Lead Network Engineer

Title: Lead Network Engineer

Location: Houston, TX

Salary: $125K-$155K

Type: Contract to Direct Hire - Full Time.

The Lead Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing network infrastructure to meet operational requirements. This role leverages expertise in routing, network design, and advanced configurations of network equipment to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable systems. The analyst troubleshoots complex network issues, monitors performance, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support business continuity and technological advancements, maintaining high standards for network architecture and seamless connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, secure, and reliable network architectures.
• Configure and manage routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) to optimize network performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues in LAN and WAN environments.
• Monitor network performance using specialized tools to ensure optimal operation.
• Configure and manage firewalls, VPNs, and other network security solutions.
• Develop and maintain IP addressing schemes and subnetting plans.
• Lead network-related projects from planning through execution and completion.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure project alignment and system integration.
• Ensure network designs support high availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
• Implement Quality of Service (QoS) configurations to prioritize critical application traffic.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Advanced Routing: Proficiency in routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) for network optimization and troubleshooting.
• Network Design: Experience designing scalable, reliable, and secure network architectures.
• Equipment Expertise: Strong hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices.
• Network Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues in LAN and WAN environments.
• Network Security: Knowledge of security protocols, firewall configurations, and VPN management.
• IP Addressing: Strong understanding of IP addressing, subnetting, and IP routing.
• Performance Monitoring: Familiarity with tools and techniques for monitoring network performance.
• Project Management: Experience managing network projects from inception to completion.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with teams and vendors.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Certifications: Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, NSE 4, or NSE 5.
• Advanced Security: Expertise in intrusion detection/prevention and threat mitigation.
• Automation: Knowledge of network automation tools or scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Cloud Networking: Experience with cloud platforms and hybrid network configurations (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• VoIP & UC: Familiarity with VoIP technologies and Unified Communications systems.
• Wireless Networking: Experience in wireless network design, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• High Availability: Knowledge of designing networks for high availability and disaster recovery.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Experience implementing QoS to prioritize critical application traffic.

Required Education

• Technical college degree in IT or related field, or equivalent professional certifications in networking.