Lead SME Engineer - Global Network Operations

About Gruve

Gruve is an innovative software services startup dedicated to transforming enterprises to AI powerhouses. We specialize in cybersecurity, customer experience, cloud infrastructure, and advanced technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs). Our mission is to assist our customers in their business strategies utilizing their data to make more intelligent decisions. As a well-funded early-stage startup, Gruve offers a dynamic environment with strong customer and partner networks.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Lead SME Engineer on Contract who provides advanced technical leadership for global Network & Security operations. Serving as the highest escalation point in a 24x7 environment, the role ensures the stability, security, and performance of enterprise systems, while mentoring engineers and driving continuous improvements in operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Serve as top-level escalation for complex network/security incidents.
• Lead major incident resolution, RCA, and post-incident improvements.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of global platforms.

Network & Security Engineering

• Provide deep expertise in routing/switching, LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, data center networking, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, ISE, Zero Trust, cloud networking, load balancing, DNS, and DDoS protection.
• Support hybrid cloud/on-prem connectivity.
• Review and validate network designs, configurations, and implementation plans.

Operational Excellence

• Support 24x7 follow-the-sun operations and after-hours escalations.
• Drive monitoring optimization, automation, and reduced MTTR.
• Collaborate with SRE and platform teams on reliability initiatives.
• Ensure readiness for upgrades, maintenance, and deployments.
• Maintain runbooks, SOPs, diagrams, and documentation.
• Implement automation and IaC (Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation).
• Support ITSM processes (change, incident, problem).

Mentorship

• Coach mid-level engineers across global shifts.
• Act as technical authority and promote best practices.

Collaboration & Governance

• Work with Architecture/Security/Engineering teams on roadmaps and tech adoption.
• Ensure compliance with security policies and audit requirements.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, vendors, and partners.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years in enterprise Network/Security engineering.
• Experience in 24x7 global operations.
• Strong hands-on skills in networking, firewalls, VPNs, cloud.
• Proven incident response leadership.
• Ability to make strong technical decisions under pressure.
• Ready to work on contract.

Preferred Qualification

• Certifications (CCIE, cloud networking, etc.).
• Automation/scripting experience (Python, Ansible, Terraform).
• ITIL exposure and work in regulated environments.
• Experience with global, multi-time-zone teams.
• Technical leadership
• Incident/crisis management
• Clear communication
• Analytical problem solving
• Focus on continuous improvement

Why Gruve

At Gruve, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Gruve is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Key skills/competency

• Network Engineering
• Security Operations
• Incident Response
• Cloud Networking
• Automation
• IaC
• ITSM
• Technical Leadership
• Mentorship
• Problem Solving