Network Engineer

*Description*
The client is seeking a Sr Network Engineer to support the wired and wireless network infrastructure across the entire client campus. 200+ buildings spanning multiple campuses and sister institutions across East Tennessee. This is a contract to hire focused on datacenter routing and seasoned network engineering work.
This role will work directly alongside the current network engineer who currently carries the full load of the environment alone. The incoming engineer will take on meaningful ownership quickly, providing relief and allowing the team to function more sustainably. The team is actively growing toward 25 people and undergoing a full network architecture rebuild - a rare opportunity for an engineer who enjoys building from the ground up.
Daily responsibilities include designing, deploying, and maintaining enterprise network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, VPCs, wireless); Tier 2/3 troubleshooting; monitoring network telemetry; managing project life cycles from discovery through closure; maintaining technical documentation; and participating in an on-call rotation (perm only, contractors are not on-call). The environment includes Cisco, Aruba, Arista (actively shifting the majority of hardware from Cisco to Arista), Fortinet firewalls, and Juniper/Junos.
*Skills*
Network engineering, bgp, command line, lan/wan, datacenter, routing protocols, enterprise, cisco, juniper, junos, lan wan, routing, switching, firewalls, tcp ip, evpn, vxlan, arista, aruba, fortinet, wireless, azure, solarwinds, wireshark, linux, cloud, automation, scripting, ansible, terraform
*Top Skills' Details*
*- *Datacenter & Advanced Routing Protocols: Must have hands-on experience with high-level routing protocols, specifically BGP. EVPN and VXLAN are preferred.
- Hardware/Software: Cisco, Arista, and/or Juniper/Junos CLI Proficiency. Does not have to be a specific one but Arista, Juniper/Junos preferred. Candidate must be comfortable working entirely in the command line. Practical litmus test: can they explain how to change an interface from access to trunk mode?
- Wired/Wireless Enterprise Networking: Must have solid LAN/WAN fundamentals and a working understanding of routing protocols. Wireless experience is preferred but not required if routing protocols are strong.
- Enterprise Infrastructure Experience: 4+ years in network administration/engineering; ideally someone who has worked in large-scale campus or enterprise environments and is comfortable owning complex, multi-site infrastructure.
- High Autonomy & Self-Direction: Frank assigns tasks and expects them to run. No hand-holding. Candidate must be proactive, give feedback, and show no feet-dragging.
*Additional Skills & Qualifications*
Associate's degree or equivalent; 4+ years direct network engineering experience; intermediate knowledge of WAN/LAN, DNS/DHCP, Layer 2/3, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, firewalls, ACLs; strong verbal and written communication; Microsoft Azure networking services knowledge; must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
Preferred Certifications: CCNA, CCNP, ACMA, ACMP, AZ-500, AZ-900, Security+
Preferred Technical Skills: Automation tools (Ansible, Terraform, GitLab); network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Wireshark, Ekahau, Nmap, netflow, packet capture); hybrid cloud experience; Linux and FreeRADIUS basics; cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Oracle Cloud).
Key Attributes for Success: Comfortable getting deep in configs. Will work closely with a senior engineer who has high standards. Must be able to receive direction and run with it independently.
*Experience Level*
Expert Level
*Job Type & Location*This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.
*Pay and Benefits*The pay range for this position is $44.00 - $50.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

* Medical, dental & vision


* Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital


* 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available


* Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)


* Short and long-term disability


* Health Spending Account (HSA)


* Transportation benefits


* Employee Assistance Program


* Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
*Workplace Type*This is a hybrid position in Knoxville,TN.
*Application Deadline*This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About TEKsystems


We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services


We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

*San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:* Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

*Massachusetts Lie Detector:* It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

*Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):* We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.