Network Engineer

This Network Engineer role focuses on installing, creating, monitoring, supporting, maintaining, and optimizing databases and network infrastructure in a lab environment. You will participate in the design of systems, ensure secure database and network access, maintain data integrity and security, and manage performance and capacity to support reliable lab operations.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain databases and network infrastructure to support lab operations.

• Create, monitor, support, and optimize database and network systems for performance and reliability.

• Participate in the design of database and network architectures to meet current and future lab needs.

• Ensure secure database and network access, including user permissions and access controls.

• Maintain data integrity and security across all systems, following best practices and organizational standards.

• Monitor and manage system performance and capacity, proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks.

• Manage daily workflow and task assignments within the lab to ensure smooth operations.

• Report to designated leads while collaborating closely with other staff and cross-functional teams.

• Maintain flexible working hours with required office presence to support lab and IT activities.

• Administer and optimize Linux-based servers that support lab operations and related services.

• Implement and monitor backup strategies to ensure data integrity and rapid recovery when needed.

• Configure and maintain virtualization platforms used for lab systems and services.

• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including switches, routers, and related components.

• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues to minimize downtime and maintain system availability.

• Document processes, system configurations, and troubleshooting guides to support consistency and knowledge sharing.

• Contribute to long-term hardware replacement planning and infrastructure upgrades as the environment evolves.

• Support the transition of the role into a broader position that includes both lab responsibilities and IT support as needed.

• Help ensure scalability of lab infrastructure as the lab grows and new systems and requirements emerge., This role is primarily office-based within a lab-focused setting, with flexibility in working hours while requiring on-site presence five days a week. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and designated leads, engaging directly with lab hardware and software systems, Linux-based servers, virtualization platforms, and network infrastructure. The environment emphasizes hands-on work, regular collaboration, and ongoing infrastructure improvements to support a growing lab and IT landscape.

• Proven experience in network operations, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network infrastructure.

• Hands-on experience with Linux administration, including installation, configuration, optimization, and maintenance of Linux-based servers.

• Ability to install, create, monitor, support, maintain, and optimize databases and associated infrastructure.

• Strong understanding of secure database and network access, including user access control and security best practices.

• Knowledge of data integrity principles and methods to ensure accuracy and consistency of stored data.

• Experience managing system performance and capacity, including monitoring and tuning for optimal operation.

• Ability to implement and monitor backup strategies to ensure data protection and recovery.

• Proficiency in troubleshooting hardware and software issues in a lab or IT environment.

• Strong documentation skills for processes, configurations, and troubleshooting guides.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with leads, lab staff, and cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a lab environment with hands-on engagement in both hardware and software systems.

• Familiarity with virtualization platforms and their configuration and maintenance.

• Experience participating in or leading infrastructure design and upgrade projects.

• long-term hardware replacement planning and infrastructure lifecycle management.

• Ability to adapt to evolving responsibilities as the lab and IT environment grows.

• Interest in transitioning into a broader role that combines lab responsibilities with IT support.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $63.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.