Network Engineer

empirical Foods; North Sioux City (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

empirical Foods is seeking a Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain our multi-site network infrastructure across Dakota Dunes, SD. The role requires hands-on management of routers, switches, and firewall configurations on-site.

You will ensure Data Center and enterprise networks run smoothly through proactive monitoring, rapid troubleshooting, and ongoing security upgrades. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred and 3+ years of relevant experience are expected.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a network engineer or equivalent role.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Network Administration, Information Technology, or similar field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise routing and switching concepts, protocols, and best practices.
• Hands-on experience with firewall technologies, policies, and traffic management.
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining multi-site network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize multi-site network infrastructure including routers and switches.
• Firewall administration and change management.
• Maintain Data Center and Enterprise networks with proactive monitoring and rapid troubleshooting.
• Lead network security initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with IT Helpdesk to resolve complex network challenges.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and bring innovative solutions to the team.
• Perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Enterprise routing

Enterprise switching

Firewall administration

Network performance troubleshooting

Network security initiatives

Multi-site networking

Technical communication

Project collaboration

IT helpdesk coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Job description

The Opportunity

Join our IT team as a Network Engineer where you'll architect and maintain the critical infrastructure supporting our multi-site operations.

About the Role

This position is 100% on-site at our Dakota Dunes, SD facility. The hands‑on nature of managing our physical infrastructure, operations, and multi‑site connectivity requires your presence on‑site.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize our multi‑site network infrastructure including but not limited to routers, switches
• Firewall administration and change management.
• Keep our Data Center and Enterprise networks running at peak performance through proactive monitoring and rapid troubleshooting.
• Lead network security initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with our IT Helpdesk to resolve complex network challenges.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and bring innovative solutions to the team.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of enterprise routing and switching concepts, protocols, and best practices.
• Experience configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure in a multi‑site environment.
• Hands‑on experience administering and supporting firewall technologies, including security policies, access controls, and traffic management.
• Ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex network connectivity and performance issues.
• Understanding of network security principles and their application within an enterprise environment.
• Ability to analyze network traffic, troubleshoot outages, and perform root cause analysis.
• Experience documenting network configurations, procedures, and infrastructure changes.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and respond effectively to operational and project‑related needs.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees, both in verbal and written form with the ability to explain technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills and technical troubleshooting.
• Planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstratable record of project management achievements.
• High level of ambition and motivation for success, be results oriented, results driven, and self‑starter.

Physical Requirements

• Must have regular and punctual attendance.
• This position requires walking, standing, twisting, reaching, bending, climbing, and lifting.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 60lbs.

Experience:

Minimum 3+ years of experience in a network engineer or equivalent role.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Network Administration, Information Technology, or similar field is preferred.

Benefits We Offer

Our company is known for its competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities to advance.

Depending on position benefits may include:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Disability
• Life
• Flex Medical and Dependent Care
• Matching 401(k)
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Vacation and Holidays

Our company is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin or sex in violation of Title VII. The company prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

Post offer physical and substance testing required.