Network Engineer

Overview

MGP Ingredients is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions. Its Distilling Solutions segment provides bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, gins, and vodkas to craft and multinational brands. MGP's own Branded Spirits business is growing following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco, a top spirits producer, bottler, supplier, and importer as well as the 2023 acquisition of Penelope Bourbon, known for its wide range of uniquely blended expressions.

Ingredient Solutions delivers nutritional, functional wheat- and pea-based ingredients aligned with consumer trends. The company operates in locations across the Midwestern U.S., and overseas in Northern Ireland and Mexico.

Opportunity The Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, security, and ongoing reliability of the organization’s network and infrastructure environment. This role ensures seamless connectivity across all sites, supports business-critical systems, and safeguards data through strong security controls and proactive monitoring. The Network Engineer partners with internal stakeholders to troubleshoot complex issues, implement new technologies, and maintain a secure, high performing network aligned with organizational objectives.

What You Will Be Doing

• Manage and maintain LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi, voice, firewall, and network connectivity across all sites.
• Implement, monitor, and maintain network devices including switches, routers, firewalls, SANs, servers, access points, and UPS systems.
• Configure networking hardware in accordance with manufacturer standards and industry best practices.
• Install, configure, and maintain network cabling and related equipment.
• Ensure day-to-day performance, availability, and reliability of network and infrastructure systems.

• Function as the network security administrator, ensuring appropriate user access and compliance with security standards.
• Develop, implement, and integrate network security solutions.
• Identify vulnerabilities, develop security response plans, and remediate risks.
• Safeguard systems and data from threats and malicious activity.
• Evaluate system configurations and ensure patching, drivers, and hardware remain current to meet security and business requirements.

• Troubleshoot mid- to large-scale network, application, and security issues.
• Restore routine to complex computing service operations.
• Manage incident, change, problem, and disaster recovery processes.
• Respond to emergency situations during and outside normal business hours as needed.

• Manage network servers and supporting technology tools.
• Script and automate routine tasks to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Effectively manage complex systems, networks, and IT environments.

• Create and maintain technical documentation and SOPs for networks, devices, and rules.
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new and emerging network technologies.
• Develop solutions that are practical, thorough, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Apply project management and problem-solving skills to network initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelors Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent related work experience.
• Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, and/or CCDP preferred
• Palo Alto Certifications such as PCNSE or PCNSA preferred
• 8+ years of hands-on experience designing, configuring, supporting, and troubleshooting enterprise LAN/WAN environments.
• 3+ years of experience supporting infrastructure components including servers, networking, virtualization, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, firewalls, storage, and backup solutions.
• Experience with Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco technologies including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and VPNs.
• Experience with Palo Alto firewalls, site-to-site VPNs, and secure remote access solutions.
• Strong working knowledge of routing and switching technologies including BGP, EIGRP, VLANs, MPLS, AVPN, ACLs, DHCP, SNMP, log aggregation, and port channels.
• Experience with Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP services.
• Proficiency in Power Shell scripting (2+ years preferred) and automation of routine tasks.
• Knowledge of network load balancing, remote access solutions, and emerging SD-WAN technologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and technologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple tasks and projects with minimal direction.
• Proven organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Willingness to take…