 

Position Responsibilities 

Architecture & Strategy 

• Define the long-term architectural vision for GEICO's data center network infrastructure. 

• Establish standards and reference architectures for data center fabrics, cloud networking, hybrid connectivity, and network security. 

• Drive technical roadmaps for network modernization, automation, and software-defined infrastructure initiatives. 

• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to guide strategic investments and platform evolution. 

Data Center Networking 

• Design and evolve large-scale data center network architectures supporting virtualization, container platforms, bare metal infrastructure, and cloud-native applications. 

• Architect highly available network services supporting multi-site and multi-region deployments. 

• Define resiliency, redundancy, and disaster recovery strategies for mission-critical infrastructure. 

Software-Defined Networking & Automation 

• Lead the design and implementation of software-defined networking capabilities across private cloud and hybrid cloud environments. 

• Build automated network provisioning and lifecycle management platforms utilizing APIs, Infrastructure-as-Code, and GitOps methodologies. 

• Develop frameworks for automated network validation, configuration management, compliance enforcement, and operational remediation. 

• Drive adoption of programmable networking using SmartNICs, DPUs, and open hardware abstraction technologies. 

Cloud & Platform Integration 

• Partner with OpenStack, Kubernetes, Storage, and Platform Engineering teams to deliver integrated cloud networking solutions. 

• Architect networking solutions supporting Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), AI/ML platforms, and emerging cloud services. 

• Define connectivity patterns between on-premises infrastructure and public cloud providers. 

• Enable secure, scalable multi-tenant networking capabilities across cloud platforms. 

Performance, Security & Reliability 

• Lead network performance engineering initiatives to improve throughput, latency, availability, and operational efficiency. 

• Define observability standards leveraging telemetry, analytics, monitoring, and automated diagnostics. 

• Partner with cybersecurity teams to implement Zero Trust architectures, segmentation strategies, and cloud-native security controls. 

• Drive continuous improvement through operational excellence, automation, and resilience engineering. 

Technical Leadership 

• Serve as the organization's most senior technical authority for network architecture and design. 

• Mentor Principal, Senior Staff, and Staff Engineers across multiple organizations. 

• Lead architecture reviews, technical design decisions, and engineering strategy discussions. 

• Build strong partnerships across Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Engineering leadership teams. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Technical Expertise 

• Deep expertise in modern data center networking architectures and large-scale network design. 

• Advanced understanding of Layer 2/Layer 3 protocols including:  

• BGP 

• EVPN 

• VXLAN 

• ECMP 

• MPLS 

• OSPF 

• Experience designing and operating leaf-spine and Clos network fabrics. 

• Strong understanding of software-defined networking architectures and network virtualization technologies. 

Cloud & Infrastructure 

• Experience designing networking solutions for private, hybrid, and public cloud environments. 

• Understanding of Kubernetes networking, container networking, and cloud-native networking models. 

• Familiarity with OpenStack networking services including Neutron and related networking components. 

• Experience supporting large-scale virtualized and bare metal environments. 

Software Engineering 

• Strong software development skills in one or more of the following:  

• Go 

• Python 

• C/C++ 

• Rust 

• Java 

• Experience building automation platforms, APIs, and infrastructure services. 

• Strong knowledge of Linux system architecture and distributed systems. 

Operational Excellence 

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex network performance, availability, and scaling challenges. 

• Strong understanding of observability, telemetry, monitoring, and incident response practices. 

• Excellent analytical and systems-thinking capabilities. 

Leadership 

• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across multiple engineering organizations. 

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills. 

• Proven track record mentoring senior technical talent and driving organization-wide engineering initiatives. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 15+ years of networking, infrastructure, or cloud engineering experience. 

• 10+ years designing enterprise or hyperscale network architectures. 

• Experience with open networking technologies and disaggregated network operating systems. 

• Experience with SmartNICs, DPUs, programmable switches, and hardware acceleration technologies. 

• Familiarity with Open Compute Project (OCP) networking technologies and Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI). 

• Experience with large-scale cloud providers or cloud service architectures. 

• Experience supporting AI/ML, GPU, or high-performance computing networking environments. 

• Experience implementing Infrastructure-as-Code and GitOps operating models. 

• Knowledge of Zero Trust networking and network security architectures. 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field; or equivalent practical experience. 

• Advanced degree or relevant industry certifications preferred. 

Why This Role Matters 

This Distinguished Engineer will define the future of networking at GEICO. Through software-defined infrastructure, cloud-native networking, automation, and modern architecture patterns, this leader will build the foundational network platform that powers GEICO's private cloud, AI initiatives, digital products, and enterprise technology ecosystem for the next decade.