Information Technology Services Specialist

Senior Principal Technology Specialist – Senior Network EngineerOnsite-77380Contract to HireThe Senior Principal Technology Specialist – Senior Network Engineer provides strategic and technical leadership for enterprise and data center networking, security, telecommunications, and cloud infrastructure. This role designs, implements, secures, and optimizes scalable network and firewall solutions while supporting global operations, business initiatives, and infrastructure modernization efforts. Reporting to the Director of IT Infrastructure, this individual collaborates closely with Global IT, Engineering, Operations, Project Management, business leaders, and Managed Service Provider (MSP) partners.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and maintain enterprise/data center networks, firewalls, wireless, cloud, SD-WAN, SASE, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and security toolsLead network security initiatives, including Palo Alto and Cisco firewall administration, policy management, and complianceManage and provide oversight of Managed Service Provider (MSP) teams, ensuring service quality, operational performance, SLA compliance, and alignment with business objectivesServe as the primary escalation point and technical lead for MSP-delivered network and infrastructure servicesDevelop scalable, resilient, and secure network architectures supporting global operationsMonitor and optimize network performance, availability, and reliabilitySupport cloud networking, third-party integrations, VoIP/telephony, and disaster recovery planningCollaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver infrastructure projects and continuous improvement initiativesDevelop technical standards, documentation, runbooks, and operational proceduresProvide Tier 3/4 escalation support, root cause analysis, and technical mentorshipQualificationsBachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required15+ years of enterprise networking and infrastructure experience preferred8+ years of firewall/security administration experience (Palo Alto/Cisco)Proven experience managing MSP/vendor relationships and outsourced infrastructure support teams requiredStrong expertise in routing, switching, SD-WAN, SASE, VPNs, wireless, cloud networking, and cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CIS, ISO)Experience with Cisco IOS/NXOS, Palo Alto Panorama, Azure networking, DNS, WAF, SIEM, and network monitoring toolsPreferred certifications: CCNP Enterprise/Security, PCNSE, Azure NetworkStrong analytical, communication, project management, and problem-solving skillsExperience with automation/scripting (Python, PowerShell) preferred