Role: Network Engineer

Location: Itasca, IL (Onsite)

Job type: FTE

Position Summary: We are looking for a network engineer who will be responsible for maintaining and administering our company's computer networks and servers. Your primary duties will include maintenance of computer networks, hardware, software, and other related systems, performing disaster recovery operations, protecting data, software, and hardware from attacks, and replacing faulty network and system hardware components when necessary. You will also be working closely with the users of our network to identify potential issues and fix existing problems. To be a successful candidate, you will need to have a strong understanding of network infrastructure, network hardware, virtualization, and Windows servers. You will also need to be able to implement, administer, and troubleshoot network devices including WAPs, firewalls, routers, switches, load balancers, storage area networks, network-attached storage and host servers. A deep knowledge of application transport and network infrastructure protocols is highly desired.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

Technical Duties

Maintaining and administering computer networks and related computing environments including systems software, applications software, hardware, and configurations.

Performing disaster recovery operations and data backups when required. Protecting data, software ,and hardware by coordinating, planning, and implementing network security measures.

Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving hardware, software, and other network and system problems.

Replacing faulty network and system hardware components when required.

Manage and ensure effectiveness of security solutions, including firewalls, anti-virus solutions, and intrusion detection systems.

Manage and ensure effectiveness of servers, including e-mail, print, and backup servers, and their associated operating systems and software. Responsible for on-site and off-site data centers.

Monitoring network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made. Monitoring network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made.

Conferring with network users about solving existing system problems.

Operating master consoles to monitor the performance of networks and computer systems.

Coordinating computer network access and use.

Designing, configuring, and testing networking software, computer hardware, and operating system software.

Financial Duties

Negotiate with vendors, out sourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.

Take part in both CAPEX and OPEX planning to maximize value for investment.

Prepare RFPs, bid proposals, contracts, scope of work reports, and other documentation for IT projects and associated efforts.

Perform cost-justifications analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.

Think creatively to reduce costs while moving forward major goals.

Experience, Competencies, and Education:

Knowledge & Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in a multi-location WAN / LAN environment with Cisco, Meraki, or similar mainstream manufacturers products.

Network security experience; Endpoint, Server, Cloud, Mail, XDR, and Packet Capture. In depth knowledge of network infrastructure, including Firewalls, IPS, Routing, Switching, Load Balancing, and monitoring tools.

Extensive knowledge with Wi-Fi technology including multi-band and multi-network connectivity, monitoring, and rotating keys.

Extensive knowledge Windows Server with virtualization including VMWare and Hyper-V.

Experience in implementing VoIP systems, including traffic prioritization

Ability to think through problems and visualize solutions.

Knowledge of application transport and network infrastructure protocols.

Ability to create accurate network diagrams and documentation for design and planning network communication systems.

Provide specific detailed information for hardware and software selection.

Ability to quickly learn new or unfamiliar technology and products using documentation and internet resources.

Ability to work with all levels of staff within and outside of IT and outside the organization.

A self-starter able to work independently but comfortable working in a team environment.

Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

Depend able and flexible when necessary.

LAN and WAN experience.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasional travel required to visit off site locations or to support tradeshows. Light physical effort equal to frequent lifting or moving of lightweight materials.

Regularly required to sit or stand, bend and reach, use hands to handle objects, tools or controls, climb ladders, and move fixtures.

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate