Network Engineer

NORTHERN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INC dbaNorthernB; Michigan; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthernBio is seeking a Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain our LAN/WAN infrastructure across Olthoff, Pontaluna, and Portage sites, ensuring secure and compliant connectivity.

The role requires 3+ years in a regulated setting, hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki and Palo Alto devices, and strong TCP/IP, VPN, and routing knowledge; a bachelor’s degree is required. Office-based with some lab exposure, and opportunities to influence security practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, IT, or related field.
• 3 years in network administration or similar in regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, OSPF/BGP.
• Hands-on with Cisco Meraki switching and wireless and Palo Alto Networks platforms.
• Experience with Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios.
• Understanding ISO 27001/NIST SP 800-53 cybersecurity principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and manage LAN/WAN across all sites.
• Implement and optimize routing, VLANs, TCP/IP, and other protocols.
• Plan capacity and scalability for high availability.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize network performance.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity to ensure secure networks and compliance.
• Evaluate vendors and plan upgrades for efficiency, reliability, and security.
• Document configurations, change control, and audit readiness.

Skills

LAN/WAN design

Network troubleshooting

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or related

Tools

Cisco Meraki

Palo Alto Firewalls

Wireshark

SolarWinds

Nagios

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

As a Network Engineer at NorthernBio, you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining our network infrastructure across our Olthoff, Pontaluna, and Portage sites to ensure seamless and secure connectivity across our organization. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into scalable network solutions that align with GxP and GLP regulatory standards.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing, configuring, and managing LAN/WAN infrastructure across all NorthernBio sites to support data-intensive laboratory operations while adhering to GxP and GLP guidelines.
• Implementing and optimizing network protocols, including TCP/IP, VLANs, and routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), and administering our Cisco Meraki cloud-managed switching and wireless environment and Palo Alto Networks firewalls across all sites.
• Performing network capacity planning and scalability assessments to accommodate growing demands and ensure high availability.
• Conducting regular network performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization to maintain optimal system health and performance.
• Collaborating with cybersecurity specialists to implement and maintain robust network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems, to safeguard sensitive data and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Managing vendor relationships and evaluating new technologies to recommend network hardware and software upgrades that enhance efficiency, reliability, and security.
• Documenting network configurations, processes, and change control records to ensure knowledge transfer, audit readiness, and compliance with GxP and GLP documentation standards.
• Providing technical support and guidance to internal stakeholders and assisting in resolving network-related issues.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in a network administrator or similar role, preferably in a GxP/GLP or other regulated environment.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, and routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP).
• Hands-on experience with network hardware, including Cisco Meraki switching and wireless and Palo Alto Networks firewalls, or comparable platforms.
• Proficiency in network monitoring and troubleshooting tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and best practices, particularly as they relate to network security and compliance (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical issues.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Cisco Meraki (CMNA), Palo Alto Networks (PCNSA), or CISSP are a plus.

Behavioral Expectations

• Time Management
• Problem-Solving
• Stress Management/Resilience
• Accountability

Special Requirements

• The person filling this position will spend approximately 90% in an office setting and 10% in the laboratory. There will be exposure to animal pathogens and chemicals. There will be handling of, and/or exposure to animal tissue and zoonotic organisms.
• Ability to don and wear personal protective gear, including N95 masks and respirators.
• Ability to work beyond typical work schedule including but not limited to evenings, weekends, and extended shifts with short notice.