Overview
Skills
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Network Engineer
Location: Northampton, MA (Hybrid)
Duration: 12 Months
Summary:
A state government agency is seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to support IT networking operations across the Western and Central Massachusetts area. This position is focused on the implementation and support of network infrastructure including firewalls, switches, routers, load balancers, and related software.
The engineer will ensure optimal performance of network systems through proactive monitoring, patching, compliance activities, and regular backups. This role requires strong collaboration with the Network Manager, other IT departments, and external vendors to support ongoing IT initiatives, while providing mentorship to junior engineers and maintaining a high standard of customer service.
The position requires occasional travel within the region and includes participation in a 24x7 support model for critical business operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, document, and implement network infrastructure including updates to network architecture and capacity planning.
Lead and execute small to mid-sized networking projects in accordance with established IT processes.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues independently and collaboratively with vendors or state agency partners.
Perform capacity analysis and ensure sufficient throughput in current and planned networks.
Maintain compliance with IT security standards, including participation in audit and remediation activities (e.g., PCI).
Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and support to network team members.
Monitor, secure, and manage network infrastructures to ensure high availability and threat mitigation.
Prepare and maintain clear, accurate network diagrams and documentation.
Participate in on-call and emergency support rotations as needed.
Travel between sites to support deployment and maintenance of network equipment.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
8+ years of hands-on network engineering experience in a large enterprise environment.
5+ years in a senior role with project leadership responsibilities.
In-depth knowledge of routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, RIP, BGP).
Experience with Cisco hardware and technologies (routing/switching, Catalyst Center).
Strong background in load balancing (Citrix NetScaler), firewalls (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, or Checkpoint), VPN, Wi-Fi, and network security technologies.
Familiarity with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Splunk).
Experience with VOIP, QoS, and Metro-Ethernet technologies.
Understanding of network architecture in AWS, VLANs, STP/VTP protocols, and public-private network integration.
Demonstrated ability to explain technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience creating/updating Visio network diagrams.
Adaptable team player who thrives in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE) highly desirable but not mandatory.