Sr. Network Engineer

Position Details:

Title: Sr. Network Engineer

Department: Information Technology     

Reports to: Supervisor, Network Engineering

Location: Dearborn, MI

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Professional

Job Summary

The Senior Network Engineer has primary responsibility for the full network infrastructure lifecycle, including the design, implementation, security, optimization, and support of enterprise network services. This role is responsible for both new and existing network components, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks (WiFi), internet and intranet connectivity, firewalls, network security platforms, intrusion prevention and detection systems (IPS/IDS), load balancers, VPN technologies, and other data communication systems. The Senior Network Engineer ensures the reliability, performance, scalability, and security of the organization's network infrastructure while supporting business and operational requirements.

Inspired by Hard Work

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products—we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

Associate Responsibilities

Design, deploy, maintain, and continuously improve enterprise LAN, WAN, wireless, cloud, and network security infrastructure across corporate, retail, distribution, and remote locations.

Administer and optimize Cisco Meraki wireless networks, Arista switching environments, and related network technologies to ensure high availability, performance, scalability, and security.

Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including routers, switches, VPNs, circuits, wireless platforms, and security technologies while supporting day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.

Monitor network performance, proactively identify bottlenecks, analyze trends, perform capacity planning, and implement improvements to enhance network reliability and efficiency.

Lead advanced Level 3 troubleshooting and service restoration for complex, multi-vendor network issues involving routing, switching, wireless, VPN, and connectivity services.

Implement and maintain network segmentation, VLANs, security best practices, and infrastructure standards to support secure and resilient operations.

Research and evaluate existing and emerging networking technologies, providing recommendations and roadmap guidance to ensure enterprise network solutions remain current, supportable, and aligned with business objectives.

Serve as a technical lead on cross-functional teams, driving the development and delivery of networking solutions that support business growth, application expansion, and operational excellence.

Develop conceptual, logical, and physical network architectures, including technical documentation, diagrams, testing plans, risk assessments, and implementation strategies.

Evaluate vendor solutions, perform cost-benefit analyses, and recommend scalable, cost-effective technologies and approaches for large-scale initiatives.

Lead the planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects, collaborating with business partners, vendors, and VARs to gather requirements, develop BRDs, create RFI/RFPs, manage project execution, and communicate project status throughout the project lifecycle.

Develop and maintain comprehensive network and operational documentation, ensuring accurate system configurations, procedures, change records, and project and incident tracking.

Analyze recurring issues, identify trends, recommend corrective actions, and keep leadership informed of risks and problem areas.

Support new store openings, remodels, and infrastructure deployments, including network installation, cabling, and connectivity requirements.

Participate in an on-call rotation and provide after-hours support for critical infrastructure incidents, maintenance activities, and business continuity events.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience required in Computer Science or Related Field

Professional level of industry certification or higher, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)   

Required Skills & Experience

Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in a related field. Hands-on experience in enterprise network engineering, infrastructure operations, and network security.

Strong expertise in TCP/IP networking across Layers 2-7, including routing, switching, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, subnetting, MPLS, QoS, wireless networking, and network security technologies.

Proven experience designing, implementing, and supporting Cisco and Arista switching and wireless environments, including Arista EOS platforms and enterprise-grade access point deployments.

Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and Panorama, including firewall policy management, VPN configuration, security zones, threat prevention, and IPS capabilities.

Strong knowledge of LAN/WAN architecture, SD-WAN, MPLS, cloud connectivity, and enterprise networking best practices.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with stressful situations involving equipment and application failures in a composed and constructive manner.

Strong network troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, including root cause analysis and the use of packet captures, protocol analyzers, network monitoring platforms, and advanced diagnostic tools to resolve complex issues and support critical operations.

Demonstrated ability to perform switch and router configuration analysis, implement network segmentation, and maintain secure network infrastructures utilizing ACLs, QoS, and other security controls.

Working knowledge of cloud networking and routing, preferably within Microsoft Azure; experience with AWS or GCP is a plus.

Understanding of Zero Trust architecture, defense-in-depth strategies, compliance requirements, asset protection, and enterprise security principles.

Experience with reverse proxy technologies, remote access solutions, and network monitoring and management platforms.

Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies, define implementation methodologies, and recommend innovative solutions that improve performance, scalability, and reliability.

Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts and architectural strategies to technical and non-technical audiences alike.

Self-motivated professional with strong problem-solving abilities, capable of working independently and collaboratively in fast-paced, distributed environments

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Office Environment and Retail Stores

Position involves climbing ladders in compliance with safety protocols

Travel (30%)

Lifting of a maximum of 50 lbs.

On call availability

This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.

Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.