Network Engineer (579)

BioSpace; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BioSpace in Petersburg, VA seeks aMid-Level Network Engineer to maintain the enterprise IT/OT network within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. You will ensure GMP/GxP compliance and high availability for production networks across IT and OT systems.

The role emphasizes FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switching, Meraki wireless, and core platforms including Windows Server, Linux, VMware, NetApp, Veeam, and TrueNAS, with a focus on security, performance, and documentation.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years hands-on network engineering experience in IT/OT environments.
• Strong experience with FortiGate, Cisco switches, Meraki wireless.
• Knowledge of Windows/Linux server networking services and VMware.
• Familiarity with GMP/GxP-regulated environments and change control.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, monitor, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across IT/OT.
• Troubleshoot LAN/WLAN, routing, switching, VPN, and firewall issues.
• Support Meraki wireless networks with RF tuning and interference mitigation.
• Ensure high uptime for manufacturing systems including OT devices and SCADA.
• Configure and manage FortiGate firewalls, VPNs, NAT, and security profiles.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enforce security standards.

Skills

FortiGate firewalls

Cisco switches

Meraki wireless

TCP/IP networking

ITIL processes

Tools

Windows Server

Linux

VMware

NetApp

Veeam

TrueNAS

Visio

NSX/vCenter

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.