Network Engineer

We are partnering with a fast-growing organization just outside of Madison, WI that is investing heavily in modernizing its IT infrastructure. They are seeking a Network Engineer to join their team in a highly visible, hands-on role supporting and evolving a multi-site network environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a mix of day-to-day operational support and impactful project work, with the ability to influence architecture and long-term strategy.

What You'll Be Doing

• Serve as the primary escalation point for network-related issues (approx. 70% of your time)
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network incidents across multiple sites
• Support and maintain network infrastructure including firewalls, switches, routers, and VPNs
• Partner with a third-party NOC (BDO) for monitoring while owning deeper technical resolution
• Contribute to network architecture, design, upgrades, and modernization initiatives (approx. 30%)
• Lead and support infrastructure improvement projects, including recent SD-WAN upgrades
• Maintain and improve network documentation and standards
• Assist with asset management and lifecycle planning
• Provide overall network administration and ensure system reliability across 8 plant locations

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Exposure to security tools and concepts:
• Microsoft Defender
• Intune
• Entra (Azure AD)
• Broader understanding of network architecture and security best practices, * High visibility role with influence on network direction and modernization
• Opportunity to step into a key position with long-term growth potential
• Stable, growing company in the manufacturing space
• Clear path to full-time employment

If you're a seasoned Network Engineer looking for a role where you can blend support, strategy, and modernization-this is a strong opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

• A well-rounded, generalist mindset vs. niche specialization
• Someone who takes ownership and can operate independently
• A professional who has invested in continuous learning (certifications highly valued)
• A team player who can step into a critical role and make an immediate impact, Must-Have Qualifications
• 8+ years of hands-on network engineering experience
• Strong experience with:
• Fortinet / FortiGate firewalls
• SD-WAN (recent upgrade experience preferred)
• Sophos VPN
• Cisco networking (switches & routers; SmartNet support environment)
• Meraki WiFi
• Experience participating in or leading network modernization projects
• Ability to balance reactive support and proactive improvements
• Strong documentation and communication skills

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.