Lead Network engineer(15 years of resume required)

Job Title: Lead Network Engineer

100% REMOTE

12+ MOTNHS CONTRACT

Lead Network Engineer (OT Communications Domain Architect)

This role is a senior‑level network architecture and engineering leader responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining highly available, secure, and scalable Operational Technology (OT) and enterprise network environments. The position blends strategic architecture ownership with hands‑on engineering execution, supporting mission‑critical infrastructure within a large‑scale energy organization. This individual will serve as the domain expert, driving standards, resiliency, and continuous improvement across complex hybrid environments (WAN, datacenter, cloud, and industrial networks).

Alternative / Comparable Job Titles

• Lead Network Engineer
• Principal Network Engineer
• Network Architect
• Senior Network Engineer
• Infrastructure Architect (Networking)
• OT Network Architect

Ideal Candidate Profile

A successful candidate will be a hands-on technical leader who thrives in high-availability, mission-critical environments, particularly within industries like oil & gas or utilities. They bring a balance of deep technical expertise, architectural vision, and operational discipline, with a strong focus on security, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Top 3–5 Critical Skills & Experience

• Enterprise Network Architecture & Design Expertise (WAN, datacenter, hybrid/cloud, OT environments)
• Advanced Routing & Switching Knowledge (BGP, OSPF, TCP/IP, OSI model)
• Resilient & Highly Available Network Design (failover, segmentation, redundancy)
• Network Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code (Python, Ansible, Terraform)
• Strong Troubleshooting & Operational Leadership in production-critical environments

Core Technical Skills, Tools & Technologies

Networking & Architecture

• TCP/IP, OSI model
• Routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, (EIGRP/IS-IS exposure preferred)
• Enterprise WAN, MPLS, SD‑WAN design and operations
• Datacenter and hybrid network architecture
• High availability, failover, and resiliency strategies
• Network segmentation and Zero Trust architecture

Infrastructure & Platforms

• Cisco networking ecosystem (IOS, NX‑OS)
• Multi-vendor networking (Palo Alto, Check Point, Fortinet)
• WAN technologies and edge networking
• Network monitoring, observability, and telemetry tools

Automation & Scripting

• Python, PowerShell scripting
• Automation frameworks and tooling
• Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC): Ansible, Terraform

Security & Compliance

• Secure network design for OT environments
• VPN technologies and secure remote access
• Network segmentation aligned to cybersecurity frameworks
• Incident response support and vulnerability remediation

Industrial / OT Networking (Preferred)

• SCADA systems and control networks
• Industrial communication protocols and segmentation strategies
• Critical infrastructure environments (energy, utilities, manufacturing)

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design

• Develop High-Level Designs (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD)
• Define and enforce network standards, patterns, and reference architectures
• Lead design for large-scale, highly resilient network environments
• Translate business needs into scalable technical solutions

Implementation & Engineering

• Deploy and configure routers, switches, firewalls, and WAN solutions
• Lead network builds, upgrades, and remediation initiatives
• Validate implementation against architectural standards

Operations & Optimization

• Monitor performance, latency, and throughput across environments
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and reliability risks
• Perform capacity planning and lifecycle management
• Improve observability, alerting, and telemetry

Security & Compliance

• Implement segmentation and secure connectivity for OT systems
• Apply Zero Trust principles across network designs
• Partner with cybersecurity teams for compliance and audits

Operational Excellence

• Develop runbooks, SOPs, and documentation
• Enable support models and operational readiness
• Lead knowledge transfer and transition to operations teams
• Provide post‑deployment (hypercare) support

Location & Work Environment

• Preferred locations: San Antonio, TX | Denver, CO | Findlay, OH | Remote
• Hybrid model (4 days onsite / 1 day remote) for local candidates
• Fully remote option available
• Business casual environment

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of enterprise network engineering experience
• Proven experience designing and supporting large-scale production networks
• Strong expertise in routing, switching, and WAN architectures
• Experience with network automation and scripting
• Ability to lead design initiatives and guide engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• CCNP (required), CCIE (strongly preferred)
• Experience with SD‑WAN platforms
• Exposure to OT / industrial networking environments

Familiarity with cloud networking and hybrid connectivity