***PLEASE READ FIRST***

• We can NOT provide sponsorship or work C2C. W2 ONLY.
• This is a 6-month contract (with potential to convert to perm) through CDW working for our end client.
• On-site position located in Houston, TX 77061

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Director or Enterprise Infrastructure, the Senior Network Engineer will focus on the network and server infrastructure of the organization. The Senior Network Engineers primary role is to ensure the stable operation of the company network and security. This includes designing, administering, modifying, installing, and supporting the Company’s network systems to meet the needs of the organization and our customers while implementing best security practices while working with the Security team. The responsibilities will include but are not limited to; AD, Firewalls, Switches, Routers, Access Points, Servers (both physical & virtual), Web application security, and overall server and network security configuration, implementation and maintenance.

Our company consists of a corporate office with its network hardware and software on premises with five current regional locations and many other project locations. The design, configuration, implementation and maintenance of existing and new locations will be the responsibility of the Senior Network Engineer.

The Senior Network Engineer will be the primary support for issues related to the previously mentioned systems and network. As service desk tickets are received and determined to be related to network hardware and software the responsibility of the Senior Network Engineer will be to address and resolve these tickets.

Acquisition, configuration, implementation and maintenance of a network monitoring tools, and other associated hardware and software will be managed by the Senior Network Engineer. This individual will work closely with the Information Systems Security personnel as well as the service desk personnel at all levels to further improve our network infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities and Critical Success Measures

• Install, configure and maintain Local Area Network and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) and wireless infrastructure in a multi-vendor environment, including but not limited to: Cisco, Palo Alto, and Aruba/HPE routers, switches, access points, wireless controllers and F5 Load Balancers
• Performs troubleshooting with carriers and vendors regarding network hardware and circuit issues.
• Implement network solutions based on analysis of technical and capacity requirements
• Work with the service desk to provide support and escalations as required.
• Implement change controls to permanently fix outstanding network issues.
• Utilizes a variety of technology tools and procedures to respond and resolve internal and external customer issues.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and establishing professional networks
• Ensure that all assigned service desk tickets, change controls are fully documented, planned, resolved, and/or executed on time and per the customer’s expectations and within the agreed Service Level Agreement (SLA).
• Communicates frequently with the IT department personnel and business stake holders on needs, issues and changes.
• Assist with cross training of other team members as needed.
• Installs and maintains network hardware and software.
• Monitors networks to ensure security and availability utilizing network monitoring and management tools.
• Maintains integrity of the network, sever deployment and security.
• Work closely with the Information Security team to assist with providing monitoring reports on security events.
• Evaluate and provide recommendations on re-architecting existing networks including datacenter as needed to ensure performance and security needs are met and maintained.
• Maintains Group Policy Objects (GPO) consistent with Company standards.
• Manage company phone system and maintain circuits at all company locations
• Documents policies, procedures, network drawings, service desk issues, processes and resolutions.
• Effectively leverage vendor partners including addressing issues/concerns and providing solutions with favorable outcomes
• Develop technology strategies that support long-term growth and sustainability. Develop an operational plan that is flexible in a changing environment
• Develop and maintain backup process and business continuity plan
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technologies or related field, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training
• 10+ years of IT experience, 5+ years at a Senior Network Engineer level
• Network certification (CCNA) or equivalent experience, CCNP a plus
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Strong vendor management skills including support services agreements
• Data network design focusing on redundancy and resiliency
• Multi-datacenter network design experience
• Strong knowledge and experience in Cisco/Meraki Platforms, TCP/IP, MPLS, SD WAN, Routing, Switching, Wireless, Firewall, VPN, OSPF, BGP, and QOS.
• Experience with Palo Alto, AV, Wildfire, Antispyware and Global Connect
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills to interact with customers and team members.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment