Lead Network Engineer III

Title: Network Engineer III

Duration: 12+ Months Contract

Location: Hybrid; 1-2 days/week onsite within Charlotte, NC or Corning, NY.

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8am to 5pm

Travel Requirement: Potential travel of up to 30%, which may include international destinations. During critical projects may be higher.

Pay rate: $65/hr on W2

 Scope of Position:

• We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Network Tech Lead to support our team. In this position, you will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and optimizing innovative network solutions while providing technical expertise and mentoring to the team. This role requires a deep understanding of advanced networking technologies, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to driving excellence in network operations.
• As the Network Tech Lead, you will lead key initiatives, guide team members, and act as a subject matter expert across a diverse range of networking technologies and platforms. If you have in-depth knowledge of SD-WAN, routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF, EVPN-VXLAN, and switching technologies (Arista and Cisco), combined with expertise in wireless networks (particularly MIST) and advanced automation skills using tools like Ansible and APIs for Infrastructure as Code, we want to hear from you. Experience in OT manufacturing environments is a strong plus!

Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership for network engineering projects and operations. Champion best practices and guide the team in delivering scalable, secure, and high-performing solutions.
• Network Architecture & Deployment: Design and implement advanced network solutions including SD-WAN, EVPN-VXLAN, and complex routing/switching environments using Arista and Cisco platforms.
• Routing & Switching Expertise: Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize enterprise-grade routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and switching technologies to ensure resilient and efficient network performance.
• Wireless Network Engineering: Architect and manage wireless infrastructure with a focus on MIST-based solutions, ensuring high availability, performance, and seamless user experience.
• Network Automation & Scripting: Develop and maintain automation workflows using Ansible, Terraform and other tools. Leverage APIs to enhance network scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Mentorship: Partner with cross-functional teams to align network strategies with business goals. Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Documentation & Standards Compliance: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for network designs, configurations, and SOPs. Ensure adherence to industry standards and internal governance policies.
• Technology Evaluation & Innovation: Assess emerging technologies, tools, and vendors to drive innovation and improve network performance, automation, and security posture.
• Professional Development & Certification: Stay current with industry certifications and trends to maintain technical leadership and support team growth.
• Operational Support: Participate in the on-call rotation to provide after-hours support and ensure network reliability.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (minimum)
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT with at least 2-3 years in technical leadership or senior role.
• Relevant certifications such as CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), JNCIE (Juniper Networks Certified Expert), or equivalent is highly preferred.
• Arista certifications and MIST qualifications are a strong plus.
• Strong interpersonal abilities to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and contribute to cross-functional teams in dynamic global environments.
• Skilled in prioritizing multiple initiatives and managing competing demands in fast-paced settings
• Deep understanding of enterprise network technologies including LAN, SD-WAN.
• Advanced proficiency in routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF, and switching technologies
• Hands-on experience in EVPN-VXLAN deployments for scalable and secure data center networking
• Extensive knowledge of Cisco/Arista platforms, including configuration and optimization.
• Strong expertise in designing and managing wireless networks.
• Advanced skills in network automation using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs
• Familiarity with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools to ensure operational excellence
• Fluent in English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills

 Desired Skills:

• Hands on experience with MIST wireless solutions, including design, deployment and performance optimization
• Hands-on experience with cloud networking (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and hybrid cloud environments.
• Proficiency with Arista, especially in data center and campus environments.
• Financial acumen to support budgeting, cost analysis and vendor negotiations in network infrastructure.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred.