Network Engineer - Columbia SC

Network Engineer III
Position Type: HYBRID
Duration: FTE/Direct-hire
Location: Columbia, SC

About our client:
Our client is a leading provider of technology and advisory solutions serving state, local and education government agencies (SLED) across the United States. Through client partnerships, they have almost 1,000 employees impacting communities for good by managing and securing critical networks, solving complex human capital and fiscal problems, elevating education systems, and advancing equity as a performance imperative. Our client’s partners with thousands of agencies as a trusted advisor delivering solutions that improve technology, operational and economic performance to help communities thrive.

Job Summary:
Our client is looking for a Network Engineer III who can lead projects and mentor the engineering team. The ideal candidate will be able to design, configure, and implement solutions, as well as perform advanced tasks and troubleshooting. This includes collaborating with Solution Architects for Pre-Sales Engineering, Architecting, and designing both on-prem and cloud-based solutions. Additionally, the candidate should be capable of configuring and implementing complex technologies and providing expert-level debugging and analysis for engineering support escalations.
Responsibilities:

• Lead projects and provide coaching to the engineering team.

• Design, configure, and implement complex solutions for both on-prem and cloud-based environments.

• Collaborate with Solution Architects for Pre-Sales Engineering to develop solutions.

• Design, configure, and implement complex technologies such as Network Access Control (NAC), Security Firewall, Network Switches, Wireless (WLAN), and Server/Storage systems.

• Serve as an escalation point for engineering support, providing expert-level debugging and analysis.

• Document system designs, diagrams, and standard operating procedures for configurations, changes, and troubleshooting.

• Ensure all work is compliant with company policies, security protocols, and industry best practices.

• Maintain existing certifications and pursue new certifications for partner compliance.

• Provide subject matter expertise on emerging technologies and solutions.

• Participate in an on-call rotation as an escalation engineer for the NOC (currently a 2-week rotation after hours every 12 weeks).

Required Skills/Experience:

• HS diploma or equivalent. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• An expert-level certification (e.g., Cisco CCIE, Juniper JNCIE, Aruba ACSX, Fortinet FCX or NSE8) OR two or more cross-vendor professional-level certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNP, Juniper JNCIP, Aruba ACSP, Fortinet FCP or NSE4,5,6).

• 5+ years of experience in systems or network engineering, with hands-on project leadership experience.

• Extensive knowledge of advanced networking and system architecture for both on-prem and cloud environments.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex network and system issues.

• Experience with configuring and implementing complex technologies such as Network Access Control (NAC), Route/Switch, EVPN/VXLAN, Security Firewall, Network Switches, Wireless (WLAN), and Server/Storage systems.

• Strong coaching and leadership skills, with the ability to guide and mentor the engineering team.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially when working with Solution Architects for pre-sales engineering.

• Strong documentation and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Essential Criteria:

• Certifications: Candidates must have expert-level certifications or multiple cross-vendor professional-level certifications. One expert-level certification (e.g., Cisco CCIE, Juniper JNCIE, Aruba ACSX, Fortinet FCX, or NSE8) or two or more cross-vendor professional-level certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNP, Juniper JNCIP, Aruba ACSP, Fortinet FCP or NSE4,5,6).

• Experience with Route/Switch, Security Firewall, and Wireless (WLAN).

• Expertise: If candidates do not have the certifications, they must demonstrate a working knowledge and capability of expertise at the required level.

Key Indicators of Expert Level Experience Based on Resume:

• Certifications: Holding multiple cross-vendor professional-level certifications or an expert-level certification such as CCIE.

• Technical Skills: Demonstrated experience with various technologies and vendors, such as Fortinet, Palo Alto, Juniper, and Cisco.

• Previous Roles: Previous job titles indicating seniority.

• Work Environment: Experience working in a similar capacity, such as in a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) environment.

• Project Experience: Documented involvement in complex projects, showcasing a high level of technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Preferences:

• Location Flexibility: Candidates who are willing to relocate at their own expense are considered.

• Hybrid Work Model: SE3 positions can support a hybrid work relationship, where candidates come into the office once or twice a week. However, during their initial months, they will be expected to be onsite 5 days a week, which may gradually reduce over time. 

Full-time Employee Benefits: 

• Flexible paid time off

• 401K match program

• Equity opportunities

• Incentive and bonus programs

• Paid parental leave

• Flexible spending accounts

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Life insurance

• Short and long-term disability coverage

• Income protection benefits

 Interested? Apply Now!
*Connect with your Catapult Recruiter: Kailyn Hartley, directly at kailyn.hartley@catapultsg.com *