Senior Network Engineer

Crescent Energy Management LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Crescent Energy Management LLC is seeking an experienced Sr. Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain mission-critical networking infrastructure supporting oil and gas operations.

The role emphasizes RF backhaul, Cisco IOS, Fortinet security, and Azure networking in office and remote locations. The candidate will develop IaC scripts (Terraform) for network and cloud provisioning, maintain LAN/WAN, and collaborate with SCADA/IT/OT teams to ensure secure segmentation and reliable

Qualifications

• Degree in CS/IT/Engineering or related field.
• 4–7 years’ network engineering experience, oil & gas or industrial sector preferred.
• RF backhaul: path alignment, link budgeting, interference analysis.
• In-depth Cisco IOS routers/switches experience (config/troubleshooting/upgrades).
• Fortinet security appliances experience (FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, VPN).
• Azure networking experience (vNets, VPN/ExpressRoute).
• Terraform for networking; other IaC tools like Ansible/CloudFormation a plus.
• Strong routing (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP), VLANs, QoS, MPLS, NAT, VPN basics.
• Enterprise networking and security concepts: 802.1x, Wi‑Fi, DNS/DHCP, firewalls.
• Occasional travel to field sites ~30%.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and support enterprise networks across offices and field sites.
• Implement and maintain RF backhaul networks for remote locations.
• Configure and manage Fortinet and Cisco IOS devices.
• Plan and deploy Azure networking (VPN gateways, ExpressRoute).
• Develop IaC scripts for network and cloud provisioning (Terraform).
• Maintain LAN/WAN, wireless, and remote access for OT/IT systems.
• Collaborate with SCADA/IT/OT and ensure secure network segmentation.
• Monitor performance and perform proactive maintenance incl. after-hours.
• Document designs, configurations, and policies for auditing/compliance.
• Coordinate with vendors and technicians for deployment and support.
• Participate in architecture reviews and continuous improvement.

Skills

RF Backhaul

Cisco IOS (routing)

Fortinet Security

Azure Cloud Networking

Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)

LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi design

Network security best practices

Documentation & compliance

Analytical & troubleshooting

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

Terraform

FortiGate/FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer

VPN configuration

Ansible/ARM/CloudFormation

Auvik/SolarWinds/PRTG

Job description

Crescent is a differentiated U.S. energy company committed to delivering value through a disciplined, returns-driven growth through acquisition strategy and consistent return of capital. Our long-life, balanced portfolio combines significant cash flow from stable production with a deep, high-quality development inventory. Crescent is a top three producer in the Eagle Ford basin and a scaled operator in each of the Permian and Uinta basins. Crescent’s leadership is an experienced team of investment, financial and industry professionals that combines proven investment and operating expertise. For more than a decade, Crescent and our predecessors have executed on a consistent strategy focused on cash flow, risk management and returns. Through disciplined and accretive investments, we have successfully tripled the size of our company since going public in December 2021 while maintaining a strong balance sheet.

We are seeking an experienced Sr. Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain mission-critical networking infrastructure supporting our oil and gas operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in RF backhaul technologies, enterprise networking, cloud (Azure) networking, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and robust experience with both Fortinet and Cisco IOS platforms. You will ensure high availability, security, and performance for both office and field networking environments, often in remote or challenging locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and support enterprise network solutions across diverse operational environments (offices, remote field sites, drilling rigs, processing plants, etc.).
• Implement and maintain RF backhaul networks (point-to-point/multipoint microwave, licensed/unlicensed links) ensuring reliable connectivity in remote oilfield locations.
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Fortinet security appliances (firewalls, VPNs, SD-WAN, etc.) and Cisco IOS-based network devices (routers, switches, wireless controllers).
• Plan and deploy Azure networking solutions: VPN gateways, virtual networks, ExpressRoute, network security groups, and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) scripts for network and cloud resource provisioning using Terraform and related tools.
• Maintain and optimize LANs/WANs, wireless networks, and remote access infrastructure to support industrial IoT, operational technology, and business applications.
• Collaborate with SCADA, IT, and OT teams, ensuring secure segmentation between corporate and critical infrastructure networks.
• Monitor network performance and perform proactive maintenance, troubleshooting issues to resolution (including after-hours emergencies, if needed).
• Document network designs, configurations, and policies for auditing, handover, and regulatory compliance.
• Implement network security best practices to protect sensitive operational data and prevent cyber threats.
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and field technicians for deployment and support of network services.
• Participate in network architecture reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4–7 years’ experience as a network engineer, preferably in the oil & gas sector or comparable industrial environment.
• Proven expertise in RF backhaul technologies: path alignment, link budgeting, interference analysis, installation, and maintenance.
• In-depth experience with Cisco IOS routers/switches (configuration, troubleshooting, upgrades).
• Hands-on experience with Fortinet security appliances (FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, VPN configuration).
• Azure networking experience, including vNets, VPN/ExpressRoute, security/network policies, and hybrid solutions.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code, specifically Terraform for networking and cloud automation; experience with other IaC tools (such as Ansible, ARM templates, or CloudFormation) is a plus.
• Strong grasp of routing (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), VLANs, QoS, MPLS, NAT, and VPN technologies.
• Solid understanding of enterprise networking and security concepts: 802.1x, wireless (Wi-Fi), IP addressing, subnetting, DNS/DHCP, firewalls, IDS/IPS.
• Ability to work safely and independently in remote or challenging locations (occasional field travel required).
• Travel to field sites required (~30%), including operational sites, tower locations, and remote field environments.
• Preferred: Industry certifications (ex: CCNP, Fortinet NSE, Azure Network Engineer, Terraform, HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate).
• Prior experience with industrial networking, SCADA, and OT environments.
• Experience with point-to-multipoint or LTE/private 5G/CBRS technologies for oilfield connectivity.
• Experience with network automation and monitoring tools (ex: Auvik, SolarWinds, PRTG, etc.).

Key Skills

• RF Backhaul (microwave, wireless links)
• Cisco IOS (routing, switching)
• Fortinet Security (firewall, VPN, SD-WAN)
• Azure Cloud Networking
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, etc.)
• LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi design & troubleshooting
• Network security best practices
• Documentation & compliance
• Analytical & troubleshooting skills
• Communication & teamwork

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Primarily office-based (in office 5x a week) with occasional travel to field offices and operational sites as needed.

Potential exposure to remote and high-risk environments, requiring adherence to safety protocols.

May involve walking, climbing, bending, or handling equipment during site visits.

Possible exposure to varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) while on-site at the field offices.

Availability for emergency response and incident management, including after-hours support when required.

Crescent Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender/pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Crescent Energy is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. If you require accommodation to complete the application process, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

Crescent is a differentiated U.S. energy company committed to delivering value through a disciplined, returns-driven growth through acquisition strategy and consistent return of capital. Our long-life, balanced portfolio combines significant cash flow from stable production with a deep, high-quality development inventory. Crescent is a top three producer in the Eagle Ford basin and a scaled operator in each of the Permian and Uinta basins. Crescent’s leadership is an experienced team of investment, financial and industry professionals that combines proven investment and operating expertise. For more than a decade, Crescent and our predecessors have executed on a consistent strategy focused on cash flow, risk management and returns. Through disciplined and accretive investments, we have successfully tripled the size of our company since going public in December 2021 while maintaining a strong balance sheet.