Network Engineer

PDS Inc.; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Inc. is hiring a hands-on Network Engineer to design, configure, and maintain enterprise switching and routing infrastructure. You will operate independently on well-defined initiatives while collaborating with a broader engineering team.

Required skills include deep OSI knowledge (Layers 1–3) and hands-on Cisco Catalyst 9000/8000 experience, with preference for MEC, SD-WAN familiarity. This is a contractor-like hourly role in the Rochester area.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing enterprise network architectures.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across OSI layers 1–3.
• Ability to document configurations and changes clearly for team review.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain enterprise switching and routing infra.
• Work independently on well-defined initiatives within a team.
• Collaborate with engineers to deploy and optimize network services.

Skills

Network design

Cisco IOS

Network troubleshooting

Documentation

Team collaboration

Tools

Cisco Catalyst 9000

Cisco Catalyst 8000

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Network Engineer to design, configure, and maintain enterprise switching and routing infrastructure. This role requires someone who can operate independently on well-defined initiatives while remaining a strong collaborator within a broader engineering team.

Core Technical Requirements

• A self-directed "doer" — someone who doesn't need hand-holding to execute standard installs and configurations, but who also communicates proactively, documents thoroughly, and integrates well with a team-based engineering environment.

Networking Fundamentals

• Strong working knowledge of the OSI model, specifically Layers 1–3 (Physical, Data Link, Network)
• Ability to troubleshoot and reason about network issues at the appropriate OSI layer

Hardware & Platform Experience

• Hands-on experience configuring and installing Cisco switches — Catalyst C9000 series
• Hands-on experience configuring and installing Cisco routers — Catalyst C8000 series
• Experience deploying equipment at both the access layer and distribution layer

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills

• MEC (Multi-Chassis EtherChannel) configuration experience
• SD-WAN deployment or administration experience

Compensation

• $65-70 hourly DOE

PDSINC, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.