Network Support Engineer

Job Title

Network Support Engineer

Albany, NY

Contract to Hire (Contract)

Mid-Senior

Contract

Information Technology

Software Development

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• Collaborate with the IT service desk and infrastructure teams on the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of network technologies across cloud and on‑prem environments.
• Design, install, configure, and support Cisco routers, switches, Meraki access points, and firewalls, as well as Azure virtual networks, VPN gateways, and network security groups (NSGs).
• Implement and manage hybrid connectivity solutions such as Azure Express Route, Site‑to‑Site VPNs, and Meraki SD‑WAN to secure and reliable communication between offices and cloud environments.
• Monitor and optimize network performance across both Azure virtual networks and on‑premises Cisco infrastructure using tools such as Azure Network Watcher and Meraki Dashboard.
• Install, configure, and update network software and firmware; maintain hardware, licenses, and virtual network devices.
• Document network topology, configurations, and policies – including Azure resource groups, VNets, and subnets – and maintain detailed runbooks.
• Test network protocols, ensure stable and secure server and cloud connectivity, and coordinate changes following best practices.
• Enhance network security by implementing and auditing firewall rules, Azure Private Endpoints, and VPN access controls in collaboration with the information security team.
• Evaluate, recommend, and deploy next‑generation solutions to improve scalability, availability, and security across Cisco, Meraki, and Azure ecosystems.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for network incidents, including Azure connectivity issues and Meraki wireless network performance.
• Train junior IT staff in network operations, cloud connectivity, and security best practices.
• Maintain compliance with industry standards, including Zero Trust Networking and Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework principles.
• Plan network capacity to meet demand in online traffic and remote connectivity.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate subcontractor activities related to Cisco/Meraki installations or Azure network projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and familiarity with Cisco Meraki – switching, routing, wireless, etc.; heavy Cisco environment (Cisco Certified Network Engineer preferred).
• Experience with Windows Server and cloud environments (Azure preferred, AWS acceptable); patching and scripting skills (Power Shell, Azure CLI, or Python) highly preferred.
• Hands‑on physical network maintenance in data center(s) and network closets.
• In‑depth knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking: VNets, NSGs, Express Route, VPN Gateway, Private Link, Application Gateway, and Azure Firewall.
• Strong expertise in Cisco network administration:
  Layer 2/3 switching, routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP), and Cisco and Meraki firewalls.
• Practical experience with Cisco Meraki cloud‑managed networking – configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting via the Meraki Dashboard.
• In‑depth understanding of wireless networking concepts, RF fundamentals, 802.11 protocols, and Wi‑Fi security standards.
• Experience deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco and Meraki wireless solutions including site surveys and performance tuning.
• Ability to design and maintain hybrid network topologies integrating on‑premises systems with cloud infrastructure.
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools (e.g., Power Shell, Azure CLI, Python) a plus.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex networking and connectivity issues.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, VPN technologies, and identity‑based access control.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate across teams and present technical solutions to non‑technical audiences.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bache…