Sr. Network Engineer

Location: Dallas, TX (Hybrid – 4 Days Onsite, 1 Day Remote)

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000

Sponsorship: This client cannot sponsor or work with C2C

About the Role

Wheeler Staffing Partners is hiring a Senior Network Engineer for our client in Dallas, TX. This role is responsible for the administration, security, and optimization of enterprise network infrastructure, ensuring reliability, scalability, and security across multiple locations.

The ideal candidate will have 7-8 years of IT networking experience, certifications in Cisco or Fortinet, and hands-on expertise with firewalls, VPNs, wireless networks, and cloud-based network management tools. This role is not a leadership position, but will serve as a senior technical expert alongside a team of four network technicians and a lead network engineer.

This is a hybrid position, requiring four days onsite and one day remote (non-negotiable).

Key Responsibilities

• Network Infrastructure & Administration – Manage and maintain Cisco, FortiGate, and Meraki networking environments.
• Network Troubleshooting & Optimization – Diagnose and resolve network issues, ensuring optimal performance and security.
• Firewall & Security Management – Configure and maintain FortiGate, ASA, FirePower, Meraki, and SonicWall firewalls.
• Wireless Network Deployment & Support – Design and implement centrally managed wireless LANs using Cisco & Aruba access points and controllers.
• VPN & Remote Access – Build and manage IPSec VPN tunnels and client-based VPN configurations.
• Cloud & Network Monitoring Tools – Utilize Cisco DNA Center, Meraki Dashboard, FortiAnalyzer, SolarWinds, and Wireshark for network performance monitoring.
• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity – Assist in disaster recovery planning, system upgrades, and domain migrations.
• Process Documentation & Standardization – Maintain network configuration documentation and SOPs.
• On-Call Support – Provide after-hours support for firewall, server updates, and critical incidents (manager ensures work-life balance).
• Office Location Support – Travel (10% or less) to local offices for network deployments and upgrades (Southlake & Dallas areas).

Required Qualifications

• 7-8 years of experience in IT networking and enterprise network administration.
• Certifications Required: At least one of the following:
• Cisco (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CCDA)
• Fortinet (NSE Certifications)
• CompTIA Network+
• Expertise in:
• Cisco networking (routers, switches, wireless, security appliances)
• FortiGate firewalls & FortiManager
• Meraki cloud-managed networking
• IP management, subnetting, and network security best practices
• Hands-on experience with:
• Firewall management: ASA, FirePower, FortiGate, Meraki, SonicWall
• Wireless networking: Cisco & Aruba WLAN controllers & access points
• VPN configuration: IPSec tunnels, client-based VPNs
• Layer 2 & Layer 3 switching (Cisco Catalyst 2960 & 9000 series)
• Network monitoring tools: SolarWinds, PRTG, Zabbix, Wireshark
• Ability to multitask and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication & teamwork skills – must be responsive to tickets, adaptable, and proactive in issue resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in SD-WAN deployment.
• Familiarity with mergers & acquisitions (M&A) network integration.
• Prior experience supporting EOL device replacements and domain migrations.
• Strong knowledge of network automation and scripting (PowerShell, Python, etc.).

Why This Role?

• Hybrid schedule – work four days onsite, one day remote.
• Hands-on technical role with exposure to high-level networking projects.
• Work in a team-focused environment with a supportive leadership culture.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies including Cisco, Fortinet, and Meraki cloud-based networking.