Network Engineer

Network Engineer Campus & Datacenter
Location: Palo Alto, CA | Industry: Cybersecurity Software | Type: Contract (3.5 months, onsite)

Role Summary
Join a leading cybersecurity software company, safeguarding thousands of organizations globally. As a Network Engineer on the headquarters global infrastructure team, you will own and advance the corporate and datacenter networks that underpin both workforce operations and production environments. This is a full-stack, hands-on role with significant influence across campus, wireless, datacenter, and firewall domains.

Key Responsibilities

- Design, implement, and maintain corporate LAN infrastructure, including access, distribution, and core switching (VLANs, STP, QoS).
- Administer next-generation firewalls (Palo Alto Networks, Panorama), including security policy, zone segmentation, GlobalProtect VPN, and zero-trust architecture.
- Manage enterprise wireless LANs (Wi-Fi 6), including RF site surveys, SSID design, and troubleshooting (Meraki, Aruba).
- Operate and optimize datacenter spine-leaf fabric with BGP, VxLAN/EVPN, and high-availability designs.
- Oversee 802.1X network access control, certificate-based authentication, and guest segmentation.
- Monitor network health via SNMP, telemetry, NetFlow/sFlow; lead incident response and root-cause analysis.
- Collaborate on rack-and-stack expansions with server, storage, and platform teams.
- Build automation using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and leverage AI-assisted tools for log analysis and documentation.
- Review and optimize firewall policies; support security audits and compliance initiatives.

Key Skills Sought

- Palo Alto Networks firewall and Panorama administration
- BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP, L2/L3 enterprise routing and switching
- Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi 6, RF optimization, Meraki/Aruba)
- Datacenter spine-leaf, VxLAN/EVPN, high-availability networking
- Automation with Python, Ansible, Terraform (preferred)

Recruiter Insights

- High-impact, full-stack network ownership at a publicly traded cybersecurity leader.
- Broader scope than typical contract roles: campus, wireless, datacenter, and firewall.
- Strong emphasis on automation and AI tooling ideal for candidates seeking to advance in network automation.
- Bay Area onsite pay is competitive ($70 $85/hr for 4-6 years' experience).
- PCNSE, CCNP, or cloud networking skills are preferred but not required.

Candidate Insights

- Exposure to cutting-edge security and networking technologies in a mission-critical environment.
- Opportunity to work on both campus and datacenter networks, including next-gen wireless and high-availability design.
- Hands-on automation and AI tools foster skills development and career growth.
- Collaborate with a skilled infrastructure team in a high-visibility, high-responsibility role.
- Contract offers a strong Bay Area rate; inquire about possible extension or conversion.

Competitive Advantages

- Full-stack exposure in a cybersecurity environment.
- Emphasis on next-gen networking and automation.
- Opportunity to work with best-in-class technologies and develop highly marketable skills.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experienced network engineer (4 6 years), hands-on with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Panorama, enterprise switching, Meraki or Aruba wireless, and some datacenter fabric. Certifications (PCNSE, CCNP) and automation skills are highly valued.

Location

Onsite in Palo Alto, CA (Peninsula commute required). Target Bay Area experienced engineers; relocation considered if talent pool is limited.