Network Engineer

This hands-on Network Engineer role supports the Network & Telecommunications team in Melbourne, FL by configuring, deploying, documenting, and supporting Cisco-based network infrastructure for communications-focused projects and mission-critical environments. You will translate engineering drawings and network designs into functional network configurations, validate solutions in a lab environment, and prepare equipment for field deployment. This position suits a self-motivated engineer who enjoys working through detailed network designs, building and validating switch configurations, supporting deployment activities, and taking ownership of projects from planning through implementation while collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and project teams.

• Configure, validate, and deploy Cisco-based network infrastructure including switches, routers, and related communications equipment for mission-critical projects.
• Build switch configurations from existing design standards and configuration baselines, ensuring consistency with organizational practices.
• Interpret engineering drawings, network diagrams, and design documents to determine equipment requirements, network architecture, VLAN structures, and device configurations.
• Extract technical requirements from project documentation and translate them into deployable network solutions that meet performance and reliability expectations.
• Develop and maintain Layer 2 and Layer 3 network configurations, including VLANs, routing, and network segmentation.
• Stage, configure, and test network equipment in a laboratory environment prior to deployment to ensure readiness and compliance with specifications.
• Load configurations onto devices, perform validation testing, package equipment, and prepare systems for shipment and field deployment.
• Support integration, commissioning, and deployment efforts across multiple projects, coordinating closely with project and deployment teams.
• Perform network validation, troubleshooting, and performance testing to verify that solutions meet project requirements and established standards.
• Troubleshoot issues involving network connectivity, routing, switching, server infrastructure, and communications systems, performing root cause analysis as needed.
• Create and maintain network diagrams, configuration baselines, deployment procedures, installation documentation, and technical reports to support ongoing operations.
• Document network changes and updates accurately to maintain configuration control and support configuration management processes.
• Participate in internal project meetings and scheduling activities, providing technical input and status updates.
• Support configuration management and engineering review processes by contributing technical expertise and ensuring adherence to standards.
• Serve as a technical resource for project teams and internal stakeholders, providing guidance on network design, deployment, and troubleshooting.
• Work directly with project managers, engineers, and deployment teams to ensure successful delivery of network solutions within agreed timelines.
• Communicate project status, technical risks, and implementation challenges proactively to relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate accountability for assigned projects by managing priorities independently and owning network deployment activities from planning through execution.
• Within the first few months, independently read network plans and engineering drawings, build and modify Cisco switch configurations using established baselines, configure and validate equipment in the lab, support project schedules with minimal supervision, produce accurate documentation, and become a trusted contributor on deployment activities.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in network engineering, network administration, systems integration, or communications infrastructure support.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience configuring Cisco networking equipment including switches and routers.
• Proven experience implementing and troubleshooting enterprise network environments.
• Ability to work effectively from engineering drawings, network diagrams, and detailed design documentation.
• Strong understanding of VLANs and their use in network segmentation.
• Solid knowledge of TCP/IP networking concepts and protocols.
• Proficiency with Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching technologies and configurations.
• Understanding of routing protocols such as RIP and BGP, with OSPF experience preferred.
• Knowledge of network segmentation, redundancy, and failover concepts to support high-availability environments.
• Experience with Cisco switch configuration and management, including use of configuration baselines and templates.
• Familiarity with configuration management and baseline control practices in a network environment.
• Experience with network troubleshooting and root cause analysis across routing, switching, and connectivity issues.
• Hands-on experience with switch deployment and staging for lab and field environments.
• Experience with router configuration and basic firewall fundamentals.
• Exposure to Windows and Linux environments in the context of network integration and support.
• Ability to develop clear and accurate technical documentation, including diagrams and procedures.
• Strong self-motivation, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of deliverables with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills to interact with project managers, engineers, deployment teams, and internal stakeholders.

• Experience supporting transportation, rail, industrial, manufacturing, utility, or other critical infrastructure environments.
• Experience reading construction, communications, or network infrastructure drawings for complex projects.
• Background supporting communications infrastructure deployments in field or mission-critical settings.
• Familiarity with virtual machine environments and virtualization technologies.
• Experience using network monitoring and analysis tools such as Wireshark, SolarWinds, or similar platforms.
• Exposure to SCADA, industrial networking, or distributed systems environments.
• Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent networking certifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining high standards of quality and documentation.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams and participating in engineering review and configuration management processes.

The role is based in a professional engineering and laboratory environment in Melbourne, FL, supporting communications-focused and mission-critical projects. You will spend significant time in a lab setting staging, configuring, and testing Cisco-based network equipment such as switches and routers before deployment. The work involves close collaboration with project managers, engineers, and deployment teams, with a focus on delivering reliable network solutions that meet defined standards and project requirements. You will work with technologies including Cisco networking platforms, TCP/IP-based networks, VLANs, routing protocols such as RIP, BGP, and OSPF, Windows and Linux systems, and network monitoring tools such as Wireshark or SolarWinds. The environment emphasizes careful documentation, configuration control, and adherence to established design baselines, and it requires a detail-oriented, self-directed approach to managing tasks and project responsibilities.

This is a Contract position based out of Melbourne, FL.

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $60.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Melbourne,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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.

Salary : $52 - $60