Network Engineer (CCNA+/CCNP-Level) - Cisco Infrastructure & Security

We are seeking an experienced Cisco Network Engineer with skills between the CCNA and CCNP level to lead the assessment, design, architecture, and implementation of a new enterprise network environment for a customer in El Paso, Texas.

This is a highly visible, customer-facing role that requires both strong technical expertise and excellent communication skills. The selected engineer will serve as the primary technical advisor throughout the project lifecycle, working directly with customer stakeholders to evaluate the existing environment, recommend solutions, explain architectural decisions, and guide the deployment of new 25Gb switching and firewall infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is comfortable engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences, translating complex networking concepts into clear business outcomes, and building confidence with our client through thoughtful design recommendations and professional communication., Customer Engagement & Technical Leadership:

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for the customer throughout the project.
• Conduct discovery meetings to understand business, operational, and technical requirements.
• Present network design recommendations and explain the rationale behind architectural decisions.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Lead design reviews, implementation planning sessions, and project status meetings.
• Build trust and credibility by providing expert guidance and recommendations throughout the engagement.

Assessment & Discovery:

• Evaluate the existing network and security environment.
• Analyze current infrastructure, configurations, dependencies, and operational requirements.
• Identify risks, limitations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of business objectives and future growth requirements.

Network Architecture & Solution Design

• Design a secure, scalable, and resilient enterprise network architecture.
• Develop switching, routing, segmentation, and security strategies that align with business requirements.
• Create detailed network diagrams, migration plans, and implementation documentation.
• Present proposed solutions to stakeholders and address technical and business concerns.
• Provide recommendations based on industry best practices, security standards, and operational efficiency.

Configuration & Implementation:

• Configure and deploy new 25Gb Cisco switching infrastructure.
• Configure enterprise firewall solutions, VPN connectivity, routing, segmentation, and security policies.
• Develop implementation plans, testing procedures, and rollback strategies.
• Provide remote guidance and support for any onsite deployment activities.
• Validate functionality and performance throughout the implementation process.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Produce comprehensive technical documentation, including architecture diagrams and configuration standards.
• Document design decisions and operational procedures.
• Deliver knowledge transfer sessions to customer IT personnel.
• Ensure the customer has a complete understanding of the deployed environment and ongoing support requirements.

Do you have experience in VPN management?, * 5+ years of Cisco networking experience.

• Cisco CCNA certification required.
• CCNP certification preferred but not required.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise network solutions.
• Experience serving in a customer-facing consulting, professional services, or lead engineering role.
• Strong ability to communicate technical concepts to business and executive stakeholders.
• Proven experience presenting recommendations and defending architectural decisions.
• Strong understanding of:
• Cisco Switching Technologies
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking
• TCP/IP
• VLAN Design and Segmentation
• OSPF
• BGP (preferred)
• ACLs
• NAT
• VPN Technologies
• High Availability and Redundancy
• Enterprise Firewall Platforms

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification.
• Experience with Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms.
• Experience with Cisco Secure Firewall (Firepower), Fortinet, Palo Alto, or similar enterprise security platforms.
• Experience leading infrastructure modernization projects.
• Experience in consulting, professional services, or customer advisory roles.
• Strong presentation and technical documentation skills.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is more than a network engineer they are a trusted technical advisor. They possess the technical depth to assess existing environments, architect enterprise-grade solutions, and implement those solutions successfully while maintaining strong customer relationships throughout the engagement.

This individual should be comfortable challenging assumptions, recommending best practices, and explaining the "why" behind every architectural decision. Success in this role requires a combination of technical expertise, communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to confidently guide customers through complex infrastructure decisions.

5625 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road, El Paso, TX 79924 Hybrid work $40 - $55 an hour - Contract, Pulled from the full job description

• Flexible schedule