Network Engineer - Fortinet Infrastructure (Field-Support)

Position: Network Engineer Fortinet Infrastructure (Field-Support)

Location: Dallas / Houston, Texas (Field travel required)

Duration: Long term contract

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Sr. Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain mission-critical networking infrastructure supporting our oil and gas operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in networking technologies, enterprise networking, cloud (Azure) networking, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and robust experience with both Fortinet and Cisco IOS platforms. You will ensure high availability, security, and performance for both office and field networking environments, often in remote or challenging locations.

Detailed Job Description:

• Deploy, configure, and maintain Fortinet firewalls (FortiGate series), switches, and VPN solutions.
• Design, deploy, and support enterprise network solutions across diverse operational environments (offices, remote field sites, drilling rigs, processing plants, etc.).
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Fortinet security appliances (firewalls, VPNs, SD-WAN, etc.) and Cisco IOS-based network devices (routers, switches, wireless controllers).
• Assist in the migration from Cisco to Fortinet infrastructure.
• Plan and deploy Azure networking solutions: VPN gateways, virtual networks, ExpressRoute, network security groups, and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Must have strong hands-on experience with Fortinet firewalls (configuration, troubleshooting, and deployment). Conduct site visits for network setup, troubleshooting, and hardware
• installation.
• Must be willing to travel to remote field sites when required. Should have field experience (network device installation, troubleshooting at site, etc.).
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) scripts for network and cloud resource provisioning using Terraform and related tools.
• Maintain and optimize LANs/WANs, wireless networks, and remote access infrastructure to support industrial IoT, operational technology, and business applications.
• Collaborate with SCADA, IT, and OT teams, ensuring secure segmentation between corporate and critical infrastructure networks.
• Monitor network performance and perform proactive maintenance, troubleshooting issues to resolution (including after-hours emergencies, if needed). Participate in network monitoring,
• performance tuning, and issue resolution.
• Document network designs, configurations, and policies for auditing, handover, and regulatory compliance. Follow change management and documentation standardsNetwork Engineer Fortinet Infrastructure (Field-Support)
• Implement network security best practices to protect sensitive operational data and prevent cyber threats.
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and field technicians for deployment and support of network services. Maintain strong coordination with vendors and internal teams during rollout projects.
• Collaborate with the Houston and Dallas teams to ensure network uptime and reliability.
• Participate in network architecture reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5 8 years' hands-on experience as a network engineer, preferably in the oil & gas sector or comparable industrial environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with Fortinet products, Fortinet security appliances (FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, VPN configuration).
• In-depth experience with Cisco IOS routers/switches (configuration, troubleshooting, upgrades).
• Experience with network migrations and firewall policy configurations.
• Azure networking experience, including vNets, VPN/ExpressRoute, security/network policies, and hybrid solutions.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code, specifically Terraform for networking and cloud automation; experience with other IaC tools (such as Ansible, ARM templates, or CloudFormation)
• is a plus.
• Familiarity with WAN/LAN, routing, VPN, and VLAN setup. Strong grasp of routing (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), VLANs, QoS, MPLS, NAT, and VPN technologies.
• Solid understanding of enterprise networking and security concepts: 802.1x, wireless (Wi-Fi), IP addressing, subnetting, DNS/DHCP, firewalls, IDS/IPS.
• Ability to work safely and independently in remote or challenging locations (occasional field travel required). Willingness to travel to remote oilfield or production sites as needed.
• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Fortinet NSE-level certification (NSE 4 or higher) preferred.
• Industry certifications (ex: CCNP, Fortinet NSE, Azure Network Engineer, Terraform, HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate).
• Prior experience with industrial networking, SCADA, and OT environments.
• Experience with point-to-multipoint or LTE/private 5G/CBRS technologies for oilfield connectivity.
• Experience with network automation and monitoring tools (ex: Auvik, SolarWinds, PRTG, etc.).

Key Skills: Network Engineer Fortinet Infrastructure (Field-Support)

• Cisco IOS (routing, switching)
• Fortinet Security (firewall, VPN, SD-WAN)
• Azure Cloud Networking
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, etc.)
• LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi design & troubleshooting
• Network security best practices
• Documentation & compliance
• Analytical & troubleshooting skills
• Communication & teamwork

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to field offices and operational sites as needed.
• Potential exposure to remote and high-risk environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols.
• May involve walking, climbing, bending, or handling equipment during site visits.
• Possible exposure to varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) while on-site at the field offices.
• Availability for emergency response and incident management, including after-hours support when required.
• Should possess excellent communication skills and professional presentation suitable for a corporate environment.
• Professional presentation and customer-facing demeanor.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable working across remote teams.
• Ability to manage tasks independently with minimal supervision.