Network Engineer – Cisco Infrastructure & Network Operations

About the JobTitle: Network Engineer – Cisco Infrastructure & Network OperationsLocation: Clayton, NC (Fully Onsite – Monday through Friday)Employment Type: ContractDuration: 6+ MonthsStatus: Accepting CandidatesAbout the RoleWe are seeking a hands-on Network Engineer to support enterprise Cisco network infrastructure in a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience with network design, installation, provisioning, implementation, and troubleshooting, along with knowledge of routing, switching, wireless technologies, and network monitoring tools. Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, GxP environments, and infrastructure qualification is preferred.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the design, build, provisioning, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise Cisco network infrastructure.Perform hands-on rack and stack activities, network cabling, and installation of routers, switches, Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), and Wireless Access Points (WAPs).Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco routing, switching, wireless, VPN, and MPLS technologies.Monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity and infrastructure performance in a 24/7 manufacturing or production environment.Work with network protocols and services, including TCP/IP, DNS, SMTP, NTP, IMAP, and SNMP.Utilize SolarWinds for network monitoring, performance analysis, and troubleshooting.Support firewall policy analysis and management using tools such as AlgoSec Firewall Analyzer and FireFlow.Follow network infrastructure standards, security requirements, and applicable NIST guidelines.Support infrastructure qualification activities and compliance requirements in regulated manufacturing environments.Collaborate with IT teams, business stakeholders, and cross-functional partners to resolve network issues and maintain reliable operations.Required QualificationsUp to 5 years of hands-on network infrastructure experience supporting enterprise Cisco environments.Experience with network design, builds, provisioning, implementation, and troubleshooting.Hands-on experience with rack and stack, network cabling, and installation of routers, switches, WLCs, and WAPs.Strong understanding of Cisco routing, switching, wireless, VPN, and MPLS technologies.Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, SMTP, NTP, IMAP, and SNMP protocols.Experience supporting network infrastructure in a 24/7 manufacturing or production environment.Familiarity with SolarWinds network monitoring and management tools.Understanding of AlgoSec Firewall Analyzer and FireFlow.Knowledge of network infrastructure standards, requirements, and NIST guidelines.Strong troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills, including the ability to work directly with business stakeholders.Preferred QualificationsExperience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or other regulated GxP environments.Familiarity with infrastructure qualification and validation requirements.Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification.CompensationEstimated hourly range: $45–$50/hr.Final rate will be based on skills, experience, and interview results.