Field Network Operations Engineer - Los Angeles

Blackmtx; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackmtx is seeking a Field Network Operations Engineer based in Los Angeles with up to 50% travel across the US. The role combines on-site network buildouts, design, and security-focused engineering to support clients under a cybersecurity-by-design approach.

The position is full-time and hybrid with a home base in Los Angeles. You will lead deployments, perform advanced analyses, and mentor junior staff while coordinating with clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Residence in the Los Angeles area
• 5+ years configuring network hardware with emphasis on Ruckus and security vendors
• 3+ years leading LAN/WAN/WLAN architecture and installations
• Experience in MSSP or MSP environments preferred
• Strong Wi‑Fi design, site surveys and RF planning knowledge

Responsibilities

• Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software at diverse locations across the US
• On-site implementation and rack & stack, LAN/WAN/WLAN, data center networks
• Lead network deployment projects and provide status reports to stakeholders
• Monitor performance, identify bottlenecks, optimize network efficiency
• Lead incident response and coordinate with clients and internal teams
• Advise clients on cybersecurity best practices and infrastructure improvements
• Produce reports on security incidents and threat analyses
• Mentor Tier 1/2 technicians and drive security process improvements

Skills

LAN/WAN/WLAN

Network security

Troubleshooting

Project leadership

Client relations

Wi‑Fi design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Networking

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Ruckus

Palo Alto

Juniper

Cisco

Aruba

Meraki

Ekahau

Job description

Field Network Operations Engineer - Los Angeles

Role Description

We are seeking a Field Network Operations Engineer who is passionate about networking and is eager to tackle challenging technical issues across unique, independent environments. In this senior role, you will lead on-site network buildouts throughout the US, perform advanced network analyses and support challenging customer issues. You will be a key contributor to our mission of providing "Cybersecurity by Design," ensuring our clients' infrastructures are secure, efficient, and tailored to their needs. This full-time hybrid role offers remote work flexibility with Los Angeles as a home base, with routine travel within the Bay Area and throughout the US (estimated up to 50% travel) as required for client projects, along with participation in a rotation focusing on network operations, project management, and remote network support during non-travel periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Configuration and Management: Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points at unique locations throughout the US.

• Implementation & Design: On-site implementation / rack & stack, connection of network hardware in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of network infrastructure projects, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks.

• Project Lead: Act as a project lead / key stakeholder for network deployments, while delivering timely and detailed status reports to all project stakeholders.

• Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and availability.

• Network Protection: Implement and manage network security solutions such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention systems, SIEM tools, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and data loss prevention to safeguard client networks.

• Expert Troubleshooting: Lead the resolution of the most complex technical issues involving hardwired and wireless network problems, ISP & WAN connectivity, and security incidents.

• Incident Leadership: Coordinate and lead incident response efforts for critical security events, working closely with clients and internal teams.

• Client Consultation: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic recommendations on cybersecurity best practices and infrastructure improvements.

• Documentation and Reporting: Produce comprehensive reports on security incidents, threat analyses, and recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Mentorship: Mentor and guide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance our security processes, tools, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Location: Requires residence in the Los Angeles area

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience configuring and maintaining network hardware with a strong emphasis on Ruckus, alongside Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Cisco, Aruba, or Meraki. This must include at least 3 years leading LAN, WAN, and WLAN architecture and physical installation, as well as practical experience integrating network security measures, ideally within an MSSP or MSP environment.

• Wireless: Advanced understanding of Wi‑Fi / wireless networking technologies, protocols, and RF design principles, including predictive and physical site survey operations/ processes/tools (Homina, Ekahau), radio optimization, and channel planning.

• Technical Mastery: Deep expertise with various technologies, including networking hardware, tools, and software. Ability to independently investigate, diagnose, and solve novel problems with minimal guidance.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a track record of efficiently resolving complex, critical infrastructure and routing/switching issues under pressure.

• Client Relations: Exceptional communication skills with experience in client-facing roles, capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, travel requirements, and participation in on-call rotations.

• Physical: Ability to lift and install IT equipment (up to 50 lbs), climb ladders for wireless access point installation, and work in varying indoor/outdoor physical environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Networking, Cybersecurity, Computer Science or a related field.

• Certifications: Certifications such as the Network+, CCNP, CCIE, CISSP.

• Scripting Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or PowerShell for automation.