Network Engineer (579)

BioSpace; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BioSpace is seeking a Mid-Level Network Engineer to sustain and enhance the network and infrastructure in a GMP/GxP regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. You will ensure secure, reliable connectivity for IT and OT, and support high availability for production networks.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switching, Meraki wireless, and core platforms including Windows Server, Linux, VMware, NetApp, Veeam, and TrueNAS.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of hands-on experience as a Network Engineer or similar role.
• Strong experience with FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switches & Meraki wireless.
• Knowledge of Windows, Linux, VMware, NetApp/TrueNAS, and Veeam backup.
• Familiarity with GMP/GxP and validated change control.
• Ability to create and maintain network diagrams and follow ITIL processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize IT and OT network infrastructure in a GMP/GxP environment.
• Troubleshoot LAN, WLAN, routing, switching, VPNs, and firewall issues.
• Support Meraki wireless RF tuning and interference mitigation.
• Ensure high uptime for manufacturing systems and OT devices.
• Configure FortiGate firewalls, including policies and VPNs.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enforce security standards.
• Support VMware ESXi/vCenter/NSX and virtual networking.
• Assist with NetApp and TrueNAS storage and Veeam backups.
• Create network diagrams and maintain asset inventories.
• Follow ITIL processes for incident, change, and problem management.

Skills

Networking

ITIL knowledge

Documentation

Communication

Tools

FortiGate firewalls

Cisco switches

Meraki wireless

Windows Server

Linux

VMware

NetApp

TrueNAS

Veeam

Job description

We are seeking a skilled Mid‑Level Network Engineer to support and enhance the network and infrastructure environment within our pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This role ensures secure, reliable connectivity for both IT and OT systems, supports GMP/GxP‑regulated operations, and maintains high availability across production‑critical networks.

The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience with FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switching, Meraki wireless, and core infrastructure platforms including Windows Server, Linux, VMware, NetApp, Veeam, and TrueNAS.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, monitor, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across IT and OT environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to LAN, WLAN, routing, switching, firewalls, and VPN connectivity.
• Support and optimize Meraki wireless networks, including RF tuning and interference mitigation.
• Ensure high network uptime for manufacturing systems, including OT devices, SCADA, and automation equipment.
• Provide support for Windows Server and Linux systems as they relate to network services (DNS, DHCP, NTP, file services, authentication).
• Implement and maintain network segmentation strategies between IT and OT environments.
• Configure and manage FortiGate firewalls, including policies, NAT, VPNs, and security profiles.
• Support air‑gapped and isolated network solutions for regulated manufacturing systems.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enforce security standards and respond to vulnerabilities.
• Support VMware environments, including ESXi hosts, vCenter, NSX and virtual networking.
• Assist with storage administration for NetApp and TrueNAS platforms.
• Support backup and recovery operations using Veeam.
• Work with server and storage teams to ensure network alignment, performance, and availability.
• Operate within GMP/GxP frameworks, ensuring all network and infrastructure changes follow validated processes.
• Create and maintain network diagrams, configuration documentation, and asset inventories.
• Follow ITIL processes for incident, change, and problem management.
• Install, configure, and maintain Cisco switches, including VLANs, trunking, STP, QoS, and port security.
• Run and terminate network cabling (Cat6, fiber) to support plant operations.
• Assist with network expansions, upgrades, and lifecycle management.
• Work closely with manufacturing, automation, and OT engineering teams to support production systems.
• Participate in on‑call rotation and provide after‑hours support for critical incidents.
• Identify opportunities to improve network performance, reliability, and security.

Required Qualifications

• 3–6 years of hands‑on experience as a Network Engineer or similar role.
• Strong experience with:
• FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switches & Meraki wireless
• Working knowledge of:
• Windows, Linux Server administration & networking tools
• VMware (ESXi, vCenter, NSX & virtual networking)
• NetApp and/or TrueNAS storage systems, Veeam backup and recovery
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing protocols, DHCP, DNS, VPNs, and network security fundamentals.
• Experience supporting OT networks in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Familiarity with GMP/GxP requirements and validated system change control.
• Ability to create and maintain network diagrams using Visio or similar tools.
• Working knowledge of ITIL processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in enterprise networking, with a proven track record of leading complex infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of industrial protocols (Modbus, Profinet, OPC‑UA).
• Certifications such as CCNA, Network+, Fortinet NSE, Meraki CMNA, or VMware VCTA.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with IT, OT, automation, and manufacturing teams.
• Analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting skills.
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, uptime‑critical environments.