Role Description
The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining a secure, scalable network infrastructure that supports Hood Container's manufacturing operations and business objectives across all company locations. This is a hands-on technical role that combines network architecture and daily operations with a strong security focus. You will own the reliability and performance of our network from the front office to the plant floor, lead infrastructure projects such as SD-WAN deployments and network segmentation, and serve as the subject-matter expert for routing, switching, wireless, and security. Reporting to the Manager of IT Security, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including plant operations, IT, and cybersecurity, to ensure our infrastructure meets operational needs, security standards, and compliance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
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Network Design and Implementation:
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Design and implement secure network solutions, including RADIUS, SASE, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and secure access points across all Hood Container locations.
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Lead the design, configuration, and deployment of SD-WAN solutions across multiple manufacturing sites, assessing current infrastructure and recommending solutions that meet both business and technical requirements.
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Develop, maintain, and enforce network security policies and procedures.
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Configure and manage network security devices to protect against unauthorized access, data leaks, and cyber-attacks.
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Optimize network configurations to ensure high availability, redundancy, and performance appropriate for manufacturing environments.
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Monitoring, Maintenance, and Incident Response:
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Collaborate with the Security Team to monitor network performance and security using EDR, NDR, and SIEM tools.
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Maintain patching and update schedules for all network devices to mitigate vulnerabilities across the environment.
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Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate security risks.
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Investigate and respond to security incidents, breaches, and cyber threats.
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Develop and maintain incident response plans, and work closely with the cybersecurity team to prevent recurrence.
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Multi-Site Operations and IT/OT Support:
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Support network infrastructure across multiple manufacturing plants, ensuring consistent standards, configurations, and security posture at every site.
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Travel to plant locations as needed (up to 35%) for deployments, troubleshooting, and infrastructure assessments.
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Collaborate with plant operations and OT teams to support plant-floor network connectivity.
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Serve as a technical resource and business partner for plant managers and stakeholders.
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Collaboration, Training, and Documentation:
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Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to continuously improve the organization's overall network security posture.
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Provide mentoring and technical guidance to junior network engineers and IT staff.
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Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date documentation of network configurations, topology, security policies, and procedures.
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Generate regular reports on network security status, incidents, and remediation efforts.
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Stay current with emerging network security trends, threats, and technologies.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
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5-7+ years of experience in network engineering with a demonstrated focus on network security.
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Strong knowledge of network protocols, routing, and switching (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF).
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Experience with firewall management (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, Meraki).
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Proficiency with VPNs, SASE, IDS/IPS, NDR, EDR, and SIEM systems.
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Expert knowledge of wireless networking standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and security protocols (WPA2, WPA3).
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Strong understanding of SD-WAN architecture, including edge devices, controllers, and orchestrators.
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Proficiency in network security principles and practices, particularly as they relate to SD-WAN environments.
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Familiarity with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Wireshark).
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Strong understanding of encryption technologies, authentication methods, and network access control.
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Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and travel to plant locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications
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Certifications such as CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, Palo Alto PCNSE, or CCIE.
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Azure Network Engineer Associate or equivalent cloud networking certification is a plus.
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Experience with cloud network security (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
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Prior experience in manufacturing, industrial, or multi-site environments.
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Familiarity with IT/OT convergence concepts and network segmentation for industrial control systems.
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Experience supporting network infrastructure across geographically distributed locations.
Work Environment
This is a full-time remote position. The role involves travel to manufacturing plant locations (up to 35%), including occasional visits to production floor environments. Some after-hours or weekend work may be necessary for maintenance windows, deployments, or emergency response.
Benefits
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Competitive pay & benefits: We offer a competitive base salary, an annual bonus program, and a comprehensive benefits package.
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Continuous learning: We invest in paid training and development to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
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Caring & Empowering Company Culture: Supportive & collaborative team dedicated to seeing you unbox your potential.
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Growing Company in a Sustainable Industry.
