Lead Network Engineer

• Define and own the enterprise network architecture and standards across all U.S. sites and European operations, ensuring consistency, security, and scalability Lead the design and execution of the company’s Fortinet standardization program, including FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, FortiSASE, and FortiAnalyzer across on-prem and cloud environments Architect and oversee SD-WAN deployment across the enterprise, including design decisions for site-to-site connectivity, failover, and traffic policy Drive network segmentation strategy with specific attention to OT/IT boundary design in manufacturing environments Own the Azure networking architecture, including VNets, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, and hybrid connectivity patterns Program Delivery Lead the network overhaul for recently acquired business units, including multi-site Fortinet infrastructure deployments Collaborate with the Sr. Director of IT on capacity planning, security uplift, and long-term infrastructure investment decisions Manage vendor and MSP relationships for network infrastructure - owning technical scope, SLA accountability, and escalation pathways Ensure network infrastructure supports ERP modernization, cloud migration, and other major transformation programs

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Directly manage and develop two network infrastructure staff, including the mid-level Network Engineer
• Set technical direction, assign work, conduct code/config reviews, and provide ongoing coaching and professional development
• Establish and enforce documentation standards, change management practices, and operational runbooks across the network team
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex network incidents across domestic and international sites, * Be the most senior network voice in a company actively investing in infrastructure modernization
• Own a multi-year Fortinet standardization program with real budget and executive sponsorship
• Lead a small, growing team with direct influence over hiring, tooling, and operating standards
• Work at the intersection of IT and OT in a complex, global manufacturing environment
• Collaborate with a high-powered IT leadership team and private equity-backed executive organization with a clear growth agenda

Do you have experience in Vendor relationship building?, * 12+ years of hands-on enterprise network engineering experience, with increasing scope and seniority over time

• Demonstrated experience owning network architecture in multi-site, distributed enterprise environments - manufacturing or industrial experience a strong plus
• Proven track record leading network modernization or standardization programs from design through execution
• Prior experience managing or mentoring network engineering staff

Technical Skills

• Fortinet (required): Deep hands-on expertise across the FortiOS ecosystem - FortiGate firewalls, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, FortiSASE, and FortiAnalyzer; Security Fabric architecture experience strongly preferred
• SD-WAN: Design, deployment, and operational management of enterprise SD-WAN - Fortinet SD-WAN preferred

• Azure Networking: Practical experience with VNets, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, and hybrid on-prem/cloud routing OT/IT Segmentation: Understanding of network architecture requirements in manufacturing environments, including VLAN segmentation, zone-based firewalling, and OT protocol awareness

• Core Networking: Expert-level command of TCP/IP, BGP/OSPF, routing, switching, VLANs, DHCP/DNS, QoS, VPNs, and network security principles
• HPE Aruba/Meraki: Familiarity with Aruba and Meraki switching and wireless a plus as we complete migration from these to Fortinet

Certifications

Certifications are preferred but not required - hands-on depth matters more than paper credentials. That said, the following are viewed favorably:

• Fortinet: NSE 4, NSE 5, or NSE 6 (NSE 7 / FCSS a strong differentiator)
• Networking: CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certification
• Cloud: Azure Network Engineer Associate or other Azure certifications
• Security: Security+, CISSP, or equivalent

Soft Skills

• Confident technical authority who can present architecture decisions to both engineers and senior business stakeholders
• Collaborative leader who elevates the people around them rather than hoarding knowledge
• Bias toward documentation, repeatability, and leaving systems better than you found them
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a fast-moving, PE-backed environment where priorities can shift
• Organized and accountable - able to manage multiple concurrent programs without dropping threads