Sr. Network Engineer

About the role

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and support of the organization’s enterprise local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and data center networking environments. This role ensures high availability, performance, scalability, and security of network infrastructure supporting business operations across on premises and cloud environments. The Senior Network Engineer serves as a technical leader within the networking team, providing advanced troubleshooting, architectural input, and project leadership. The role operates with clear accountability and leverages automation, and AI-assisted operational insights to improve reliability, performance, and operational efficiency while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional IT teams.

Responsibilities

• Network Engineering & Operations
  • Design, configure, implement, and maintain enterprise LAN and WAN infrastructure.
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex network issues.
  • Ensure near 100% availability of primary network connectivity and maintain redundant/backup connections.
  • Monitor network performance and proactively address capacity, latency, and reliability concerns.
  • Establish performance baselines and implement procedures to maintain quality of service and system stability.
  • Participate in on-call rotation and respond to high-severity incidents as required.
  • Leverage network automation tools and scripting (e.g., Ansible, Python) to standardize configurations and reduce manual effort.
  • Evaluate and adopt AI-assisted monitoring, alerting, and root-cause analysis capabilities across network and security platforms.
• Infrastructure Design & Optimization
  • Implement and support high-availability and disaster recovery network architectures.
  • Support data center networking technologies, including L2/L3 switching, tunneling, and segmentation.
  • Proactively evaluate and redesign network components to prevent service disruptions.
  • Lead ongoing wireless network improvements and modernization efforts, including adoption and optimization of Wi-Fi 6/6E and emerging Wi-Fi 7 technologies.
  • Evaluate and design wireless architectures to support high-density, low-latency, and business-critical applications, including consideration of private 5G where appropriate.
• Routing, Switching & Security
  • Configure and troubleshoot advanced routing protocols including EIGRP and BGP.
  • Manage and optimize routing environments including VRF-lite and route redistribution where applicable.
  • Configure and support Layer 2 technologies including RSTP/MST, 802.1Q, 802.1p, trunking, and LACP/Etherchannel.
  • Support secure connectivity solutions including IPSec/IKE, SSH, and PKI.
  • Assist in firewall, VPN, and load balancing configurations (e.g., Palo Alto, F5, Citrix).
• Cloud & Hybrid Connectivity
  • Support and maintain connectivity between on-premises infrastructure and public cloud environments using secure, scalable designs.
  • Contribute to cloud networking configurations including routing, segmentation, and connectivity provisioning.
  • Ensure hybrid network designs support cloud-native architectures, resiliency, and operational visibility.
• Vendor & Project Coordination
  • Coordinate with vendors to resolve hardware and software issues and support warranty or maintenance activities.
  • Evaluate hardware and software: provide recommendations for procurement.
  • Develop and maintain project plans related to network upgrades, migrations, and new implementations.
  • Participate in departmental goal setting and ensure project activities align with corporate objectives.
• Documentation, Training & Communication
  • Develop and maintain accurate network diagrams, configuration documentation, and operational procedures.
  • Educate users and IT staff on network operations and best practices.
  • Conduct technical presentations to IT teams, management, and business partners.
  • Mentor junior administrators and provide guidance on advanced networking concepts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in enterprise IP networking design and operations.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco IOS, NX-OS, routers, switches, wireless LAN controllers, load balancers, Edge Connect SD-WAN, and firewalls.
• Strong CLI proficiency for configuration and troubleshooting.
• Experience with routing protocols (EIGRP, BGP) in complex environments.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting L2 technologies (RSTP/MST, VLANs, trunking, LACP).
• Familiarity with WAN technologies including MPLS, SD-WAN, VPN, and tunneling protocols.
• Experience with load balancing technologies (F5, Citrix, or similar).

Qualifications

• Cisco CCNP preferred; CCIE a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of IP subnetting, QoS, routing design, and WAN optimization.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Familiarity with ITIL processes including change, release, incident, and problem management.
• Experience working within structured project delivery frameworks (Agile, Waterfall, SDLC).
• Knowledge of cloud networking and hybrid infrastructure integration.
• Strong understanding of security best practices related to network design.

Skills

• May require participation in after-hours maintenance windows and on-call rotation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and ability to influence technical direction.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional demeanor when working with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate and apply emerging technologies including automation and AI-assisted operations.

Benefits

We offer benefits starting from Day 1. To learn more, visit www.HNIbenefits.com.

Pay

Competitive compensation package.

Schedule

Regular onsite support to our corporate offices and showrooms at Fulton Market in Chicago, IL. Additional domestic travel will be required (less than 10-15%).

Contact

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact us at 563-272-7400 or via email at [email protected]