Network Engineer
- Full-time
- Quick Apply
Network Engineer
Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Long Term Contract
Only USC GC
Client is seeking a contracted Network Engineer to design, implement, troubleshoot, and document enterprise network infrastructure supporting corporate, data center, cloud-connected, and generation-site environments. The role requires strong hands-on engineering across Cisco routing and switching, Palo Alto Networks firewalls, enterprise LAN/WAN services, and network monitoring. The engineer will deliver defined project and operational outcomes while maintaining reliability, security, maintainability, and alignment with applicable NERC CIP controls and Invenergy standards.
- Deliver stable, secure, and documented network implementations for assigned projects and operational needs.
- Reduce technical risk through validated designs, change plans, rollback procedures, configuration standards, and accurate as-built documentation.
- Improve network visibility and supportability through monitoring, performance analysis, lifecycle management, and repeatable troubleshooting procedures.
- Complete agreed engineering deliverables and transfer sufficient knowledge for continued internal ownership.
- Configure, implement, and deliver enterprise LAN, WAN, and site networks using Cisco routers, switches, and related technologies.
- Configure, implement, and deliver Palo Alto Networks firewalls, Panorama-managed policies, VPNs, NAT, Advanced SDWAN configurations, routing, objects, and security rules.
- Support data center and local network design, implementation, migration, refresh, and operational troubleshooting.
- Create and maintain infrastructure source of truth information in Netbox and elsewhere, including; IP and VLAN documentation, device information, implementation plans, methods of procedure, test plans, rollback plans, runbooks, standards, and as-built records.
- Facilitate automated network discovery, and deployment in support of Invenergy's CAASM, RunZero.
- Use network management and observability platforms to validate service health, investigate incidents, and improve alerting and operational visibility.
- Apply NERC CIP and critical-infrastructure requirements through appropriate segmentation, access control, documentation, evidence collection, lifecycle practices, and change execution.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity, operational technology, cloud, server, application, project, and site teams on implementation, incident response, and problem resolution.
- Perform advanced troubleshooting across routing, switching, firewall, VPN, DNS, DHCP, authentication, application connectivity, and carrier circuits.
- Use Python, Ansible, APIs, Git, or similar tools to automate repeatable network configuration, validation, inventory, reporting, and compliance tasks where practical.
- Communicate implementation status, technical risks, dependencies, blockers, test results, and recommended decisions to project and operational stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of network engineering experience in an enterprise, industrial, utility, or similarly complex environment.
- Strong hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers and switches and demonstrated knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 network design.
- Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls, security policy, NAT, routing, VPNs, and centralized management concepts.
- Experience producing and executing network designs, implementation plans, test plans, rollback procedures, diagrams, and operational documentation.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills across network and application-connectivity layers.
- Ability to work independently within defined scope while collaborating effectively with internal teams, vendors, carriers, and site stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), or equivalent practical expertise.
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Working knowledge of NERC CIP standards and their application to network infrastructure in energy or critical-infrastructure environments.
- Experience in renewable energy, utilities, generation, operational technology, or other critical-infrastructure sectors.
- Network automation experience with Python, Ansible, APIs, Git, and CI/CD practices.
- Experience with monitoring and management tools such as Netbox, RunZero, UptimeKuma, Prometheus, Grafana, or equivalent platforms.
- Experience with Azure and AWS networking, including private connectivity and hybrid-cloud routing.
- Experience supporting data center networking, resilient WAN architectures, SD-WAN, BGP, and high-availability designs.
This contractor is expected to work independently within defined priorities, collaborate with internal engineering and operational teams, document work sufficiently for ongoing support, and deliver secure, reliable, repeatable solutions. The scope emphasizes hands-on engineering and completion of agreed deliverables rather than employee-specific career, compensation, location, or benefits terms.
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