Network Engineer

  • Full Time
  • Houston, TX
  • This position has been filled

MRE Consulting, Ltd. (CK)

We are seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer with a strong background in Fortinet technologies to design, implement, and manage our network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiSwitch, FortiAPs, FortiVPN, and ZTNA solutions. This role requires a proactive professional who can enhance security, optimize performance, and support business continuity by maintaining a robust and secure network environment across our 70+ offices and 200+ job sites.

In addition, this position requires a solid understanding of key networking concepts, hands-on experience with Starlink, Cradlepoint, and 4G/5G/LTE technologies, and responsibility for managing our Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to ensure optimal connectivity across all locations. A strong understanding of cloud security, particularly in Azure, is required. The ideal candidate must also possess strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage and maintain the organization’s network infrastructure across ~70 offices and 200+ job sites.
  • Oversee new office and job site setups, from planning to deployment, including:
  • Gathering and understanding network requirements for each request.
  • Developing a Bill of Materials (BoM) for necessary network equipment.
  • Designing and configuring subnet assignments, VLANs, routing, firewall rules, and security policies.
  • Deploying network infrastructure, which may include traveling to job sites for hands-on setup and validation.
  • Coordinating with cabling contractors to ensure proper cabling infrastructure is in place.
  • Keeping all stakeholders informed throughout the process, providing clear updates on progress, challenges, and timelines.
  • Configure, manage, and optimize FortiGate firewalls for security policies, intrusion prevention, and threat management.
  • Deploy and maintain FortiManager for centralized firewall policy management and automation.
  • Utilize FortiAnalyzer for log analysis, security event monitoring, and compliance reporting.
  • Implement and support FortiSwitch and FortiAPs to ensure high-performance networking and seamless connectivity.
  • Configure and manage FortiVPN solutions (IPsec, SSL VPN) to enable secure remote access.
  • Deploy and support Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategies leveraging Fortinet solutions.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues related to Fortinet devices and services.
  • Monitor network performance and security using Fortinet’s ecosystem and other monitoring tools.
  • Manage ISP relationships by monitoring service performance, handling escalations, negotiating contracts, and optimizing connectivity solutions.
  • Implement and maintain Starlink, Cradlepoint, and 4G/5G/LTE technologies to ensure reliable connectivity at remote job sites.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of cloud security in Azure, ensuring secure network integration with cloud-based services.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enforce network security best practices and compliance standards.
  • Assist with network documentation, topology diagrams, and operational procedures.
  • Stay updated with the latest Fortinet technologies and industry trends to enhance network efficiency and security.
  • Effectively communicate with internal teams, vendors, and external partners to ensure alignment on network projects and initiatives.
  • Collaborate across departments to understand business needs and provide tailored network solutions that support organizational objectives.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of experience in network engineering, with a strong focus on Fortinet products.
  • Fortinet certifications preferred (e.g., NSE 4, NSE 5, NSE 6, NSE 7).
  • Hands-on experience with FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiSwitch, FortiAPs, and FortiVPN.
  • Strong understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, etc.) and security concepts.
  • Experience with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and SD-WAN solutions.
  • Knowledge of cloud security, specifically within Azure.
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting network issues and optimizing performance.
  • Experience with Starlink, Cradlepoint, and 4G/5G/LTE technologies for network connectivity in remote locations.
  • Ability to manage multiple ISPs, optimize service performance, and handle contract negotiations.
  • Understanding of cybersecurity concepts and key frameworks such as NIST and CIS.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to job sites for network setup and troubleshooting.

 

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with firewall migration projects and multi-vendor network environments.
  • Familiarity with cloud security (Azure) and Fortinet Cloud solutions.
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