Senior Network Engineer

Search Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Search Services is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, and secure enterprise networks across corporate offices, datacenter facilities, and construction sites. You will own architecture from site design through live operations, leveraging Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco networking, and Azure cloud connectivity.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering, project leadership, and collaboration with IT leadership to establish standards, security controls, and scalable network solutions

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience.
• Advanced expertise with Palo Alto firewalls and Cisco switching technologies in production environments.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, LAN/WAN architecture, routing, switching, and network security protocols.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure networking and hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Demonstrated experience implementing network security policies, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing support.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues and lead network infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and implement enterprise network solutions across offices, datacenters, and construction sites.
• Build and optimize routed and switched environments using TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, and LAN/WAN technologies.
• Design and manage Microsoft Azure networking including virtual networks, peering, ExpressRoute, VPN gateways, and Azure Firewall.
• Lead network incident response and perform root cause analysis; communicate risks and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to coordinate circuit provisioning, hardware procurement, and maintenance windows.

Skills

Palo Alto firewalls

Cisco networking

Azure networking

Network architecture

Troubleshooting

On-call rotation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Palo Alto firewall

Cisco switches

Azure networking

ExpressRoute

Azure CLI / PowerShell

Job description

SENIOR NETWORK ENGINEER

Our Client operates in the dynamic datacenter industry, where reliable, secure, and scalable network infrastructure is critical to business operations. With environments spanning corporate offices, datacenter facilities, and active construction sites, Our Client offers an opportunity to work on complex infrastructure projects from initial design through live operations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Client is seeking a Senior Network Engineer with deep expertise in Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco networking, and Azure to design, secure, and optimize mission‑critical infrastructure across datacenter and enterprise environments. If you're a hands‑on problem solver who thrives on complex technical challenges and wants to own network architecture from the ground up, we want to hear from you! Our Client is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, secure, and optimize enterprise networks across multiple locations. This senior individual contributor role offers significant technical ownership, from architecting new site networks and optimizing BGP routing to managing Palo Alto firewalls and resolving critical infrastructure incidents. You will serve as the senior technical escalation point for network issues, lead infrastructure projects from concept to completion, and collaborate closely with the Director of IT Infrastructure to establish network architecture, standards, and security best practices. This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys both strategic network design and hands‑on implementation, particularly in environments transitioning from greenfield development through construction and into full operations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

NETWORK ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

Design, architect, and implement enterprise network solutions across corporate offices, datacenter facilities, and construction sites, leveraging Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco networking technologies, and Purdue Model principles. Build and optimize routed and switched environments using TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, and LAN/WAN technologies. Design and manage Microsoft Azure networking, including virtual networks, subnetting, peering, ExpressRoute, VPN gateways, route tables, network security groups, Azure Firewall, and hybrid cloud connectivity. Implement wireless broadband connectivity solutions for remote locations and construction sites where traditional wired infrastructure is unavailable or limited. Develop and maintain network architecture standards, IP addressing schemes, technical documentation, and as‑built network diagrams. Evaluate software‑defined networking solutions to support scalability and operational efficiency.

NETWORK SECURITY & COMPLIANCE

Implement and maintain enterprise network security controls, including Palo Alto firewall policies, network segmentation, VPNs, access controls, intrusion prevention, and security protocols. Conduct and coordinate network vulnerability assessments, prioritize security findings, and drive remediation efforts through completion. Support authorized penetration testing initiatives, including scoping, coordination with internal teams and third‑party testers, validation of findings, and remediation. Maintain network device firmware, security patches, configuration hardening, and documented compensating controls. Support security audits, compliance initiatives, and customer security reviews through technical documentation, evidence collection, and remediation planning.

NETWORK OPERATIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING

Serve as the highest‑level technical escalation point for complex network incidents, infrastructure outages, connectivity issues, and escalated Desktop Support requests. Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis, implementing sustainable solutions that prevent recurring issues. Monitor and optimize network performance, availability, throughput, latency, and capacity. Lead network incident response efforts, communicate technical issues and business impacts to stakeholders, and facilitate post‑incident reviews. Proactively identify infrastructure risks and capacity requirements to support future growth.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION

Lead network infrastructure projects from requirements gathering and architecture through budget planning, implementation, testing, and operational handoff. Manage network configuration changes using formal change control procedures, including peer reviews, rollback plans, and scheduled maintenance windows. Collaborate with vendors, telecommunications carriers, and internal teams to coordinate circuit provisioning, hardware procurement, support agreements, and technical escalations. Partner with Construction and Operations teams to deliver network connectivity throughout the site development lifecycle, from temporary construction facilities to permanent production infrastructure. Mentor junior engineers and technical support personnel through hands‑on coaching, knowledge sharing, and technical documentation.

WHAT YOU BRING

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6–10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience, including hands‑on network architecture, design, and implementation.
• Advanced expertise with Palo Alto firewalls and Cisco switching technologies in production environments.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, LAN/WAN architecture, routing, switching, and network security protocols.
• Experience working in complex, multi‑vendor network environments across diverse technologies and management platforms.
• Practical experience with Microsoft Azure networking and hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Demonstrated experience implementing network security policies, conducting vulnerability assessments, and supporting penetration testing engagements.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement lasting corrective actions.
• Experience independently leading network infrastructure projects and managing configuration changes through formal change control processes.
• Working knowledge of wireless broadband technologies and connectivity solutions for remote or temporary locations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical risks, present recommendations, and produce clear documentation.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Availability to participate in an on‑call rotation and occasional after‑hours maintenance activities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting datacenter infrastructure, construction environments, or large‑scale multi‑site operations.
• Knowledge of IT/OT network architecture and Purdue Model network segmentation.
• Exposure to software‑defined networking technologies such as SD‑WAN, Cisco ACI, or equivalent platforms in production environments.
• Professional certifications such as Cisco CCNP or CCIE, Palo Alto PCNSE, Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ‑700), CompTIA Security+, GCIH, or OSCP.
• Experience with network automation and infrastructure‑as‑code tools such as Python, Ansible, or Terraform.
• Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks, including SOC 2, NIST, and ISO 27001.
• Experience supporting distributed, field‑based operations with limited on‑site IT resources.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

Own the Architecture: Take an active role in designing and implementing network infrastructure rather than simply maintaining existing systems. Work on Complex Environments: Support interconnected corporate, datacenter, cloud, and construction‑site networks with diverse technical requirements. Make a Meaningful Impact: Help shape network standards, security architecture, and infrastructure reliability in collaboration with IT leadership. Stay Hands‑On: Combine advanced technical engineering, security, troubleshooting, and project leadership in a senior individual contributor position. Build From the Ground Up: Participate in infrastructure projects throughout the full site lifecycle, from initial construction connectivity to production operations.