Principal Network Engineer (Only Locals GC or USC on W2 required)

Tek Leaders Inc; Fairfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm is seeking a Principal Network Engineer in Fairfield, CA. The role focuses on configuring and managing Cisco networking equipment, designing network architectures, and implementing security measures. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience with Cisco technologies and strong troubleshooting abilities. This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with 3-4 days on-site.

Qualifications

• Expert in configuring Cisco networking equipment.
• Proficient in Cisco ACI and DNA Center.
• Strong knowledge of routing protocols and network security.

Responsibilities

• Configure and troubleshoot Cisco networking equipment.
• Design and implement network architectures.
• Develop and implement incident response plans.

Skills

Cisco networking equipment management

Cisco ACI and DNA Center proficiency

Routing protocols knowledge

Network security policies

Incident response planning

Job description

Role

Principal Network Engineer — Location: Fairfield, CA (Hybrid 3-4 days onsite); Contract to Hire.

Responsibilities

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco networking equipment (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless).
• Work with Cisco technologies such as Cisco ACI, DNA Center, SD-WAN, and intent-based networking solutions.
• Routing and switching work including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, HSRP, QoS, STP/RSTP/MSTP; TCP/IP v4/v6, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, VLAN, VPN, MPLS.
• Configure and maintain Cisco Firepower rule sets for security management.
• Design and implement network architectures aligned with county objectives; emphasize efficiency, reliability, and security.
• Optimize network performance, minimize downtime, and ensure seamless connectivity.
• Design, implement, troubleshoot, and manage various networks, topologies, firewalls, VLANs, Cisco hardware, and security mechanisms.
• Implement and maintain robust security measures using Cisco security solutions and protocols; ensure compliance with industry standards and data integrity.
• Maintain security and accessibility of the network.
• Develop and implement incident response plans to minimize impact of network disruptions; diagnose and resolve complex network, communication, and hardware issues.
• Analyze, plan, coordinate, implement, support, and administer county-wide TCP/IP networks, LANs, WANs, wireless networks (Wi-Fi), and VPNs; understanding of the OSI model; familiarity with ITIL v3 standards, procedures, policies.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Cisco networking equipment (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless).
• Advanced proficiency with Cisco ACI, DNA Center, SD-WAN, and intent-based networking.
• Strong routing experience (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and convergence with HSRP, QoS, STP variants; strong knowledge of TCP/IP v4/v6, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, VLAN, VPN, MPLS.
• Experience in configuring Cisco Firepower security policies.
• Experience designing and optimizing network architectures focusing on efficiency, reliability, and security.
• Knowledge of Cisco security solutions and threat protection; ability to implement robust security measures and ensure data integrity.
• Ability to develop incident response plans and effectively resolve complex issues; strong multitasking across large, enterprise networks.
• Familiarity with ITIL v3 standards, procedures, and policies.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Analyst and Information Technology

Industries

• IT Services and IT Consulting