Cisco Network Engineer

Cisco Network EngineerHybrid 3 days on-site in Charlotte, NCOur client seeks a Cisco Network Engineer to implement, modernize, and manage critical network infrastructure across the Midwest region. The role focuses on Cisco enterprise routing, switching, SD-WAN, wireless, and network security supporting substations, corporate offices, and other business-critical locations. The engineer will implement, test, troubleshoot, and document reliable network solutions in a large, process-driven environment and will work both independently and within an Agile engineering team.Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.Rate: $56.00 to $60.00/hr. w2Responsibilities:Configure, implement, test, and support Cisco routers, switches, wireless access points, and related network infrastructure using established standards and templates.Deploy and support Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN solutions including WAN edge, transport connectivity, segmentation, centralized policies, and application-aware routing.Support WAN modernization across SD-WAN, MPLS, private Ethernet, internet, cellular, and other WAN services.Troubleshoot routing, switching, SD-WAN, wireless, WAN connectivity, firewall policy, and Layer 2/Layer 3 issues.Implement and validate resiliency, segmentation, failover, quality of service, and high availability.Prepare engineering job packages with equipment lists, installation instructions, implementation and test plans, rollback procedures, and documentation.Create and maintain physical and logical network drawings, rack elevations, wiring diagrams, layouts, and power drawings in Microsoft Visio.Ensure monitoring, alarming, logging, asset records, and operational documentation are complete before production cutover.Coordinate, activate, test, and troubleshoot private and public WAN circuits.Monitor implementation work for compliance with engineering standards, cybersecurity requirements, regulations, and procedures.Support network automation using Python, Ansible, REST APIs, Git, or comparable tooling.Collaborate with engineering, operations, cybersecurity, field resources, carriers, vendors, and business partners.Follow formal change management practices including impact analysis, peer review, approvals, validation, rollback planning, and documentation.Participate in planned implementations, maintenance, and troubleshooting outside normal business hours as required.Work within an Agile engineering environment on team-based projects.Experience Requirements:5 or more years of hands-on experience in an enterprise environment.Proven experience configuring, implementing, or supporting Cisco routers and switches.Understanding of IPv4, subnetting, TCP/IP, VLANs, IEEE 802.1Q, Spanning Tree, and link aggregation.Working knowledge of OSPF, BGP, enterprise WAN concepts, and route selection.Ability to troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity with a structured approach.General understanding of wireless, firewall, access control, and network segmentation.Working knowledge of copper and fiber cabling standards and connector types.Ability to create and maintain accurate technical documentation and network diagrams.Attention to detail with adherence to engineering, cybersecurity, and change processes.Effective written, verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.Ability to work productively with limited supervision.Willingness and ability to support scheduled work outside normal business hours.Desired: Cisco CCNA/CCNP or comparable experience.Desired: Experience with Cisco Catalyst platforms and IOS/IOS-XE, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela), VRFs, MPLS L3VPNs, DMVPN, IPsec, QoS, route maps, prefix lists, ACLs, BGP communities.Desired: Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco ISE, Cisco ACI, controller-based wireless.Desired: Palo Alto Networks or Cisco Secure Firewall.Desired: Automation with Python, Ansible, REST APIs, Git, PowerShell, or Bash.Desired: SolarWinds, BlueCat IPAM, Opengear, SNMP, syslog, NetFlow, packet analysis tools.Desired: Experience preparing job packages, implementation/test/rollback plans, equipment lists, and diagrams.Desired: Experience with SCADA, OT networks, substations, control centers, regulated utilities, or critical infrastructure.Desired: Experience with Jira, Agile methods, and formal change management.Self-directed, organized, collaborative, and willing to learn.Education Requirements:High school diploma or GED.