Network Engineer

Network Engineer

Position Responsibilities:

The Network Engineer will be tasked with driving multiple projects and operational initiatives rather than working on a single project scope. The role''s initial focus areas will include office and laboratory expansion, network modernization, and activities related to Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) implementation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing network installation, commissioning, and deployment support across office and laboratory environments.

• Conducting rack and stack, structured cabling, patching, hardware installation, and network turn-up activities.

• Configuring and validating switching, wireless, and firewall platforms to ensure robust and secure connectivity.

• Participating in network design reviews, site assessments, and bill of materials (BOM) validation.

• Conducting wireless surveys to optimize and remediate wireless coverage and performance.

• Performing moves, adds, and changes (MACs) and offering general network operational support.

• Delivering incident response and on-site troubleshooting during business hours as required.

• Developing and maintaining network documentation, standards, and lifecycle plans for effective ongoing operations.

• Supporting the deployment and maintenance of Cisco ISE and wired/wireless 802.1X authentication solutions.

• Contributing to network modernization tasks and collaborative project delivery across teams.

• Managing multiple, concurrent projects and operational activities based on evolving priorities.

• Collaborating closely with engineering, operations, and project management teams to align solutions with enterprise standards.

• Participating in project planning, coordination with vendors, and stakeholder engagement on-site as needed.

• Traveling to other sites, both in-state and out-of-state, to directly support project implementation and site turn-ups.

Essential Skills, Experience

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience as an enterprise network engineer.

• Direct experience with Cisco Catalyst switching platforms (configuration, deployment, troubleshooting).

• Strong proficiency with enterprise wireless technologies including controller-based access points and deployments.

• Expertise in firewall configuration and validation in enterprise settings.

• Practical skills in performing rack installations, structured cabling projects, fiber connectivity, and complete infrastructure turn-ups.

• Robust network troubleshooting abilities and a track record in operational support for complex environments.

• Experience creating, updating, and maintaining network documentation, diagrams, and standards.

• Willingness and ability to work on-site regularly in Rancho Cordova, with preference for Sacramento-area candidates.

• Openness and flexibility to travel out of state for project work as required (approx. 3-6 trips over the contract period).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to interact effectively with both technical and business stakeholders.

Preferred skills or experience:

• Experience with Cisco Nexus data center switching platforms.

• Hands-on exposure to Cisco ISE and 802.1X (wired/wireless) deployment and administration.

• Competency with wireless survey and validation tools such as Ekahau or AirMagnet.

• Background in supporting network environments for laboratory or specialized research purposes.

• Previous involvement in network design reviews, site assessments, and BOM validation processes.

• Cisco professional certifications, such as CCNA or CCNP Enterprise (or equivalent).

• Familiarity with network monitoring tools and Microsoft Office 365 (Visio, Excel, Teams).

• Proven ability to work in team-oriented settings, drive technical excellence, and consistently deliver high-quality results across numerous, fast-paced project assignments is critical.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor''s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience (preferred).

• Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent vendor certifications are advantageous.

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