Network Infrastructure Engineer

Network Infrastructure Engineer (SME)Location: Clinton, MS (100% Onsite) Client: Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) Duration: Through March 31, 2027 Start Date: ASAPThe Mississippi Department of Revenue is seeking an experienced Network Infrastructure Engineer to support, design, and enhance its enterprise networking environment. This senior-level position will play a critical role in deploying and managing next-generation data center, campus, security, and observability solutions while supporting statewide modernization initiatives.The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Cisco networking technologies, software-defined networking, identity-based access control, network security, and enterprise infrastructure architecture.Key ResponsibilitiesData Center & Cisco ACIDesign, implement, and support Cisco Nexus environments operating in ACI mode.Configure and maintain ACI components including VRFs, Bridge Domains, EPGs, ESGs, L3Outs, contracts, and fabric policies.Integrate ACI with virtualization and container platforms such as OpenShift and Cilium.Troubleshoot ACI fabric health, segmentation, endpoint learning, and policy-related issues.Develop technical documentation, standards, and operational procedures.Software-Defined NetworkingDeploy and support Cisco Catalyst platforms and Software-Defined Access (SDA) environments.Manage SDA wired and wireless fabrics, underlay and overlay networks, policy enforcement, and authentication integrations.Collaborate with infrastructure teams to optimize network performance and reliability.Identity & SecurityAdminister Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), including TACACS+, authentication, authorization, endpoint profiling, and policy management.Support Zero Trust initiatives through identity-based segmentation and access control.Design and implement Palo Alto Network security solutions across enterprise environments.Monitoring & ObservabilitySupport and maintain Cisco ThousandEyes, Cyber Vision, and DNA Spaces platforms.Provide visibility into network performance, user experience, device behavior, and operational analytics.Generate actionable insights and reporting for leadership and technical teams.Core Network EngineeringTroubleshoot complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking issues.Support routing and switching technologies including OSPF, BGP, VLANs, STP, multicast, and QoS.Create and maintain architecture diagrams, standards, runbooks, and asset inventories.Participate in infrastructure upgrades, modernization projects, and technology planning initiatives.Required QualificationsMinimum 15 years of Cisco networking experience.Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI in enterprise production environments.Strong understanding of ACI architecture, including VRFs, Bridge Domains, EPGs, ESGs, L3Outs, and contracts.Experience with Cisco Catalyst switching platforms and Software-Defined Access (SDA).Expertise administering Cisco ISE, TACACS+, NAC, and policy-based access control.Experience with Palo Alto Networks security solutions.Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, QoS, and network security principles.Ability to create technical documentation, network diagrams, and architecture designs.Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills.Preferred QualificationsCCNP Enterprise, CCNP Data Center, CCIE, or equivalent experience.Experience with OpenShift, container networking, and virtualization integrations.Knowledge of Python, Ansible, REST APIs, or network automation tools.Familiarity with NIST cybersecurity frameworks.Prior experience supporting state government or large enterprise environments.Palo Alto certifications such as PCCSA or PCNSA.