Network Infrastructure Engineer

Strategic Growth Partners provides both operations and strategic support to Tribal 8(a) and commercial organizations. Our client specializes in providing expert solutions tailored to businesses. Their services encompass IT staffing services, cybersecurity, computer system validation, SDLC, GxP compliance, quality management, audits, risk assessment, software assurance, and AI technology compliance.

They are seeking a highly skilled Network Infrastructure Engineer in Jackson, MS. to support and advance the Office of Information Technology (OIT), Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) enterprise networking environment. This position plays a critical role in designing, deploying, and operating new Liquor Distribution Center (LDC) fabrics, networks, identity-driven access systems, and observability platforms. The engineer will work closely with the infrastructure team to keep the State's network services reliable, scalable, secure, and aligned with enterprise modernization goals. This is a hands-on engineering position supporting mission-critical systems across data centers and statewide operations.

Worksite Type: Onsite. Monday - Friday. 40 hours per week.

Compensation: W2 rate: $60-$65/hr.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Cisco ACI & Data Center Networking
• Design, implement, and maintain Cisco Nexus platforms running ACI mode, including VRFs, Bridge Domains, EPGs/ESGs, L3Out, contracts, and fabric policies.
• Integrate ACI with virtualization and container platforms, including Red Hat OpenShift VMM and Isovalent/Cilium.
• Configure and optimize RoCEv2 within the ACI fabric for high-performance, low-latency workloads.
• Troubleshoot ACI fabric health, faults, endpoint learning, contracts, and multi-tenant segmentation.
• Develop and maintain fabric documentation, standards, and operational procedures.

Cisco Catalyst & Software-Defined Access (SDA)
• Deploy and support Cisco Catalyst platforms within campus environments.
• Design and maintain SDA architectures, including SDA Wired Fabric and Fabric-Enabled Wireless.
• Manage fabric underlay and overlay, policy mapping, authentication integrations, and assurance operations.
• Collaborate with wireless engineers to optimize coverage, performance, and policy enforcement.

Identity-Driven Networking & Security
• Configure and administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for TACACS+ device administration, authentication and authorization policy sets, and endpoint profiling.
• Integrate Cyber Vision intelligence into profiling, segmentation, and access control workflows.
• Support Zero Trust efforts through identity-centric segmentation and policy integration across ACI and SDA fabrics.
• Design, implement, and administer Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls supporting statewide systems.

Visibility, Analytics & Observability
• Deploy and manage ThousandEyes for end-to-end visibility, routing path analysis, and performance monitoring.
• Implement and support Cisco Cyber Vision for OT/IoT asset visibility, device classification, and behavior analysis.
• Manage DNA Spaces for location analytics, telemetry ingestion, device behavior, and wireless intelligence.
• Provide meaningful insights to leadership using data from these observability platforms.

Core Network Engineering
• Troubleshoot complex L2/L3 network issues, including VLANs, OSPF, BGP, STP, and multicast.
• Create and maintain architecture diagrams, standards, runbooks, and asset inventories.
• Assist with modernization planning, platform upgrades, procurement processes, and statewide technology initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications
• Minimum of 15 years of experience working with Cisco networking.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI in production environments.
• Deep knowledge of ACI constructs (VRF, BD, EPG, ESG, L3Out, contracts) and multi-tenant segmentation.
• Experience integrating ACI with OpenShift VMM and Cilium/Isovalent.
• Proficiency with Cisco Catalyst platforms and SDA campus fabric technologies.
• Experience administering Cisco ISE, including TACACS+ and policy-set based NAC.
• Strong understanding of ThousandEyes, Cyber Vision, and DNA Spaces, or comparable tools.
• Palo Alto firewall administration, including policy development and security profiles.
• Solid command of TCP/IP, L2/L3 routing and switching, QoS, and network security fundamentals.
• Ability to support high-availability, enterprise-scale infrastructure.
• Ability to develop clear diagrams, documentation, and architectural artifacts.
• Strong analytical and communication skills in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.

Preferred Skills
• Hands-on experience with container networking and virtualization integrations.
• Familiarity with NIST frameworks and state-level cybersecurity requirements.
• Experience with network automation tools (Python, Ansible, REST APIs).
• Prior work in state government or large enterprise network environments.

Recommended Certifications
• CCNA, CCNP Data Center, CCNP Enterprise, or CCIE
• Cisco Specialist - ACI, SDA, or ISE
• Palo Alto Networks: PCCSA, PCNSA, or PCNSE
• ThousandEyes, Cyber Vision, or related platform training