Sr. Network Engineer

ASCENDING; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ASCENDING is seeking a Senior Engineer to design, deploy, and support network and server infrastructure across multi-vendor environments. The role emphasizes virtualization, including VMware vSphere and Hyper-V, plus hands-on Cisco networking and Palo Alto firewall expertise.

The ideal candidate will resolve complex performance issues, implement secure segmentation, and contribute to incident response and documentation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in networking and server engineering.
• Hands-on experience with VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper‑V environments.
• Strong experience with Cisco networking (routers, switches, firewalls).
• Deep knowledge of Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security products.
• Solid understanding of VLANs, VPNs, and routing protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, configure, and troubleshoot networking and server infrastructure across multi-vendor environments.
• Manage virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, Hyper‑V), including VM provisioning, performance tuning, and upgrades.
• Install, configure, and support Cisco devices and Palo Alto firewalls/security appliances.
• Analyze and resolve complex network, server, and virtualization performance issues.
• Implement network security best practices, firewall rules, VPNs, and segmentation strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to deliver infrastructure solutions and support project goals.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Participate in incident response, root cause analysis, and contribute to proactive improvements.

Skills

Network architecture

Troubleshooting infra

Remote collaboration

Security best practices

Education

CCNP or equivalent certification

PCNSE or equivalent certification

VCP or equivalent certification

Tools

VMware vSphere

Microsoft Hyper-V

Cisco networking

Palo Alto firewalls

Firewall configuration

Job description

Senior Engineer – Networking & Server Infrastructure
Hybrid – Onsite periodically 15% – Greater Baltimore Area

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Engineer with deep expertise in networking, server infrastructure, and virtualization technologies to support a critical 4-month project. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with VMware and Hyper-V environments, as well as extensive knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto Networks solutions, including firewalls and advanced security appliances. This role is fully remote and open to candidates located within the United States.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, configure, and troubleshoot networking and server infrastructure across multi-vendor environments.
• Manage and optimize virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, Hyper‑V), including VM provisioning, performance tuning, and upgrades.
• Install, configure, and support Cisco network devices (switches, routers, firewalls) and Palo Alto firewalls/security appliances.
• Analyze and resolve complex network, server, and virtualization performance issues.
• Implement network security best practices, firewall rules, VPNs, and segmentation strategies.
• Work closely with cross-functional IT teams to deliver infrastructure solutions and support project goals.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Participate in incident response, root cause analysis, and contribute to proactive infrastructure improvements.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in networking and server engineering roles.
• Advanced expertise in VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper‑V environments.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Cisco networking (routers, switches, firewalls).
• Deep working knowledge of Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security products.
• Solid understanding of network security, VLANs, VPN, and routing protocols.
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux server administration.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues in enterprise environments.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative setting.
• Relevant certifications (CCNP, PCNSE, VCP, or similar) are a strong plus.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.