IT Support Technician

• All legitimate correspondence from our recruiting team will only come from an email address ending in @lrs.com. We do not use generic domains like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or @outlook.com.
• We never conduct interviews solely via text-based chat on Microsoft Teams, Telegram, or WhatsApp. All virtual interviews involve a scheduled video or phone call with a member of our team.
• LRS will never ask a candidate for payment, fees, or to purchase equipment (e.g., laptops, software) as a condition of employment.
• All genuine job opportunities are listed directly on our official careers portal at Careers., We are currently seeking two experienced Network Engineers to join a long-term engagement with a valued client in Central Illinois. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who thrive in collaborative environments and want to help drive transformation across modern networking platforms.

LRS Consulting Services has delivered IT excellence for over 30 years. Our reputation for quality, flexibility, and strong client relationships continues to create new opportunities for talented professionals.

As part of the Technology Operations Infrastructure Engineering Team, you will play a critical role supporting the transformation of networking systems and driving continuous improvement across the organization.

This role is ideal for an engineer who:

• Enjoys working collaboratively with engineers and architects
• Brings creativity to solution design
• Thrives in a learning-oriented, cross-functional environment
• Has a passion for modern networking technologies and automation

Apply Today If you're ready to bring your expertise to a forward-thinking engineering team and make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with the design, management, and troubleshooting of wireless networks in both office and process environments.
• Assist with the management and monitoring of multiple radio systems across the United States
• Assist with tracking and managing ADMs FCC licensing which includes ~ 450 active licenses
• Providing support for remote locations and assist by reviewing quotations in an effort to increase cost savings and boost system performance.
• Recommending radio systems and provide guidance on future technologies., * Design and develop network engineering solutions aligned with enterprise standards, or propose new standards where required
• Build network strategies, roadmaps, and implementation plans for next-generation networking systems
• Develop and implement Software Defined Networking (SDN) and automation across:

• Cloud (Azure)
• WAN / LAN
• Wireless environments

• Introduce and enhance AiNetOps capabilities within network platforms
• Collaborate with architecture and operations teams to deliver scalable, holistic solutions
• Create low-level designs, build documentation, and implementation instructions
• Support operations teams with P1/P2 incident escalation and resolution
• Conduct requirements gathering and technical analysis for new initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement of networking systems and processes
• Integrate security-by-design principles into all solutions
• Perform technical reviews, RCA analysis, and action planning
• Partner with third-party vendors for solution development and optimization
• Maintain awareness of operational activities and provide SME-level guidance

Must Have Experience With

• SASE, SD-WAN, and ZTNA architectures (core requirement) including enterprise-level design, deployment, and optimization
• Software Defined Networking (SDN) across multi-domain environments (Cloud, WAN, LAN, Wireless)
• Network automation and orchestration using tools such as Python, Ansible, Terraform, or similar
• Azure cloud networking, including VNet design, ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, hybrid connectivity, segmentation, and security
• Next-generation firewall technologies (Palo Alto, Cisco Firepower), including policy design and threat prevention
• Advanced routing and switching in enterprise/data center environments:

• L2/L3 design, implementation, and troubleshooting
• Routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, IS-IS

• Secure network access technologies:

• VPNs (site-to-site and client-based)
• Zero Trust architectures and identity-aware access

• Encryption and network security protocols (IPSec, SSL, TLS, DTLS, certificates)
• Monitoring and observability platforms, including integration with automation tools:

• CA UIM, DOI, SolarWinds, or similar
• AiNetOps and predictive monitoring solutions

• MPLS and WAN optimization, including migration to SD-WAN
• Enterprise wireless networking, including RF design and controller-based architectures
• DNS, DHCP, and IPAM in complex enterprise environments
• Multi-vendor CLI and API-based configuration and troubleshooting
• High availability and resiliency design (failover, redundancy, DR strategies)
• Network segmentation and microsegmentation across campus, data center, and cloud
• Integration with identity and security platforms (IAM, Azure AD, NAC)

• Experience with managing and maintaining Cisco WLC 5508s, 5520s, & 9800s
• Experience with software tools such as Ehahau, Netscout's AirMagnet, WiFi Analyzer (Airmagnet, Savvius or Commview for WiFi), and Spectrum XT.
• Conducting virtual and on-site wireless surveys in office and plant/process environments delivering heat maps, spectrum reports, interference analyses, etc.
• Designing, configuring, and managing microwave point-to-point networks in the 2.4, 5, 24, & 60 GHz bands utilizing Ubiquiti's "AirMax" and "AirFiber" product lines or licensed links.
• Experience with Designing, Configuring, Managing, and Troubleshooting various Cisco switches, routers, firewalls including WLAN networks.
• Experience with managing Cisco ISE (AAA Radius/TACACS) servers, design of layer 2 and 3 networks, documenting and creating network maps
• Experience with VPNs utilizing Cisco AnyConnect
• Obtaining quotes, configuring, and coordinating with contractors on the installation of equipment.
• Experience with management and monitoring platforms such as Solar Winds & Prime Infrastructure.
• Experience with tools Wire Shark & Secure CRT.
• Knowledge of Cisco DNA Center and any certifications a plus (CCNA, CWNA, or equivalent)
• Must be willing to travel (10 to 30%) to various locations across the U.S. Must be willing to conduct on-site surveys in plant and process environments wearing proper PPE.
• Land Mobile Radio (LMR) or Two-Way Radio
• Experience with the design, installation, maintenance & management of various wireless radio systems including the following: Motorola Solutions Capacity Max, Connect Plus, Capacity Plus, or IP Site Connect
• Radio Certifications a plus
• Experience as a radio technician working at a Motorola Solutions dealer a plus
• Knowledge of cellular technologies or LTE a plus, * 8+ years of experience as a Network Engineer
• Experience designing and implementing technology roadmaps and engineering solutions
• Strong ability to translate requirements into detailed engineering designs (Visio)
• Experience supporting operations teams in incident and request resolution
• Ability to create low-level design and implementation documentation

Certifications (Preferred / Strongly Desired)

• CCNP (highly preferred)
• CCNA, CCIE
• CWNA, CWAP, CWSP, CWDP

Additional Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (English)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
• No Corp-to-Corp candidates will be considered

• Candidate must be able to effectively communicate in English (written & verbal)
• Candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the USA for any employer
• Corp to Corp candidates will not be considered

The base range for this contract position is $40 - $70 per hour, depending on experience. Pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is based on job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.