Intermediate Network Specialist

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Network Specialist with expertise in network security and enterprise networking to help safeguard, operate, and scale our global IT infrastructure. This is a high-impact, hands-on role for a networking generalist who is equally comfortable working across firewalls, routers, switches, wireless, and network management platforms in both on premises and cloud environments.

In this role, you will work with a team of other specialists configuring, monitoring, and optimizing Palo Alto firewalls, Aruba switches and Wi-Fi as well as Cisco SD-WAN networks. You will collaborate closely with Security, Infrastructure, and Application teams to ensure secure, resilient, and high-performing connectivity across offices, data centers, and cloud platforms.

You will also serve as a subject matter expert in network security and enterprise networking best practices, providing guidance during incidents, projects, and architectural discussions.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, implement, manage, and optimize enterprise firewalls, VPNs, and network security policies across on premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks firewalls to support secure global connectivity.
Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network performance, availability, and security issues.
Support and maintain enterprise switching and routing environments, including Cisco SD-WAN routing and Aruba switches.
Administer and troubleshoot Aruba wireless networks, ensuring reliable and secure campus and office wireless connectivity.
Manage and operate Aruba Central for centralized network visibility, monitoring, and configuration.
Implement and support Aruba ClearPass for network access, authentication, and policy enforcement.
Provide networking operational support in our growing cloud environments, with a particular focus on Azure with AWS and Oracle support when needed.
Partner with the Information Security team to align firewall rules, network segmentation, and access controls with compliance and risk standards.
Work with Infrastructure and Application teams to ensure secure and reliable connectivity for on premises, cloud, and hybrid workloads.
Evaluate, recommend, and deploy next-generation firewall (NGFW), switching, wireless, and network security solutions.
Recommend and implement automation and standardization for firewall and network operations.
Stay current on emerging network security threats, networking technologies, and vendor roadmaps, and recommend improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned.

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Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors Degree.
3 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Zero Trust architectures, network segmentation, or secure access design.
Experience managing enterprise networks using Aruba Central.
Hands-on experience with Aruba ClearPass for authentication, authorization and policy enforcement.
Experience with Cisco SD-WAN
Experience with SDN, network automation, or infrastructure as code, using tools such as Python, Ansible, or Bicep.
Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto Network Security Professional, CCNA / CCNP, Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate, and HPE/Aruba certifications
Experience operating networks in large, distributed enterprise environments.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Skills and Abilities

Hands-on experience with firewall platforms, including Palo Alto Networks.
Strong background in routing, switching, VPNs, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, as well as RADITACACS+.
Practical experience as a networking generalist, supporting multiple network domains (security, switching, wireless, and WAN).
Experience with switching platforms in enterprise environments, preferably HPE/Aruba.
Experience supporting WiFi networks, including access point deployment and troubleshooting.
Experience with SD-WAN technologies in enterprise environments.
Familiarity with cloud networking concepts.
Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.