Staff Network Engineer

Staff Network EngineerWe are seeking an experienced Staff Network Engineer to help design, support, and modernize our global enterprise network environment. As a recognized technical authority within the network domain, you will contribute to architectural decisions, design robust multi-system solutions, drive adoption of best practices, and mentor other engineers. This role spans enterprise wireless, network access control (NAC), routing, switching, next-generation firewalls, and SD-WAN, with significant ownership of hardware lifecycle programs and operational excellence across a global, multi-site enterprise.Core Technology Stack: Enterprise wireless (cloud-managed) · Network access control (NAC) · Next-generation firewalls · SD-WAN · Enterprise routing & switching · Network automationTechnical Leadership & Solution DesignServe as a recognized technical authority in enterprise networking; contribute to architectural decisions and evaluate emerging technologies for adoption.Design new network components and enhance existing ones independently, ensuring clean integration with current architecture.Develop solutions that integrate across multiple systems, weighing technical trade-offs for scalability, performance, and maintainability.Design and implement governance standards across projects; drive adoption of engineering-excellence practices.Enterprise Network Engineering & SupportProvide advanced engineering and operational support across enterprise wireless, network access control (NAC), routing, switching, next-generation firewalls, and SD-WAN.Lead troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis on complex, cross-platform network incidents.Design and implement network enhancements aligned with architectural and security best practices.Develop and execute test plans to validate network changes and deployments.Hardware Lifecycle ManagementOwn lifecycle programs for a large inventory of network hardware - switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and SD-WAN devices.Plan and drive hardware upgrades, refresh projects, WAN circuit migrations, and decommissioning across multiple locations.Maintain accurate documentation of inventory, lifecycle stages, and platform dependencies.Partner with procurement, logistics, and field resources to ensure seamless deployment and transitions.Operational Excellence & Change ManagementDesign and implement operational excellence practices across network systems; proactively monitor and maintain system health.Lead incident response efforts and drive post-incident improvements.Develop and own engineering-approved change plans; ensure changes follow structured change-management processes.Establish documentation standards and ensure consistency across projects; champion documentation as a core function (network diagrams, standards, lifecycle plans, runbooks).Collaboration, Mentorship & Stakeholder EngagementLead cross-functional initiatives spanning multiple teams, mentor others on collaboration and stakeholder management.Assess skill gaps within the team and develop targeted learning plans; conduct knowledge-transfer sessions to grow team capability.Communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Develop accurate estimates for complex, multi-team projects; identify dependencies and risks that impact timelines.Required Skills & Qualifications7+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering, with demonstrated depth across enterprise wireless, routing, switching, and firewall technologies.Strong hands-on expertise with cloud-managed enterprise wireless, network access control (NAC), next-generation firewalls, and SD-WAN in a production enterprise environment.Proven ability to design robust solutions and mentor others on technical approaches.Experience supporting large-scale, multi-site network environments.Solid understanding of network security principles, segmentation, and best practices.Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, including leading Root Cause Analysis.Experience contributing to organizational standards, governance, and change-management practices.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Preferred QualificationsDeep enterprise wireless design and implementation experience with cloud-managed wireless and network access control (NAC) platforms.Advanced experience with next-generation firewalls and SD-WAN technologies in multi-vendor environments.Automation/Enterprise network solutions (example: HPE Mist)Experience with structured lifecycle management and asset tracking.Familiarity with ITIL-based service management processes.Relevant industry certifications in enterprise networking, wireless, or security (or equivalent experience).We provide these great perks and benefits:Robust health, dental and vision insurance plansGenerous 401 (K) savings planEducation assistanceOn-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee serviceAnd many more, check out our benefits site HERE.Ideal Candidate ProfileThis role is best suited for a senior network professional who operates as a technical authority in their domain - designing solutions, setting standards, and mentoring others - while still being hands-on with complex engineering and lifecycle work. Success is measured by sound architectural contributions, reliable delivery of complex initiatives, strong documentation and operational discipline, effective mentorship, and clear communication across technical and business stakeholders.Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.