Ascendum Solutions

Compensation

Full Description

Candidates should be eligible to work for any employer in the United States without needing Visa sponsorship. 6 month contract-to-hire, full benefits/pto available prior to full-time conversion. Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer with a strong background in designing, deploying, and managing complex enterprise network infrastructures. This role requires deep expertise in traditional networking as well as advanced knowledge of Azure networking technologies. The ideal candidate will be responsible for stability, security, performance, and cloud connectivity across all locations, including on-premises data centers, Azure, and hybrid environments. Key Responsibilities: • Design, deploy, and maintain Layer 2/3 network infrastructure, including VLANs, trunking, STP, HSRP/VRRP, OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP. • Configure and manage core and edge switches, routers, and wireless access points (primarily Cisco, Fortinet, and Meraki platforms). • Administer, configure, and troubleshoot Palo Alto and Fortigate firewalls, including policy development, NAT, Site-to-Site VPN, App-ID, User-ID, URL filtering, GlobalProtect VPN, Forticlient VPN, and WildFire threat prevention. • Manage centralized network security platforms, such as Fortinet Fortimanager and Palo Alto Panorama • Implement and manage Azure networking components such as VNets, ExpressRoute, Network Security Groups (NSGs), Virtual Network and Application Gateways, 3rd Party Firewall Appliances (Palo Alto and Fortigate), Azure Firewall, and Load Balancers. • Monitor and optimize network performance, security, capacity, and availability. • Lead network troubleshooting and root cause analysis for performance issues or outages. • Maintain detailed network documentation, including topology diagrams and configurations. • Implement and improve network segmentation, secure zone-based architecture, and access control strategies. • Implement Zero Trust principles across network segments. • Work closely with security and systems teams to ensure compliance with security policies and industry best practices. • Provide tier-3 escalation support and mentor staff. • Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies when necessary. Qualifications: • 5+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise network engineer roles. • Deep understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols and concepts. • Proven expertise with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Fortigate Firewalls. • Strong experience with routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP). • Hands-on experience with Cisco IOS/NX-OS. • Experience with network automation (Python, Ansible, etc.) is a plus. • Familiarity with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is desirable. • Infrastructure as Code for networking (Terraform, Bicep, ARM) preferred. Certifications (Preferred but Not Required): • PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer) • Azure Network Engineer Associate • CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) • CompTIA Network+ or Security+