Network Specialist

Network Specialist

Position Summary

Location: On-site Middletown CT
Compensation: $90,000 annually
Employment Type: Direct Hire (Permanent)
Please Note : NO C2C, agency referrals or sponsorship at this time
Veterans are encouraged to apply.


The Network Specialist is a member of a multi-disciplinary Information Technology team and reports to the Manager of Cyber Security and Network Operations. This role supports and may lead network design, implementation, administration, monitoring, and optimization activities across enterprise network environments.

Responsibilities include analyzing network performance, providing technical support, troubleshooting network issues, performing system maintenance, and optimizing local and wide-area network connectivity. The Network Specialist installs, upgrades, and maintains network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, wireless technologies, and other network devices in accordance with established standards.

The Network Specialist collaborates with IT teams and business stakeholders to support system integration, service delivery, issue resolution, documentation maintenance, and technology procurement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and lead network infrastructure planning, implementation, enhancement, modification, and replacement projects.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, project managers, technical leads, and business stakeholders to complete initiatives on schedule.
• Research network technologies, products, protocols, and services to support procurement and strategic planning.
• Monitor and analyze network performance across LAN, WAN, and wireless environments.
• Ensure stable operation and optimal performance of enterprise network systems.
• Identify, recommend, and resolve network performance issues.
• Install, configure, and maintain network infrastructure including:
  • Firewalls
  • Routers
  • Switches
  • Wireless access points
  • Network cabling
  • UPS devices
• Perform security baseline configuration reviews, vulnerability assessments, forensic analysis support, and network penetration testing activities.
• Monitor systems and networks for potential security threats and escalate issues appropriately.
• Support security risk assessments and remediation efforts.
• Identify vulnerabilities, recommend security controls, document findings, and implement corrective actions.
• Enforce information security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Participate in incident response activities including detection, containment, recovery, and remediation.
• Perform network capacity planning and identify current and future performance bottlenecks.
• Communicate technical network and security concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Certifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Certifications

• Cisco CCNA
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC Certification
• Microsoft Security Certification

Preferred Technical Experience

• Network access control solutions
• Cisco networking technologies
• Cellular and branch connectivity solutions
• Fortinet security technologies
• Vulnerability management platforms
• Network monitoring and management platforms

Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive experience administering Cisco network environments.
• Extensive experience administering Fortinet security solutions.
• Strong experience creating network procedures and technical documentation.
• Experience developing and delivering security awareness training programs.
• Experience supporting enterprise network security operations.

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to research emerging network and cybersecurity technologies.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage projects from initiation through completion.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to meeting deadlines and organizational objectives.
• Professional and responsive communication style.

Working Conditions

• Standard full-time work schedule with participation in an on-call rotation.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Ability to use computer equipment, technical tools, and related hardware as required.