Principal Network Engineer/ Charlotte, NC

We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to join our team at a Managed Service Provider (MSP). The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in Network and Network Security technologies, with a strong emphasis on security and automation. You will work closely with business stakeholders to ensure that solutions align with business processes and requirements, demonstrating strong business acumen. Hybrid- on Site in Charlotte, NC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of network solutions, leveraging both existing and emerging technologies from vendors such as Cisco, Fortinet, and HP, with a deep understanding of Cloud, Security, Routing, and Wireless Technologies.
• Plan, evaluate, coordinate, test, and implement hardware and software in a Microsoft Azure cloud environment, across physical media, protocol stacks, switches, routers, firewalls, intrusion detection devices, and other network components.
• Demonstrate proficiency in scripting, with a focus on programmatic instantiation and configuration management in cloud-based environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, perform problem isolation, and devise effective solutions.
• Install patches and maintain accurate records of network changes and updates.
• Manage network monitoring, maintenance, performance measurement, and reporting.
• Update network devices, including firewalls, NIDS, switches, routers, and encryption devices.
• Serve as an escalation point for customer service issues that cannot be resolved by the Service Desk.
• Maintain technical expertise in relevant network technologies, including hardware and software interconnection and interfacing.
• Propose and configure network solutions that meet communication requirements and optimize cost savings.
• Ensure appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions, policies, and procedures, and provide regular network analysis for planning purposes.
• Provide training and knowledge sharing with other team members.
• Coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Ability to obtain DHS Suitability.
• Strength with Cisco, FortiGate, and Fortinet
• 6+ years of relevant experience with industry network products.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience deploying and configuring solutions across diverse environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure or similar cloud technologies.
• Familiarity with Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), log analysis, malware analysis, network traffic analysis, and packet analysis.
• Experience with Security Event Incident Management, Log Correlation, and Network Behavior Anomaly detection systems (e.g., ArcSight, QRadar, Splunk).
• Familiarity with network protocols and technologies such as BGP, IGRP, DNS, VLANs, VPNs, and NetFlow.

Preferred Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or similar certification.
• DoD 8570.1-M Compliance at IAT Level I certification.
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
• IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+, SCNP, SSCP, CISSP, GCIH, GSEC).

The total compensation package for this position includes medical benefits, 401(k) eligibility, Paid Time Off, and parental leave. Additional details will be provided upon receiving an offer of employment.

#LI-GA1