Network Engineer (Onsite in Chicago, IL)- local Only

Position: Network Engineer

Location: Downtown, Chicago

Duration: 4-6 Months

Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and motivated Network Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the Client s network infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and security.

Experience: 8+ years of relevant experience

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, deploy, and manage network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure minimal downtime.
• Implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
• Collaborate with IT team members to develop and implement network solutions.
• Maintain documentation of network configurations, processes, and procedures.
• Provide technical support and training to end-users as needed.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to ensure network efficiency and security.

EXPERIENCE:

• 8+ years of solid experience in Network Infrastructure and Network Security
• Proficient in Enterprise Routing and Switching (OSPF, BGP, Static and Default Route)
• Strong experience with Firewalls (FortiGate preferred), SDWAN on FortiGate FW
• Strong experience with switching technologies including Nexus switches, vPC, STP, VLANs, VTP, HSRP, and Switch Stack
• Strong experience with VPN, IPSec Tunnel, and managing rules and policies on firewalls
• Knowledge of FortiCloud EMS and Forti Load Balancer
• Familiarity with Cisco Wireless Controller
• Hands-on experience in handling and troubleshooting network setups
• Certification in CCNA Routing and Switching is preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills

SKILLS:

• Proficient in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Fortinet (400F, 61E, 61F, FortiAnalyzer, FortiLoad Balancer) and Cisco (5050, 5512) firewalls, including WAN/LAN connectivity, policy creation, NAT, SD-WAN, SD-VPN, and traffic shaping.
• Experienced in High Availability (Active/Passive) setups, load balancing, firewall backup and restore, and customized dashboard/report generation using FortiAnalyzer and Cisco tools.
• Skilled in handling VPN configurations (IPsec and SSL) for both site-to-site and client-to-site connections, with strong knowledge of user authentication (LDAP, RADIUS) and security policy implementation.
• Expertise in firewall policy and signature management, log analysis, and collaboration with vendor TAC teams to resolve complex issues and document solutions.
• Working knowledge of Cisco and Fortinet WLC, including AP configuration, VLAN setup, SSID/profile creation, DHCP/DNS configuration, and log/report generation.
• Competent in Cisco and Fortinet switching technologies, including VLAN, STP, LACP, EtherChannel, VPC, SVI, ACL management, stacking, upgrades (Catalyst, Nexus, WLC), and Layer-3 routing configurations.