Network Engineer IV

About the Role

Primary Talent Partners is seeking a Network Engineer IV for a 12-month contract with a large power and utilities client. This role is based in Charlotte, NC / Cincinnati, OH / Raleigh, NC / Plainfield, IN / St. Pete or Lake Mary, FL, with potential for extension. The position focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining network solutions across various technologies, including MPLS, ACI, data center, wireless, VPN, and cellular.

Pay

$68.00 - $78.00/hr (W2 contract, no PTO, no benefits. ACA-compliant supplemental package available for enrollment.)

Schedule

Up to 5% travel required, including visits to alternate headquarter locations.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise network solutions across MPLS WAN, SD-WAN, Data Center, Wireless, VPN, Internet Edge, and Cellular network environments.
• Develop and maintain network architectures, standards, reference designs, implementation guides, configuration templates, and operational documentation.
• Engineer and support Cisco-based solutions including Catalyst, Nexus, ACI, SD-WAN, Secure Firewall, and cloud-connected network services.
• Design, deploy, and troubleshoot Cisco ACI fabrics, Nexus switching platforms, Nexus Dashboard, and multi-site/multi-pod data center architectures.
• Lead technical design and implementation of MPLS, Segment Routing, BGP, OSPF, EVPN, VXLAN, QoS, and large-scale routing/switching environments.
• Design and support VPN, SD-WAN, SASE, and zero-trust access solutions.
• Evaluate, test, and integrate new technologies while ensuring security, compliance, and operational alignment.
• Develop technical requirements, conduct proof-of-concepts, and provide vendor recommendations.
• Engineer and support enterprise and industrial wireless solutions.
• Procure, activate, and troubleshoot MPLS, Internet, Ethernet, cellular, and cloud connectivity services.
• Develop and maintain network automation using APIs, Python, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code methodologies.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis across enterprise network environments.
• Monitor performance, capacity, availability, and user experience using telemetry and assurance platforms.
• Optimize QoS, traffic engineering, and application prioritization policies.
• Conduct security reviews, configuration audits, compliance validation, and quality control assessments.
• Maintain network diagrams, inventory, IP address management records, and configuration repositories.
• Create engineering work packages, implementation plans, migration procedures, and rollback documentation.
• Support infrastructure projects through design reviews, testing, implementation, and operational transition.
• Collaborate with architects, operations, cybersecurity teams, and vendors to deliver network solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in after-hours maintenance and provide escalation support for critical network incidents.

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology/Computer Science + 5 years IT experience (4 years in Cisco design/support) OR 10 years IT experience (5 years in Cisco design/support).
• Experience with network capacity planning, security principles, and management best practices.
• Understanding of communication technology fundamentals.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple groups and work independently.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and task prioritization skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adhere to Change Management practices.
• Superior knowledge of telecommunications systems, safety policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills (listening, conflict management, knowledge sharing).
• Ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• Cisco Certifications: CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP.
• Agile Certifications: Kanban Management Professional, Scrum Master.
• Experience with Cisco hardware/software: Catalyst, Nexus, ACI, SD-WAN, Secure Firewall, DNA, OTV, Palo Alto firewalls, etc.
• Datacenter experience with ACI design/implementation/support.
• Experience leading network projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• SCADA communications solution design experience.
• Automation experience with Python, Ansible, RESTful APIs, JSON/XML, etc.
• Process-oriented workflow navigation and relationship-building skills.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.