Network Operations Analyst

Network Operations Analyst

Energy / Industrial Operations Environment

Overview

A large, growth-oriented energy infrastructure organization is seeking an experienced Network Operations Analyst to support and maintain a robust LAN/WAN environment across operational facilities. This role is ideal for a hands-on networking professional with strong Cisco switching experience who enjoys working in production/plant environments supporting critical infrastructure.

The position is based at the Mont Belvieu, TX facility and is primarily on-site (commuting to the facility 4–5 days per week). There is occasional regional travel to nearby and other supported facilities in Texas/Louisiana as business needs require. A company vehicle is provided for travel between locations (contractor use is business-related).

This is a contract-to-hire opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, update, and oversee network operations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and internal procedures, with strong emphasis on health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Provide hands-on network design, installation, configuration, testing, and Tier 2–3 troubleshooting for LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Perform on-site “break/fix” and network support within the primary facility and nearby operational sites as needed.
• Support network growth and upgrade initiatives, including hardware/software installation and integration testing.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of LAN/WAN topologies and protocols including OSPF, BGP, NAT/PAT, and VPNs.
• Interface with and direct telecom and technology vendors to complete tasks and projects on time and within budget.
• Participate in meetings, validation sessions, and project discussions while representing technical capabilities with professionalism.
• Lead job assignments independently with minimal supervision; partner with team members as needed for escalations.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and develop an understanding of plant operations and business needs.
• Mentor and share expertise with junior members of the network team.

Schedule / Work Environment

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM (aligned to plant operations).
• Work is performed in active gas/industrial plant environments and requires consistent use of required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, FR clothing, etc.).
• Must be comfortable operating in safety-sensitive environments and exercising stop-work authority when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in MIS, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field or equivalent relevant experience.
• 7–10 years supporting and maintaining local and wide area network infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of Cisco switching (must be able to configure switches independently without hands-on guidance).
• Strong understanding of network security concepts and best practices.
• Experience with firewall operations, policy development, and deployment; familiarity with enterprise firewall concepts.
• Familiarity with securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) aligned to NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 2.
• Strong understanding of routing and switching protocols (including OSPF/BGP).
• Ability to clearly present technical concepts and proposals to business stakeholders.
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize work, and adapt in fast-changing environments.
• Comfortable working in operational/plant environments.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card (fingerprinting/background clearance) for access to certain facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as CCNP and/or PCNSE (active or previously held).
• Experience supporting Palo Alto firewalls (Panorama familiarity a plus).
• Experience with Aruba ClearPass and Aruba wireless infrastructure.
• Familiarity with SolarWinds and ServiceNow.
• Exposure to related plant technologies (nice-to-have): VoIP/Teams phones, basic server/virtualization support, CCTV/cameras, microwave radio/wireless backhaul.
• Prior experience in oil & gas / industrial environments.
• Self-starter with a positive, service-oriented mindset.

Additional Information

• This role requires consistent on-site presence at operational facilities.
• A company vehicle is provided for travel between business locations.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: The organization provides equal employment opportunities based on merit and qualifications and complies with all applicable employment laws.