Senior Network Engineer

Talascend is currently seeking a Senior Network Engineer for a contract opportunity with our client in Richardson, Texas.

Overview

The senior network engineer is responsible for architecting, deploying, and supporting information and operational technology solutions for a high-priority manufacturing site. This role involves designing, developing, and deploying innovative infrastructure to optimize manufacturing and business operations, with a focus on secure, reliable network communications supporting cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support for on-premises network infrastructure, including SD-WAN-based enterprise networks and sensor-level communications.
• Collaborate with process, equipment, and manufacturing engineering teams to enable network-level equipment integration and automation.
• Design, develop, and deploy next-generation special use networks (SUN) to isolate mission-critical manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues across all layers of the IT/OT architecture.
• Support 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 security teams to ensure network infrastructure compliance with cybersecurity standards.
• Maintain network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration records, and change logs.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco network and routing equipment.
• Strong background in factory floor networking (Level 2/3 OT) and collaboration with IT networks (Level 3.5/4).
• 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 QoS protocols.
• Experience with network segmentation, resilience, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Familiarity with Dev Ops network operations, including CI/CD, infrastructure as code, monitoring, alerting, and automated deployment.
• 2+ years of experience with Power Shell scripting.
• 1+ years of experience with service management platforms (e.g., Service Now).
• Ability to document network architecture, automation scripts, and configurations clearly and maintain ably.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in information technology, computer science, or related fields.
• Certification in Cisco CCNA or equivalent.
• Experience with multi-vendor network equipment (e.g., Cisco, Arista, Dell, Palo Alto).
• Experience with network patching tools (e.g., Tanium, Chef) and applying security hardening practices.
• Proficient in supporting data protection and recovery platforms (e.g., Rubrik, Veeam, Commvault, Zerto).
• Strong understanding of IT/OT convergence, including industrial protocols, SCADA, MES, and equipment integration.
• Knowledge of industrial network architectures such as layered models, DMZs, secure remote access, and redundant topologies.
• Ability to drive organizational change, improve processes, and collaborate across teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and solution design skills.
• Highly autonomous and proactive, capable of working independently.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Background Check and Drug Screen may be required.