F5 Network Engineer

Role OverviewAs a Senior F5 Engineer, you will lead the architecture, engineering, and migration of complex application delivery solutions. The primary focus of this role is the large-scale migration of legacy Citrix NetScaler environments to F5 BIG-IP (LTM/GTM). You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the project, from initial data gathering and High-Level Design (HLD) to hands-on implementation and post-migration troubleshooting.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign & Architecture: Develop High-Level (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD) for F5 LTM and GTM/DNS infrastructure across multi-site data centers.NetScaler to F5 Migration: Lead the technical conversion of NetScaler configurations (Virtual Servers, Service Groups, Policies) into F5 BIG-IP equivalents (VIPs, Pools, iRules).Traffic Management: Design and implement intelligent traffic steering using F5 GTM (Global Traffic Manager)and complex load balancing logic via LTM (Local Traffic Manager).Programmability: Write, test, and deploy advanced iRules (TCL-based) to handle header manipulation, URI switching, and custom persistence requirements that were previously handled by NetScaler policies.Lifecycle Management: Manage F5 hardware/virtual platforms (Viprion, iSeries, or rSeries) and perform OS upgrades, licensing, and vCMP guest provisioning.Security Integration: Configure SSL offloading, certificate management, and basic security profiles (WAF/ASM integration is a plus).Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with application owners to understand traffic flows and requirements, ensuring zero-downtime migrations through meticulous cutover planning.Technical Skills & Qualifications1. Core F5 ExpertiseF5 BIG-IP LTM: Expert knowledge of Profiles (TCP, HTTP, SSL), Persistence (Cookie, Source-IP), Monitors, and SNAT.F5 BIG-IP GTM/DNS: Experience with Wide-IPs, Distributed Cloud/Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB), and iQuery communication.iRules Development: Proficiency in writing custom scripts to solve complex traffic steering challenges.Platform Mastery: Hands-on experience with vCMP (Virtual Clustered Multiprocessing) and high-availability (HA) failover clusters.2. Migration SpecificsNetScaler Proficiency: Strong understanding of Citrix ADC/NetScaler concepts (Content Switching, Responder/Rewrite policies, AppExpert) to effectively map them to F5.Migration Tools: Familiarity with manual conversion methods or automation scripts (Python/Ansible) to expedite configuration porting.3. Network & TroubleshootingProtocol Depth: Deep understanding of the OSI model, specifically TCP/IP, HTTP/S, DNS, and SSL/TLS.Tools: Expert-level use of Tcpdump, Wireshark, and F5's internal bash and tmsh shells for deep packet analysis.Experience & EducationExperience: 6-8 years in Network Engineering, with at least 4+ years dedicated strictly to F5/ADC technologies.Proven Track Record: At least one major migration project (NetScaler to F5 or vice-versa) successfully delivered.Certifications: F5 Certified Technology Specialist (LTM/GTM) or F5 Certified Solution Expert (preferred).Soft SkillsAnalytical Thinking: Ability to decompose complex legacy NetScaler policies into clean, efficient F5 logic.Communication: Able to explain technical migration risks to non-technical business stakeholders.Project Leadership: Experience leading technical workstreams within a larger infrastructure transformation program.