Lead SME Engineer – Global Network Operations (Contract)
Gruve · India
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- India
Job highlights
- Lead global network and security operations.
- Serve as highest escalation point.
- Ensure system stability, security, performance.
- Mentor mid-level engineers.
- Drive continuous operational improvements.
About the role
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
Skills & topics
- Lead SME Engineer
- Global Network Operations
- Network Engineering
- Security Operations
- Incident Response
- Cloud Networking
- SD-WAN
- Firewalls
- Automation
- IaC
- ITSM
- Technical Leadership
- Contract
- Startup
- Cybersecurity
- LLM
How to get hired
- Research Gruve's culture: Understand their AI transformation focus, cybersecurity, and LLM specializations.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 8+ years in Network/Security engineering and 24x7 global operations experience.
- Showcase leadership: Emphasize proven incident response leadership and technical decision-making skills.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, and cloud networking expertise.
- Demonstrate automation skills: Mention experience with Terraform, Ansible, or Python if applicable.
Technical preparation
Master routing, switching, and SD-WAN concepts.,Deep dive into firewall, VPN, and IDS/IPS.,Understand Zero Trust and cloud networking.,Practice with Terraform, Ansible, or Python.
Behavioral questions
Describe a major incident you led.,How do you make decisions under pressure?,How would you mentor junior engineers?,How do you ensure continuous improvement?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Lead SME Engineer role at Gruve?
- The Lead SME Engineer at Gruve is responsible for providing advanced technical leadership for global Network & Security operations, serving as the highest escalation point to ensure system stability, security, and performance in a 24x7 environment.
- What specific network and security technologies are crucial for this Lead SME Engineer position at Gruve?
- Key technologies include routing/switching, LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, ISE, Zero Trust, cloud networking, load balancing, DNS, and DDoS protection. Expertise in hybrid cloud/on-prem connectivity is also essential.
- Does Gruve offer opportunities for career growth with this contract role?
- While this is a contract position, Gruve fosters a culture of continuous learning. The role involves mentorship and collaboration with Architecture/Security/Engineering teams, offering exposure to roadmaps and technology adoption.
- What are the essential qualifications for the Lead SME Engineer role at Gruve?
- Candidates need 8+ years in enterprise Network/Security engineering, experience in 24x7 global operations, strong hands-on skills in networking, firewalls, VPNs, cloud, and proven incident response leadership.
- How does Gruve approach operational excellence in its network and security functions?
- Gruve drives operational excellence by optimizing monitoring, automating processes, reducing MTTR, collaborating with SRE teams, ensuring readiness for deployments, maintaining documentation, and implementing IaC.
- Is this a remote, hybrid, or on-site position for the Lead SME Engineer at Gruve?
- The job description emphasizes global operations and follow-the-sun models, suggesting a need for significant availability. While not explicitly stated, the nature of the role implies potential flexibility, but candidates should clarify the work arrangement during the application process.
- What kind of mentorship is expected from the Lead SME Engineer at Gruve?
- The Lead SME Engineer is expected to coach mid-level engineers across global shifts, acting as a technical authority and promoting best practices within the Network & Security operations team.