What are the responsibilities and job description for the Network Engineer 1 position at Construction Partners Inc.?
Who You Are
An entry-level network professional with a security-first mindset who enjoys challenges, learning, and keeping networks running reliably and safely. You are eager to grow, take direction well, and enjoy solving day-to-day problems in a fast-paced environment. You may not have all the answers yet, but you know how to ask the right questions and escalate when needed.
Who We Are
Construction Partners, Inc. is one of the fastest-growing civil infrastructure companies in the United States, specializing in the construction and maintenance of roadways across five southeastern states. CPI has a proven track record of successfully buying and integrating companies and is considered a \"buyer of choice\" among owners seeking to sell. Our senior management team has successfully acquired and integrated approximately 60 companies over the course of their decades-long careers.
Job Duties- Perform day-to-day network operations including monitoring, troubleshooting, and basic configuration of enterprise-grade switches, access points, and routers; preferred experience with Ubiquiti UniFi/UISP, Dell, or Cisco.
- Assist with firewall administration tasks (policy review, basic rule management) under the direction of senior engineers; preferred experience with Palo Alto or equivalent enterprise next-gen firewall.
- Apply security-first thinking to all network tasks: enforce VLAN segmentation, follow least-privilege access principles, and adhere to change control processes.
- Configure and maintain network access controls and VLAN segmentation to ensure proper isolation of network zones including end-user, server, guest, and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Install and terminate network cabling; coordinate and assist with ISP circuit turn-ups including fiber, broadband, and cellular (Cradlepoint/Starlink).
- Provide LAN, WAN, and SSL VPN support for end users across multiple locations.
- Assist with acquisition site network replacements: pulling and running cable, deploying new switching/wireless infrastructure, and following standardized build runbooks.
- Maintain and update network documentation and asset records in Netbox (IPAM).
- Ensure network devices are patched and current; assist with patch scheduling.
- Escalate complex firewall changes, BGP routing issues, and advanced security events to Network Engineer 2 or Senior Network Engineers.
- Work with ISPs to troubleshoot internet outages and circuit issues.
- Monitor network alerts and respond to or escalate incidents in a timely manner.
- Willingness to travel to branch and acquisition sites when necessary (multi-state).
Minimum Requirements
- 2 years of IT or networking experience.
- Basic understanding of enterprise switching (VLANs, trunking, STP), wireless networking, and TCP/IP fundamentals.
- Hands-on experience with at least one enterprise-grade firewall platform (Palo Alto preferred; Fortinet, Cisco FTD, or equivalent acceptable).
- Hands-on experience with enterprise-grade managed switching (Ubiquiti, Cisco, Dell, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with DHCP, DNS, and basic network troubleshooting methodologies.
- Understanding of network segmentation principles including VLAN design and zone-based security.
- Security-conscious approach to network operations; awareness of common threats, vulnerabilities, and hardening practices.
- Ability to follow technical runbooks and documented procedures precisely.
- Strong documentation habits and clear written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently in the field at remote sites with minimal supervision.
- Networking or security certification such as CompTIA Network , CompTIA Security , CCNA, or equivalent.
- Hands-on experience with Ubiquiti UniFi or UISP products.
- Exposure to Palo Alto firewalls or Panorama.
- Familiarity with network access control (NAC) solutions.
- Exposure to operational technology (OT) or industrial network environments.
- Experience with Netbox or any IPAM/network documentation platform.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
At Construction Partners, we don’t just build roads – we build leaders. We provide opportunities for our employees to grow and develop meaningful careers at all levels. In addition, we offer a wide variety of benefits to support our employees’ well-being, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Construction Partners, Inc.: ROAD)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development Opportunities
Construction Partners, Inc. is dedicated to the achievement of equality of opportunity for all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected group status under federal, state or local law. Construction Partners, Inc. is an E-Verify Participant.
CPI complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.