IT Network Infrastructure Engineer III

Job ID: 63913Req ID: 24769Location: Lake Forest, IL, USAPay: USD 96000 - 120000 (Salary)Posted: 2026-09-30Pay Type: Salary As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility. People • Customers • Trust Position Purpose Summary: The Network Infrastructure Engineer III provides expert-level implementation, configuration, support, and troubleshooting of all hardware, operating systems, applications, and policies related to the network infrastructure. This individual interfaces with internal and external personnel of varying technical proficiency to design, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network environments, including LAN, WAN, wireless, and security infrastructure. This role operates across corporate and active manufacturing plant environments, requiring both deep technical expertise and the ability to work effectively in industrial settings.Dimensions: Configures, deploys, patches, and upgrades switches, routers, firewalls (including Fortinet FortiGate), and other network infrastructure equipment using appropriate tools and methods.Performs advanced troubleshooting of all network infrastructure systems including SD-WAN environments.Designs network infrastructure environments spanning LAN and WAN, including SD-WAN architecture and policy.Maintains accurate network documentation, topology diagrams, and supports formal change management processes.Travels to various sites and manages assigned projects as directed by the IT department.Principal Accountabilities: As a member of the ITS Department, is responsible for knowing and following company policies and procedures; sharing information that benefits team members; and continually improving service delivery to customers.Continually strives to strengthen the business philosophy of Meeting Needs, Exceeding Expectations — supporting Commitment to Service by doing what is right for customers, focusing on value-adding strategies, and keeping commitments.Responsible for the design, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the network and associated equipment and cabling, including next-generation firewall (FortiGate) and SD-WAN solutions.Serves as a senior escalation point for complex network issues, providing in-person and remote support to team members, support engineers, and end users.Owns and maintains accurate network documentation, topology diagrams, and standard operating procedures; participates in and supports formal change management processes.Performs physical installation of switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and other network equipment across corporate and plant locations.Ensures personal safety and the safety of coworkers while operating in manufacturing environments, following ALL prescribed safety precautions.Decision Making:This position requires the ability to think critically, troubleshoot methodically, and make sound decisions that affect both business and manufacturing networks — including under high-pressure conditions. The engineer must exercise independent judgment on network design and incident response with minimal supervision.Interactions with Customers and Contacts: Direct verbal and written contact with plant managers and corporate managers.Communication with all company users in response to helpdesk tickets and network-related issues.Regular collaboration with all ITS department personnel.Written and verbal communication with external customers and vendors as required.Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Systems or equivalent professional experience. Minimum of 6 years of previous work experience in a related ITS/Network Engineering role.Expert understanding of all layers of the OSI model.Proficient in the configuration and installation of Layer 2/3 switches and routers.Advanced understanding of and experience with VLAN design and configuration.Strong packet capture and analysis skills.Experience investigating and resolving help desk service requests using help desk software.Strong understanding of and experience configuring IP, OSPF, BGP, VRRP, HSRP, and IPSLA on Cisco and Aruba switches and routers.Experience with Aruba and Cisco switches.Experience with network cabling and a solid understanding of Ethernet cabling standards and requirements.Expert understanding of and experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise-class wireless networks (Cisco and Aruba).Experience with Aruba ClearPass for network access control.Experience with Fortinet FortiGate next-generation firewall configuration, management, and troubleshooting.Experience designing and managing SD-WAN solutions, preferably Fortinet SD-WAN.Experience serving as a senior escalation point for complex network issues; familiarity with help desk platforms and ticket management workflows.Experience maintaining network documentation, topology diagrams, and operating within a formal change management process.Experience with Python scripting for network automation.Proficient in current Windows Operating Systems (Desktop and Server).Proficient in Linux.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage numerous details, deadlines, and concurrent requests.Ability to adapt, work effectively, and operate independently in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.Ability to thrive under pressure and maintain composure when troubleshooting even the most critical system failures.Ability to evaluate and prioritize tasks for efficiency and completeness.Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.Willingness to work extended hours as business needs and critical incidents require.Must interact effectively and professionally with all levels of plant and corporate personnel, as well as with customers, vendors, and team members.This role requires work in active manufacturing and industrial plant environments. Candidates must be prepared for conditions that go well beyond a typical office setting.Ability to work in environments that may be loud, dusty, hot, cold, or otherwise physically demanding depending on plant conditions and season.Must maintain situational awareness at all times when on the plant floor, adhering to all posted safety requirements including PPE (personal protective equipment).Ability to install and remove networking equipment in locations that require use of ladders, scissor lifts, or elevated platforms.Ability to lift and carry equipment and cabling up to 50 lbs.Comfortable working in confined spaces, overhead areas, and along active production lines when required. #LI-VP1 #LI-Remote COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Salary range: $96,000-$120,000. Paid Holidays. Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages. Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions. Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.