Senior Cisco Service Provider Network Engineer IOS XR/MPLS

Job Description: Senior Cisco Service Provider Network Engineer – IOS XR/MPLS

Role Summary

Act as the technical focal point for complex Service Provider network problem resolution, delivering deep technical leadership across Cisco’s Service Provider portfolio.
Core Responsibilities

• Problem Resolution & Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve complex customer issues across ASR routing, NCS routing platforms, IOS XR, MPLS, Segment Routing, Broadband, and Optical transport technologies.


• Infrastructure Integration: Provide end-to-end infrastructure-level problem resolution across Layer 2/3 network fabrics, overlays, virtualization, and compute/storage integration.


• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Deliver thorough RCAs containing root-cause findings, structured remediation steps, and proactive prevention recommendations.


• Software Escalations: Manage software escalation referrals for critical or recurring issues on IOS XR, ASR, NCS, and related Service Provider platforms.


• Operational Review & Strategy: Monitor operational trends and collaborate with the High Touch Operations Manager (HTOM) on quarterly technical reviews, findings, operational metrics, and strategic action plans.


• Escalation Management: Expedite critical escalations leveraging deep contextual knowledge of customer network architecture, operational models, and change-control practices.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Account Teams, Cisco TAC, Product Business Units, and HTOM to coordinate alignment and resolution strategies.


• Deployment & Migration Support: Provide remote or onsite deployment support for network rollouts, migrations, and backbone expansions, serving as Lead Engineer across HTTS and TAC teams when required.


• Knowledge Sharing & Relationships: Build robust customer relationships and contribute reusable tools, scripts, and best-practice documentation to the engineering organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: BS in a technical field (Computer Science/Electrical Engineering preferred) or equivalent with 5+ years of related experience; or an MS in a technical field.


• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and executive-level presentation skills.


• Autonomy & Drive: Self-driven with proven, hands-on experience resolving intricate technical issues within Service Provider networks.


• Problem-Solving: Strong diagnostic and probing skills with the ability to work autonomously and independently.


• Methodology: Demonstrated ability to evaluate requirements and formulate solutions within defined constraints, utilizing agile methodologies for rapid delivery, testing, and value realization.

Technical Skills & ExpertisePlatforms & Operating Systems

• Cisco ASR 9000 and 1000 Series Routers


• Cisco NCS 5400, 5500, 5600, and 6000 Platforms


• Cisco IOS XR Operating System

Protocols & Core Technologies

• MPLS, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS / SRv6), EVPN, LDP, Carrier Ethernet, and IP/MPLS Transport


• Routing & Control Protocols: BGP, ISIS, OSPF, RSVP-TE, LDP, QoS, CGNAT, BNG, Multicast, and IPv6


• Foundational Networking: TCP/IP, STP, HSRP, VRRP, and Service Provider core/edge architectures

Tools & Automation

• Packet-level analysis and troubleshooting using tools such as Wireshark


• IOS XR advanced troubleshooting, Model-Driven Telemetry (MDT), and Cisco Crosswork / CNC / NCS tools


• Network Management Systems (NMS), monitoring, and telemetry suites

Certifications & Preferred Advantages

• CCNP or CCIE Service Provider certification (preferred)


• Working knowledge of Service Provider security, infrastructure protection, and Zero-Trust architecture principles