Senior Network Engineer (Cisco & Palo Alto) - Hybrid

CGS Business Solutions; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT consulting firm in California is seeking a Senior Network Engineer. This role is crucial for architecting secure network environments while implementing Zero Trust principles across multiple sites. Candidates should have over 7 years in enterprise networks, a Bachelor's in Computer Science, and proficiency in Cisco tools. The position offers competitive compensation, comprehensive responsibilities in performance monitoring, and network troubleshooting, ideally suited for strategic thinkers in IT.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on engineering experience in enterprise-level network environments.
• Experience with SD-WAN platforms, Azure/AWS connectivity, and network security.
• Proven strategic thinker with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and deploy secure LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, and SASE solutions.
• Lead modernization initiatives and implement Zero Trust Architecture.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex network issues.

Skills

Network design

Zero Trust principles

Cross-platform security controls

SolarWinds Orion

Cisco ISE

ITIL/ITSM

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

Cisco Catalyst & Nexus

Palo Alto firewalls

VeloCloud SD-WAN

Job description

CGS Business Solutions provided pay range

This range is provided by CGS Business Solutions. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$140,000.00/yr - $165,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from CGS Business Solutions

At CGS Business Solutions, we’re dedicated to helping skilled IT and business professionals take the next meaningful step in their careers. Whether you're exploring project-based consulting roles or seeking a long‑term position, we connect you with opportunities that align with your expertise, your goals, and your growth trajectory.

Backed by deep industry insight and our proven TalentFlow™ Framework, we ensure every role we present is thoughtfully matched to your skills, passions, and career ambitions. If you're ready for a role that challenges you and moves your career forward, we’re currently partnering with leading organizations to fill the following opportunity:

The Senior Network Engineer plays a mission‑critical role in building and securing the network foundation that powers operations across multiple sites. This leader will architect, implement, and evolve a modern, resilient network environment—balancing performance, availability, and security to enable business growth.

This position calls for deep expertise in network design, Zero Trust principles, and cross‑platform security controls. You will shape the strategy, drive architecture decisions, and lead complex initiatives such as SD‑WAN modernization, IT/OT convergence, and cloud‑connected edge environments. Working alongside Security, Compliance, and Infrastructure teams, you will be a primary decision‑maker and escalation point for high‑impact issues, performance tuning, and network resilience.

If you’re energized by designing future‑ready networks, improving uptime, and strengthening cybersecurity posture—this role offers both influence and ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineer and deploy secure LAN, WAN, SD‑WAN, and SASE solutions across multiple Ventura Foods locations.
• Implement Zero Trust Architecture and Cisco ISE to enable identity‑driven access and continuous verification.
• Lead modernization initiatives across Cisco Catalyst & Nexus switching, Palo Alto firewalls, and cloud connectivity.

Performance, Monitoring & Optimization

• Maintain and optimize network infrastructure using SolarWinds Orion and Infoblox (DNS/DHCP/IPAM).
• Conduct lifecycle refreshes, configuration updates, and performance hardening to align with best practices.
• Continuously tune systems for high availability, reliability, and reduced downtime.

Troubleshooting & Incident Leadership

• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex network issues—rapid diagnostics and resolution expected.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to accelerate root‑cause identification and ticket closure.

Security, Compliance & Zero Trust

• Manage security controls, firewall policies, and access governance across critical network assets.
• Perform ongoing vulnerability assessments, policy audits, and compliance checks for regulatory readiness.

Documentation, Standards & Reporting

• Create detailed SOPs, network diagrams, configuration baselines, and DR/BC documentation.
• Deliver recurring reports on performance, posture, and project progression for leadership visibility.
• Own full‑cycle execution of initiatives like IT/OT integration, SD‑WAN expansion, and cloud edge projects.
• Direct vendors, technology partners, and service providers to ensure cost‑effective and scalable solutions.

Required Experience

• 7+ years of hands‑on engineering experience supporting enterprise‑level network environments.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).

Core Skills & Competencies

Strategic & Personal

• Strategic thinker with the ability to roadmap long‑term network growth and resilience.
• Communicator who can influence stakeholders, translate complexity, and drive clarity across teams.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Professional

• BC/DR and failover planning experience; comfortable running recovery simulations.
• Strong ITIL/ITSM background—incident, problem, and change management (ServiceNow preferred).
• Skilled in creating documentation that supports audit trails, compliance, and cross‑team knowledge transfer.

Technical Expertise

Network Security

• SD‑WAN platforms (VeloCloud preferred), secure Azure/AWS connectivity, SASE solutions.

Monitoring & Administration

Infrastructure

• Cisco Catalyst & Nexus switching, OSPF/BGP routing, Ruckus SmartZone wireless management.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Information Technology

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

About CGS Business Solutions

CGS Business Solutions is a nationally recognized leader in IT staffing and consulting, delivering top‑tier talent across Applications, Cloud & Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Data & AI, and Engineering. As a multi‑year INC 5000 winner and one of California’s Best IT Recruitment Firms, we’re known for combining boutique‑level service with enterprise‑grade results.

We’re also proud to be named one of the Orange County Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies, earning the distinction for five consecutive years as we continue to expand into new markets across the U.S. Companies trust CGS to attract, engage, and retain elite technology talent—giving them the advantage they need to lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.