Network Automation Engineer at VAE, Inc. – Springfield, Virginia

VAE, Inc. is a full service IT Infrastructure Solutions Company focused on building, securing and supporting our clients’ mission critical enterprises. We provide a distinctive array of design, integration and implementation services as well as fully managed service offerings. VAE is at the forefront of leveraging multi-tenant capable technologies and shared IT services to create secure, reliable and cost-effective end-to-end services and solutions. We deliver exceptional infrastructure solutions with extremely talented employees using a client-focused partnering approach.

We are seeking a mid-level Network Automation Engineer to design, develop, test, and maintain automated network solutions leveraging Python, Django, and Nautobot as a source of truth. This role combines hands-on network automation development with software testing and validation responsibilities to ensure reliability, scalability, and performance of automation workflows. The ideal candidate has strong Python skills, foundational networking knowledge, and experience validating software through structured testing practices. You will work closely with network engineers, developers, and analysts to build robust automation pipelines and ensure high-quality deployments.

Network Automation Development

• Develop and maintain Python-based automation solutions using Nautobot.
• Create and manage Nautobot Jobs to automate provisioning, configuration management, compliance validation, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Leverage Nautobot as a source of truth to maintain accurate and consistent network data.
• Develop integrations between Nautobot and external systems (e.g., NMS, ITSM, CRM, CI/CD platforms).
• Build and maintain automation pipelines using tools such as Ansible, Nornir, Terraform, and Jinja2.
• Interact with network devices using libraries such as Netmiko and NAPALM.

Software Testing & Validation

• Develop, update, and execute software test cases for automation workflows.
• Conduct software inspection, testing, verification, and validation activities.
• Prioritize test cases, document results, and log defects.
• Perform API testing and contribute to test automation initiatives.
• Support CI/CD integration by validating automation code through automated testing pipelines.
• Collaborate with developers and analysts to troubleshoot issues and improve solution quality.

Platform & Environment Support

• Assist in administration and maintenance of the Nautobot platform (upgrades, performance monitoring, security).
• Support Linux-based environments hosting automation services.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies including backlog grooming, estimation, and sprint planning.
• Document automation designs, test results, and operational procedures.

• 2–5 years of professional experience in network automation, software engineering, or test engineering.
• Strong Python programming skills (experience with Django framework preferred).
• Experience developing and executing software test cases.
• Experience conducting software inspection, testing, verification, and validation.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs).
• Working knowledge of UNIX/Linux systems.
• Experience using Git for version control.
• Experience working in or supporting CI/CD environments.
• Active Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Nautobot or NetBox (data models, APIs, job framework).
• Experience with network automation tools (Ansible, Nornir, Terraform).
• Experience with API testing and test automation frameworks.
• Familiarity with PostgreSQL and Django ORM.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
• Experience participating in Agile/Scrum processes.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

What We Offer

• Remote-first work environment.
• Dedicated collaborative office space in Springfield, VA.
• Commitment to work/life balance.
• Opportunity to work at the intersection of network engineering, automation, and software quality.

VAE, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.