Network Engineer I (579)

Overview

We are seeking a skilled Mid‑Level Network Engineer to support and enhance the network and infrastructure environment within our pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This role ensures secure, reliable connectivity for both IT and OT systems, supports GMP/GxP‑regulated operations, and maintains high availability across production‑critical networks. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience with FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switching and Meraki wireless

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, monitor, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across IT and OT environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to LAN, WLAN, routing, switching, firewalls, and VPN connectivity.
• Support and optimize Meraki wireless networks, including RF tuning and interference mitigation.
• Ensure high network uptime for manufacturing systems, including OT devices, SCADA, HMI and automation equipment.
• Implement and maintain network segmentation strategies between IT and OT environments.
• Configure and manage FortiGate firewalls, including policies, NAT, VPNs, and security profiles.
• Support air‑gapped and isolated network solutions for regulated manufacturing systems.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enforce security standards and respond to vulnerabilities.
• Ensure seamless integration of network infrastructure with servers, storage, virtualization platforms, and cloud services.
• Operate within GMP/GxP frameworks, ensuring all network and infrastructure changes follow validated processes.
• Create and maintain network diagrams, configuration documentation, and asset inventories.
• Follow ITIL processes for incident, change, and problem management.
• Install, configure, and maintain Cisco switches, including VLANs, trunking, STP, QoS, and port security.
• Assist with network expansions, upgrades, and lifecycle management.
• Work closely with manufacturing, automation, and OT engineering teams to support production systems.
• Participate in on‑call rotation and provide after‑hours support for critical incidents.
• Identify opportunities to improve network performance, reliability, and security.

Required Qualifications

• 3 or more years of hands‑on experience as a Network Engineer or similar role.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing protocols, DHCP, DNS, VPNs, and network security fundamentals.
• Familiarity with GMP/GxP requirements and validated system change control.
• Working knowledge of:
• ITIL processes, Windows, Linux Server administration & networking tools
• VMware (ESXi, vCenter, virtual networking)
• NetApp and/or TrueNAS storage systems, Veeam backup and recovery

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting OT networks in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Certifications such as CCNA, Network+, Fortinet NSE, Meraki CMNA
• Experience in Sterile Injectable or regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of industrial protocols (Modbus, Profinet, OPC‑UA).
• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Analytical mindset with strong troubleshooting skills.
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, uptime‑critical environments.