Layer 7 Application Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Layer 7 Application Engineer to improve the speed, stability, and reliability of business-critical applications and the enterprise networks that support them. This engineer will investigate complex performance issues across applications, infrastructure, network services, and hybrid cloud connections, translating packet-level evidence into practical corrective actions.The strongest candidates combine advanced application-layer troubleshooting with deep packet and protocol analysis. They are comfortable tracing traffic through large Cisco-based environments and diagnosing issues involving software-defined WAN, direct internet connectivity, and private cloud connections.This is a contract-to-hire position, on-site 5 days per week.Key ResponsibilitiesCapture and analyze network traffic to isolate application delays, connection failures, retransmissions, packet loss, and other performance problems.Diagnose application-layer issues involving web traffic, APIs, name resolution, encrypted sessions, and authentication workflows.Trace end-to-end traffic paths across campus, data center, internet, and cloud environments to identify where service degradation occurs.Troubleshoot performance within Cisco routing, switching, SD-WAN, and Direct Internet Access environments.Investigate latency and connectivity concerns affecting Azure ExpressRoute and other hybrid-cloud services.Coordinate with application, network, cloud, infrastructure, and operations teams to validate root cause and implement lasting improvements.Provide technical support during high-impact incidents and produce clear root-cause findings, timelines, and follow-up actions.Establish performance baselines, review recurring trends, and recommend changes that improve availability and the end-user experience.Create troubleshooting guides, operating procedures, and technical documentation that strengthen team response capabilities.Required QualificationsProfessional experience diagnosing application and network performance problems in a large enterprise environment.Advanced packet-capture and protocol-analysis skills using Wireshark, tcpdump, or comparable tools.Strong knowledge of Layer 7 technologies and services, including HTTP/S, REST APIs, DNS, TLS/SSL, and common authentication flows.Working expertise in TCP/IP, routing, switching, latency analysis, packet loss, and traffic-flow troubleshooting.Hands-on experience supporting Cisco enterprise networks; exposure to SD-WAN and Direct Internet Access architectures.Experience troubleshooting Azure ExpressRoute or comparable private hybrid-cloud connectivity.Ability to explain complex technical findings clearly and collaborate across multiple technology teams.Experience contributing to incident response and formal root-cause analysis.Preferred QualificationsExperience in banking, financial services, or another highly regulated enterprise.Familiarity with application performance monitoring, network performance monitoring, or observability platforms.Scripting or automation experience with PowerShell, Python, or a similar language.Relevant Cisco, Azure, networking, cloud, or performance-engineering certifications.