Sr. Network Engineer - PCNSE

We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to join our dynamic IT team in Sacramento, CA. This contract role offers the opportunity to design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable network infrastructures for a forward-thinking organization. As a key contributor, you'll collaborate with multiple teams to optimize network performance, enhance security protocols, and integrate innovative solutions tailored to business needs.

This hybrid position requires candidates to be located locally and commit to onsite collaboration 2 days per week (increasing to 4 starting in July). We prioritize candidates who thrive in cooperative environments, demonstrate technical expertise, and maintain a strong focus on security compliance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Network Design & Implementation:

• Develop high-performance network architectures that align with organizational objectives.
• Deploy, configure, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks firewalls, ensuring optimal performance and security.
• Lead large-scale network infrastructure projects, including upgrades and migrations.

Security & Compliance:

• Monitor for vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks using industry-standard tools.
• Implement Palo Alto solutions effectively to ensure compliance with security standards.
• Collaborate with the IT Security team to enforce firewall policies and threat detection measures.

Optimization & Performance:

• Identify areas for performance improvement and network scalability.
• Manage bandwidth utilization and traffic prioritization with advanced routing techniques.
• Monitor and evaluate system performance metrics, ensuring seamless operation.

Team Collaboration:

• Serve as the senior technical advisor to junior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Document processes and provide training/resources to support system understanding.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure network upgrades align with organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in network engineering, with a strong emphasis on AWS networking environments.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with AWS networking components and services, including VPCs, Transit Gateway, Route 53, Direct Connect, VPNs, and PrivateLink.
• Deep knowledge of networking fundamentals and protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, IPsec, BGP, etc.).
• Proven experience designing and implementing load balancing and fault-tolerant architectures in AWS.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills (mandatory).
• Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive resolution of conflicting requirements (mandatory).
• Expertise in network security best practices within cloud environments.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty (ANS-C01).
  • Experience with other public cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
  • Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Terraform or AWS CloudFormation.
  • Proficiency with scripting or automation languages such as Python or PowerShell.

How to Apply:
 Interested candidates should submit their resume highlighting their Palo Alto Networks experience. Applications must confirm eligibility to work on-site in Sacramento, CA.

Staffing Firms

Please submit your candidates as above at your best rate. Candidates must be authorized to work on your payroll.