Core Network Engineer

Job#: 2026442

Job Description:

Apex Systems is currently hiring for an ON-SITE Network Engineering Opening in Birmingham, AL.

** Please note that candidates must be local or willing to relocate to Birmingham, AL with no assistance**

Title: Core Network Engineer

6 Month CTH; Conversion to $110,000 with a 15% bonus

Pay: Up to $50/hr while on contract

Schedule: 8am-5pm, M-F

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the design and operation of core IP network infrastructure deployed within the companys datacenters. The candidate will be required to blend IP network and telecom engineering experience to plan, purchase, install and maintain mission-critical network equipment. This will require focus on 4G LTE packet cores.

This role will also be heavily involved with the team responsible for maintaining the network equipment installed in the core datacenters and will require interaction with the personnel and systems for monitoring and troubleshooting. That equipment includes datacenter switches and routers, firewalls and proprietary telecommunications equipment. Development and enforcement of installation and operational standards, such as cyber security best practices, will also be expected.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Key Requirements:

• B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science preferred.
• Other Engineering degrees may be considered.
• A thorough understanding of network fundamentals and protocols is absolutely required - including but not limited to the OSI model, Ethernet, 802.1Q, IP, TCP/UDP, OSPF, BGP, IPSec.
• 4 years of experience maintaining IP routing and switching equipment (Cisco preferred).
• 2 years of experience working with vendors to design solutions and install networking systems.
• In depth knowledge of firewalls and an understanding of stateful inspection.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills, including root-cause analysis of network issues.
• Experience with Syslog, SNMP or other network monitoring protocols and tools.
• Proficiency with network traffic analysis tools (Wireshark, etc).
• Organizational, interpersonal, project management and meeting facilitation skills.
• Ability to innovate, react quickly, and work independently.

Other Desirable Skills:

• Cisco certification (CCNA, CCNP, etc)
• Understanding of firewall policy management (Palo Alto preferred).
• Experience with software defined networking (SDN) solutions and concepts (Arista CCF preferred)
• Experience with Vmware and NSX-T virtualization
• Experience with LTE cellular technology, signaling, and best-practices.
• Experience with carrier network deployments or traffic engineering, specifically MPLS.
• Understanding of intrusion prevention or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of cyber security best-practices.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Design future virtualized network and server infrastructure for additional capacity or lifecycle upgrades.

Maintain installed core network infrastructure - keep systems up-to-date, monitor performance, project capacity needs, and troubleshoot issues.

Oversee assigned capital projects.

Investigate new hardware or software as a proof-of-concept or potential purchase.

Work with IT Security during security assessments or to remediate identified issues.

Document technology, processes and standards.

Provide input into yearly capital and O&M budgets.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.