Network Engineer (OT/IT) Manufacturing

Idia Consulting • Contract • Bethlehem, PA, US • $60 - $80 / hour • 4w ago

Overview
Network Engineer specializing in Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) within a manufacturing environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to design, implement, and maintain robust network infrastructure that ensures seamless communication across complex industrial and enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

Design, deploy, and support comprehensive IT and OT network infrastructure, including LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), data centers, and telecommunication systems.
Configure and manage Cisco networking devices such as routers, switches, ASA firewalls, Meraki access points, and Cisco ISE for identity services.
Implement and maintain network security measures including VPNs, IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), IPSec encryption, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), LDAP authentication, and cloud security protocols.
Oversee network monitoring using tools like SolarWinds, PRTG, and Splunk to proactively identify issues and ensure high availability of critical systems.
Support virtualization environments such as VMware vSphere and vCenter; manage system administration tasks on Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS) and UNIX-based operating systems like BSD and Solaris.
Conduct vulnerability assessments; perform regular network security audits; implement remediation strategies aligned with ITIL best practices.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support DevOps initiatives using scripting languages like Python, Bash, PowerShell; automate network management tasks with Ansible.
Maintain documentation for network architecture diagrams, configuration procedures, and SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) processes related to network deployment.

Qualifications

Proven experience in computer networking within manufacturing or industrial environments; strong understanding of OT/IT integration.
8+ years of experience in network design, implementation, and management
8+ years of experience supporting WAN/LAN/WLAN networks at an L3 level
3+ years of experience in implementing and supporting SDN, SD-WAN, and Cloud (preferably Azure) technology
3+ years of experience in implementing and supporting Fortinet firewall and suite of applications
3+ years of experience in implementing and supporting Meraki (Switches and Wireless) or similar products
Expert level multi-vendor experience with routing and switching equipment from Cisco, Juniper
Expert level understanding of, and experience with, TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, IPVPN, IPSEC, BGP, EIGRP, OSPF
Expert level understanding of MPLS, VPN and telecommunications architectures.
Understanding of QoS implementation strategies and VOIP optimization,
Experience supporting and troubleshooting Wireless LAN Architecture. Familiarity with Aruba Wireless Networks a plus.
Experience with network management, diagnostic and monitoring tools such as, PRTG, Rancid
Ability to diagnose complex network problems, determine and remediate the root cause. In depth knowledge of layer 4 – 7 troubleshooting (from a networking perspective…i.e. when an app can’t connect)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to networking, connectivity, and are essential.
Roll up your sleeves and get the work done with limited resources.
The incumbent should fully understand the role of computer networking and Information Technology in a manufacturing organization.
Must have the ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing, and the ability to work well with people from many different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience.