Senior Network Engineer

Talascend is currently seeking a Senior Network Engineer for a contract opportunity with our client in Richardson, Texas
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Responsible for architecting, deploying, and supporting information and operational technology solutions for mission‑critical manufacturing sites. This role involves working closely with cross‑functional teams to design, develop, and deploy innovative infrastructure and software solutions to optimize semiconductor‑related manufacturing and business operations.

• Provide operational support for on‑premises network infrastructure, spanning from SD‑WAN‑based corporate Enterprise Wide Network down to sensor‑level communications below the equipment/tool layer.
• Collaborate with process, equipment, and advanced manufacturing engineering teams to enable network‑level equipment integration and automation aligned with semiconductor framework.
• Design, develop, and deploy next‑generation Special Use Networks to segment and isolate mission‑critical manufacturing operations from the corporate Enterprise Wide Network.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues across all layers of the IT/OT architecture, ensuring reliable and secure communication.
• Support the implementation and rollout of new network technologies, including switches, firewalls, wireless infrastructure, and monitoring tools.
• Participate in cross‑functional calls with site and corporate teams to resolve network‑related issues affecting equipment, applications, and infrastructure communications.
• Attend daily tier meetings with factory systems and manufacturing operations teams to provide network support and updates.
• Work closely with Corporate IT and Global Security to ensure all network infrastructure complies with corporate and semiconductor cybersecurity standards.
• Maintain network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration records, and change logs to support operational continuity and audits.
• Ensure network resilience, redundancy, and high availability through proper design and proactive maintenance.
• Monitor and manage network health, performance, and capacity using appropriate tools and dashboards.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting enterprise and industrial network infrastructure in manufacturing or site environments.
• 2+ years of experience with Power Shell scripting.
• 1+ years of experience with Service Management platforms.

• Hands‑on experience with Cisco network and routing equipment.
• Strong background in factory floor networking and collaboration with IT networks.
• Proficient in network fundamentals including:
  Firewall configuration, VPN setup, VLANs, subnetting, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, NAT, routing, and switching.
• Experience with high availability, redundancy, and Quality of Service protocols.
• Experience with network segmentation, resilience, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Familiarity with Dev Ops network operations, including CI/CD integration for network changes, Infrastructure as Code, Monitoring and alerting pipelines, Version control and automated deployment.
• Strong ability to document network architecture, automation scripts, and system configurations for clarity and maintainability.
• Strong understanding of IT/OT convergence including industrial protocols, SCADA systems, MES platforms, and equipment integration.
• Knowledge of industrial network architectures including:
  Layered models, DMZs, secure remote access, and redundant topologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change, improve processes, and promote cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Skilled in problem‑solving and solution design, partnering with internal customers to define issues and implement improvements.
• Highly self‑motivated and proactive, capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

• Advanced Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Certification in Cisco Certified Network Associate or equivalent.
• Experience with multi‑vendor…