Network Administrator

Welch Packaging; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Welch Packaging in Indiana seeks a Network Administrator to build, secure, and maintain the company’s network across multiple manufacturing sites in a shared services model. You will ensure reliability, performance, and corporate connectivity for plant operations.

You will work with IT and plant leadership to troubleshoot, upgrade, and optimize networks, VPNs, DNS/DHCP, and server services while documenting topology and standards across sites. Travel of 25–50% is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; bachelor’s preferred.
• Hands-on experience with multi-site networks in manufacturing or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points across corporate and plant locations.
• Monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity issues to minimize downtime and support production uptime.
• Support network security by managing user access, VPNs, and firewall rules per company standards.
• Assist with managing servers and network-related systems such as DNS, DHCP, and file sharing.
• Maintain documentation of network topology, equipment, and configuration changes.
• Collaborate with shared service IT teams to ensure consistent standards, security, and performance across all sites.
• Participate in installation and maintenance of network infrastructure, including cabling; travel 25-50%
• Develop and maintain SOPs for network department
• Support IT help desk and systems teams with escalated network issues and general technical support

Skills

Network administration

TCP/IP

VLANs

Security practices

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in IT/Networking

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Windows Server

DNS/DHCP

VPN administration

Firewall management

Job description

SUMMARY

The Network Administrator supports and maintains the company’s network infrastructure across multiple manufacturing sites within a shared services model. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of wired and wireless networks, servers, and related systems that enable plant operations and corporate connectivity. The Network Administrator works closely with IT, plant leadership, and shared service teams to troubleshoot issues, implement upgrades, and optimize network performance to meet the needs of a dynamic production environment.

Description

The Network Administrator supports and maintains the company’s network infrastructure across multiple manufacturing sites within a shared services model. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of wired and wireless networks, servers, and related systems that enable plant operations and corporate connectivity. The Network Administrator works closely with IT, plant leadership, and shared service teams to troubleshoot issues, implement upgrades, and optimize network performance to meet the needs of a dynamic production environment.

Essential Functions

• Install, configure, and maintain routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points across corporate and plant locations.


• Monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity issues to minimize downtime and support production uptime.


• Support network security by managing user access, VPNs, and firewall rules per company standards.


• Assist with managing servers and network-related systems such as DNS, DHCP, and file sharing.


• Maintain documentation of network topology, equipment, and configuration changes.


• Collaborate with shared service IT teams to ensure consistent standards, security, and performance across all sites.


• Participate in the installation, expansion, and maintenance of network infrastructure, including pulling and terminating network cabling. This role requires working from lifts and ladders and performing work in tight, dirty, hot, elevated, dusty, or otherwise challenging industrial environments.


• Develop and maintain SOP’s for network department


• Support IT help desk and systems teams with escalated network issues and general technical support


• 25%-50% travel to regional locations, sometimes at short notice will be required

Requirements/Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Networking, or a related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent work experience or relevant certifications may be considered in lieu of degree.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in network administration, desktop support, or IT infrastructure role (internship or hands-on experience in a manufacturing or multi-site environment preferred).


• Certifications (Preferred): CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar networking certification


• Advanced understanding of TCP/IP networking, VLANs, and network routing.


• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server environments.


• Experience with network monitoring tools and troubleshooting utilities.


• Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and safe networking practices.

Specific Knowledge, Skills Or Abilities

• Strong written and oral communication.


• Organization and attention to detail.


• Analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Time management.


• Systems analysis.


• Mathematical and deductive reasoning.


• Critical thinking.


• Active learning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a repeatedly on a regular basis.


• Must be able to stand for 8-10 hours a day.


• Bend, stand, squat, twist repeatedly.

Work Environment

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones and printers, light traffic).


• Ability to work in a confined area.


• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period time.


• Typical office environment.

Disclaimer:

This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs’ essential functions.

Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran