Network Engineer I - Enterprise Network Operations & Lifecycle

Job Description:

Network Engineer I - Enterprise Network Operations & Lifecycle

We are seeking a Network Engineer I to support the daily operations of our global enterprise network environment. This role is responsible for supporting day-to-day enterprise network operations, resolving standard network incidents, executing approved changes, and contributing to hardware lifecycle activities across routing, switching, firewall, wireless, and SD-WAN platforms.

This position plays an active role in maintaining network stability, supporting operational consistency, and executing defined network tasks within established standards and processes.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Sponsorship is not available for this position

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Network Operations

• Provide operational support for enterprise network platforms including switching, routing, firewalls, wireless, and SD-WAN systems.
• Monitor network performance, respond to alerts, and troubleshoot standard network incidents.
• Diagnose and resolve common network issues including connectivity, wireless performance, DHCP/DNS, VLAN, and port-related issues.
• Execute approved standard network changes such as port activations, VLAN assignments, access point replacements, and routine configuration updates following established standards.
• Resolve standard issues independently and escalate non-standard or complex issues with clear analysis, troubleshooting history, and recommended next steps where appropriate.

Incident & Queue Management

• Own assigned network incidents and service requests from triage through resolution, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and appropriate escalation when required.
• Apply established troubleshooting methodologies to resolve incidents efficiently.
• Maintain accurate and timely updates within the ticketing system.
• Participate in on-call rotation and incident response processes.

Hardware Lifecycle Support

• Perform installation, refresh, and decommissioning activities for network hardware including switches, access points, firewalls, and related infrastructure.
• Execute lifecycle and deployment tasks across multiple locations following defined procedures.
• Maintain accurate inventory, asset tracking, and lifecycle documentation.
• Coordinate with field resources, logistics, and internal teams to support successful deployment and transition activities.

Change & Process Execution

• Support approved change activities by completing assigned tasks, validating results, and documenting outcomes in accordance with change management processes.
• Execute against established operational processes, standards, and runbooks.
• Identify recurring issues or trends and communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Contribute to maintaining network reliability, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with network engineering, infrastructure teams, field resources, and service delivery teams to resolve issues and complete assigned work.
• Communicate technical updates clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Engage with team members to align on solutions and escalate when appropriate.

Documentation & Standards

• Document troubleshooting steps, configurations, changes, and resolutions in a consistent and auditable manner.
• Maintain and update support documentation, runbooks, diagrams, and asset records as needed.
• Adhere to change management, security, compliance, and operational standards.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Practical working knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, subnetting, routing/switching concepts, and wireless connectivity.
• Hands-on familiarity with enterprise networking platforms such as Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Palo Alto, or similar technologies.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to resolve standard network issues independently and escalate complex issues with clear supporting documentation.
• Experience working in a ticket-driven, SLA-based support environment.
• Ability to execute tasks consistently within defined processes, standards, and change control requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce clear, complete, and timely technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of networking or infrastructure experience, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Entry-level certifications such as CCNA, JNCIA, Network+, or similar.
• Experience with network monitoring tools.
• Experience supporting multi-site or enterprise network environments.
• Basic familiarity with SD-WAN concepts.
• Familiarity with ITIL or structured support environments.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a large-scale enterprise network environment.
• Hands-on experience supporting critical infrastructure platforms.
• Participation in enterprise network lifecycle and modernization efforts.
• A collaborative team environment with opportunities to expand technical responsibilities.

Perks & Benefits

• Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous 401(k) savings plan.
• Education assistance.
• On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service.
• And many more - visit our benefits site for additional details.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.