Senior Network Engineer

About Encore Talent Solutions:
Encore Talent Solutions is a trusted professional services firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve their goals by providing exceptional talent solutions. We partner closely with our clients to understand their unique culture and operational needs, delivering proactive support during times of growth, transition, and change. Our mission is to connect top talent with meaningful opportunities to drive business success.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Engineer to join our dynamic infrastructure team. This role is critical for designing, implementing, managing, and securing our complex network infrastructure across on premises data centers and cloud environments, with a strong focus on Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform). The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in routing, switching, security, cloud networking (especially Google Cloud Platform), and automation, ensuring the highest levels of network performance, reliability, and security. You will leverage your expertise in Cisco, Meraki, Google Cloud Platform, automation tools, and security platforms to support a large, sophisticated environment. This position is in-office 3 days a week in Cincinnati, OH with a regular on-call schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot complex network infrastructure including Cisco (ACI, ASA, NextGen FW, VPN, Switching & Routing) and Meraki (SD-WAN, Wireless) components.
• Architect, implement, and manage Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform) network infrastructure, including Partner Interconnect, Shared VPC, Internal/Regional/Global Load Balancing, Cloud Firewall, and Cloud Armor.
• Configure, support, and optimize network performance load balancing and security solutions using vendors such as F5 and Palo Alto Networks.
• Develop, implement, and maintain network automation solutions using Python and/or shell scripting, and Terraform for both data center hardware and cloud networking resources.
• Manage and support Software Defined Networking (SDN) environments, specifically including Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
• Oversee and troubleshoot core network protocols and services including TCP/IP, BGP, VPNs, LAN/WAN connectivity, and Network Access Control (NAC).
• Implement, manage, and monitor network security systems including firewalls, IDS/IPS, internet filtering, anti-virus, application security, secure email gateways, SIEM, and WAF.
• Conduct vulnerability testing, implement ongoing monitoring programs, and ensure adherence to compliance requirements (including federal environments).
• Support large network environments incorporating virtualization, wireless, and mobile technologies.
• Utilize network tracing and packet capture tools for advanced troubleshooting and analysis.
• Collaborate effectively with technical teams and communicate complex technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Support IT operational infrastructure, including business continuity planning and execution.
• Manage Active Directory integration points related to network services.
• Support environments utilizing Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Automate code deployment across multiple cloud providers (Google Cloud Platform preferred, AWS/Azure experience beneficial).
• This job description in no way implies that the duties listed here are the only ones that team members can be required to perform.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in network and/or security administration.
• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification or demonstrated equivalent competency
• Technical knowledge and experience equivalent to a two-year program in network engineering or a related field.
• Expert-level proficiency in configuring and managing Cisco and Meraki network components, specifically Meraki SD-WAN and Wireless.
• Strong, hands-on knowledge of Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform) networking: Partner Interconnect, Shared VPC, Internal/Regional/Global Load Balancing, Cloud Firewall, Cloud Armor.
• Solid understanding and practical experience with Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts and execution.
• Knowledge of Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
• Deep understanding and ability to deploy/manage critical network services like DNS, DHCP, NTP, RADIUS, and TACACS+.
• Significant experience automating network tasks using Python and/or shell scripting.
• Proven experience using Terraform for Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to manage both data center hardware AND cloud networking resources.
• Experience configuring and supporting network load balancers (e.g., F5) and security platforms (e.g., Palo Alto Networks).
• Demonstrated experience supporting large, complex network environments including virtualization, wireless, and mobile technologies.
• Proficiency with multiple core IT systems and protocols: TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, VPN, BGP, Active Directory, NAC, Windows Server, Linux.
• In-depth knowledge of network routing, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), internet filtering, anti-virus technology, application security, secure email gateways.
• Experience with SIEM, SD-WAN, Cisco ASA/NextGen Firewalls, Dell Switches, Web Application Firewalling (WAF), Data Center & Cloud Networking/Security paradigms, and Network Tracing/Packet Capture tools.
• Proven experience in vulnerability testing, planning/implementing ongoing monitoring programs, and knowledge of IT operational infrastructure including business continuity.
• Knowledge of requirements within federal compliant environments.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex technical issues effectively with diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cisco DevNet Professional Certification
• Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification.
• Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification.
• Experience with automation of code deployment across multiple cloud providers (AWS, Azure in addition to Google Cloud Platform).

Encore Talent Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce.