L3 Network Engineer – LAN/WAN {USC/GC/H4}

• Job Title:

L3 Network Engineer – LAN/WAN

• Designation:

Associate Consultant

• Location:

Downers Grove, IL

• Employment Type:

Full-Time / Contract (W2)

• Department:

Network Engineering & Infrastructure

• Reports To:

Sr. Network Manager / Network Architect

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly skilled L3 Network Engineer with deep expertise in enterprise LAN, WAN, and wireless network environments. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, deployment, configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization of complex network infrastructure. This role requires strong hands-on experience with Cisco platforms and the ability to independently manage escalated network issues in a multi-geo, SLA-driven support environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•      Support and maintain the organization’s LAN, WAN, and wireless networks, including routers, hubs, switches, access points, and wireless LAN controllers (WLC)

•      Configure, optimize, and troubleshoot network infrastructure to ensure smooth, reliable operation aligned with business objectives and SLA requirements

•      Handle escalated tickets and service requests (L3 tier), performing root cause analysis and implementing permanent fixes

•      Monitor network performance proactively and troubleshoot problem areas to minimize downtime and ensure maximum uptime per SLA commitments

•      Define, document, and enforce network processes, standards, and best practices across the team

•      Oversee end-to-end installation, configuration, and migration projects for network equipment and services

•      Upgrade network infrastructure by evaluating, testing, and deploying enhancements in coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders

•      Support multi-geo (multi-geographic) environments with an understanding of distributed network architectures

•      Build and maintain lab/test environments for validating changes prior to production deployment

•      Improve customer and employee satisfaction through timely incident resolution and clear communication

•      Evaluate and recommend new technologies, design changes, and architectural improvements

•      Monitor and ensure team compliance with SLA requirements; conduct regular audits of processes and configurations

•      Identify skill gaps within the team and plan training / knowledge-sharing sessions

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Excellent hands-on experience with the following technologies is required:

Switching & Routing

•      Cisco L2 & L3 Switches (Catalyst C2960, 3560, 3850, C9200, C9300, C9500)

•      Cisco Nexus series (9K, 7K, 5K, 2K)

•      Expert-level knowledge of routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP

•      Knowledge of advanced switching concepts (VLANs, STP, VPC, port-channels, etc.)

•      Proficiency with Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, and NX-OS software platforms

Wireless

•      Thorough understanding of Cisco Meraki wireless solutions

•      Experience with Wireless LAN technologies – Cisco, Aruba, or Extreme

Security & Firewalls

•      Expert on Cisco ASA Firewall (5505, 5515) and Firepower (FPR) – all models

•      Excellent hands-on experience configuring IPSec Tunnels (Site-to-Site and Remote Access VPN)

SD-WAN & WAN Optimization

•      Understanding of SD-WAN technologies – Cisco Viptela / Silver Peak

Network Management & Monitoring Tools

•      SolarWinds, HP NNMi, Splunk, or CA eHealth

Load Balancing

•      Application load balancers – F5 BIG-IP (LTM/GTM) or Citrix NetScaler

NICE TO HAVE

•      Knowledge of advanced switching concepts (EVPN-VXLAN, fabric architectures)

•      Experience with network automation tools (Ansible, Python scripting)

•      Relevant certifications: CCNP, CCIE (R&S / Enterprise), or equivalent

SOFT SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

•      Excellent verbal and written communication skills

•      Strong documentation and technical writing abilities

•      Outstanding customer-facing and stakeholder management skills

•      Ability to perform under high-pressure situations and meet tight deadlines

•      High level of adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies

•      Team-oriented mindset with the ability to mentor and guide junior engineers

QUALIFICATIONS

•      Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related

field

•      8 years of progressive experience in enterprise network engineering (L3 level)

•      Industry certifications preferred: CCNP Enterprise, CCIE, or equivalent