Network Engineer II

This contract opportunity is with our client in Lyons, PA through NRI Resource Management Services (not with NRI directly).

About the role

The Network Engineer is accountable for ensuring the operation of the network (LAN and WAN), including the underlying infrastructure. The Network Engineer works on tasks surrounding the design, installation, configuration, support and maintenance of the network infrastructure. The Network Engineer will partner with manufacturing support to provide 99.999 uptime objective to all systems used by the plant operations. This position will require defining any performance improvements and monitoring of metrics to ensure goals are met. Managing incidents with a sense of urgency and providing updates to management is required. The Network Engineer will be required to meet security objectives using support tools, IDS, and Firewall technologies. Documentation of all incidents, recommendations and reporting is expected.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network availability and provide DR recovery plans with backup processes
• Perform network asset management, including maintenance and inventory
• Establish the networking environment by directing system installation, defining, documenting and enforcing system standards
• Maximize network performance by monitoring performance, troubleshooting network problems and outages, scheduling upgrades
• Configuration of routing and switching equipment, and of hosted IP voice services
• Perform basic firewall configuration changes, add VPN connections, and provide operational status reports
• Capacity management and audit of IP addressing and hosted devices within data centers
• After hours support or project work as needed
• Enforce security policies by adjusting firewall rules, configuring remote access solutions, and managing network access controls

Requirements

• 1 to 3 years’ experience as a Network Engineer
• 3 to 5 years’ experience as a Network Technician, Network Maintenance Technician, or similar role
• Working knowledge of router, switch, firewall configurations
• ITIL experience is a plus
• Experience with network optimization tools and services
• LAN/WAN design and support including BGP and EIGRP
• Experience with Cisco Nexus switches and wireless devices

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field; equivalent level of education, training, and work-related experience may be considered
• CCNA or CCNP certification, preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Technical proficiency of TCP/IP, routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF), VLANs, and DNS/DHCP
• Hardware platforms, Cisco Catalyst platforms and Cisco Nexus
• Ability to effectively communicate with non-experts about technical requirements and features both in writing and verbally (including presentation skills)
• Ability to analyze problems and formulate alternative/creative solutions
• Strong interpersonal skills: a team player with the ability to work across functional areas, at all levels of the organization and with third party vendors
• Ability to mentor technicians
• Proficient in multi-tasking, prioritizing, and managing time effectively; can work independently on multiple small-scale projects
• Ability to manage risk/security and changing direction of projects
• Work effectively in high-pressure situations that require clear and sound decisions/actions
• A high standard of work quality and ability to follow through is a must
• Firewall Configuration securing infrastructure by filtering traffic, defining network zones, and creating strict access rules

Work Schedule

Core working hours Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, must be available to work at varied times as required to accomplish the goals and deliverables of their exempt position.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily conducted in a climate-controlled office environment. There may be occasions where work requires visits to a manufacturing plant or Distribution Center.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to exchange accurate information with all levels of the organization
• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and manual dexterity
• Requires occasional carrying, maneuvering, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; lifts over 50 pounds must be with proper assistance or lift equipment
• Wears protective clothing and/or equipment (PPE) including steel-tip footwear and safety glasses as required by the work environment