Network Operations Engineer

Network Operations Engineer (L1/L2)

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Duration: Contract

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Network Operations Engineer (L1/L2) to support, monitor, and maintain our global network infrastructure. In this role, you will monitor, troubleshoot, and operationally manage our global network infrastructure across WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, wireless, and network security environments in real time. You will play a key role in maintaining high availability and performance across cloud and on-premises networks by handling incident management, change execution, and OEM vendor coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

• Incident Management & Troubleshooting
• Perform L1/L2 operational troubleshooting across Palo Alto Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma Access, and Prisma SD-WAN.
• Resolve enterprise connectivity, routing, switching, wireless, and network access issues (Cisco ISE).
• Perform initial root-cause analysis, manage incident escalations, and minimize downtime during outages or performance degradation.

Network Operations & Change Management

• Execute routine firewall modifications (URL allowlisting, NAT/policy adjustments, traffic log analysis).
• Submit, track, and implement low-to-medium-risk Change Requests (CRs) following ITIL processes and CAB approvals.
• Perform software maintenance, OS upgrades, and security patching for Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco switches, and SD-WAN devices.
• Configure switch VLANs, dynamic routing updates, and onboard network endpoints to Cisco ISE (NAC / TACACS+).

Monitoring & Vendor Management

• Active monitoring using enterprise tools (e.g., OpsManager) to respond to alerts and system events proactively.
• Open, drive, and resolve technical support tickets with OEM vendors (Palo Alto TAC, Cisco TAC) and ISPs/circuit providers.

Required Technical Skills:

• Palo Alto Networks: Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Firewalls via Panorama (Mandatory).
• Cloud & Hybrid Networking: Strong operational experience with Azure Networking (or Cisco ACI).
• Routing & Switching: Solid foundational knowledge of core routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and Cisco Catalyst switches.
• Network Access Control: Hands-on experience with Cisco ISE for NAC enforcement and TACACS+ administration.
• Wireless & Tools: Working knowledge of Meraki Wireless and network monitoring tools (e.g., OpsManager).

Experience & Soft Skills:

• 3-7 years of hands-on experience in Network Operations (NOC / NetOps).
• Proven experience in structured, multi-vendor enterprise ITIL environments (Incident, Change, Problem Management).
• Strong oral/written communication skills for clear incident escalations and stakeholder status updates.
• High attention to detail regarding change documentation, runbooks, and rollback strategies.

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications:

• Desirable hands-on exposure to Prisma Access and Prisma SD-WAN.
• CCNA / CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional).
• PCNSA / PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator/Engineer).

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.