Network Hands & Feet Engineer (L2/L3 – Physical Support)
Location: Switzerland (Data Center / Enterprise Campus)
Experience Level: Mid‑level (4–6 years)
Employment Type: Permanent
Role Overview
We are looking for a Network Hands & Feet Engineer to provide reliable on‑site support for enterprise and data center network infrastructure. This role is primarily physical in nature (approximately 90%), with limited logical/network verification tasks (approximately 10%) to support remote engineering teams.
The position focuses on hardware installation, structured cabling, fiber handling, and physical troubleshooting, while assisting with basic Layer 2 and Layer 3 validation to ensure successful service delivery in mission‑critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Physical Network Deployment (Primary Focus – ~90%)
- Perform device racking and de‑racking based on Rack Elevation Diagrams (REDs) for switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers.
- Install equipment safely using rack rails, cage nuts, and stabilization kits, ensuring correct weight distribution.
- Connect and validate dual power supplies across A/B PDUs, including basic power checks.
- Handle Single‑Mode (SMF) and Multi‑Mode (MMF) fiber, including cleaning, inspection, and patching.
- Install and replace SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, and QSFP28 transceivers and verify physical link status.
- Execute structured patching and labeling in line with ANSI/TIA‑606‑B standards.
- Manage copper (RJ45) and fiber (LC, SC, MPO) patch panels.
- Trace and validate fiber paths using Visual Fault Locators (VFL).
- Coordinate with data center and telecom providers for cross‑connects and circuit extensions from Meet‑Me Rooms (MMR).
Logical Support and Verification (Secondary Focus – ~10%)
- Assist remote Network Engineering teams by performing basic Layer 2 and Layer 3 verification.
- Check VLAN assignments, interface status, and port configurations as instructed.
- Assist with Layer 3 interface bring‑up (SVIs or routed ports) and basic IP connectivity validation.
- Verify BGP and OSPF neighbor status following physical circuit installations.
- Support EtherChannel / LACP implementations by ensuring physical cabling matches logical configurations.
- Access devices via console or Out‑of‑Band (OOB) management when required.
Remote Management and Console Access
- Cable and support Out‑of‑Band (OOB) console solutions (Opengear, Lantronix, Cisco ISR).
- Troubleshoot serial connectivity issues such as baud rate mismatches and console cabling.
- Provide local laptop and serial access during incidents to support troubleshooting and device monitoring.
Required Experience and Skills
Experience
- 4–6 years of experience in data center or large enterprise campus network environments.
- Strong hands‑on experience with physical network installations and cabling.
- Exposure to enterprise network operations and incident support.
- Basic German
Technical Skills
- Ethernet and fiber cabling (SMF / MMF)
- Transceivers and modules: SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28
- Basic knowledge of Cisco IOS, NX‑OS, Arista EOS, or PAN‑OS (show commands and interface checks)
- Tools: Visual Fault Locators (VFL), Light Meters, Fiber Inspection Scopes
Certifications
- CCNA or equivalent (mandatory)
- Higher‑level certifications are a plus but not required
What We Offer
We believe in creating an environment where you can thrive professionally and personally. Here’s what you can expect:
- Health Insurance Allowance for peace of mind
- Annual Performance Bonus to reward your impact
- Permanent Employment Contract for long‑term stability
- Relocation Support for candidates moving from abroad
- A collaborative, international work culture with opportunities for continuous learning and growth
What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.