Title: Sr Network Engineer

Duration: 6 months
Location: Remote with travel
Travel: Periodic travel required (primarily to Dallas, TX) every few weeks for 1–2 nights to collaborate with onsite teams

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Networking SME to support a 6-month staff augmentation engagement. This role will play a critical part in modernizing and securing a complex enterprise network environment.

This consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing a more secure, Zero Trust (ZT)-centric network, with a focus on protecting critical assets and improving overall network posture

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Architecture & Modernization
• Assess the current network environment and develop a strategy to replace end-of-life infrastructure
• Design and implement a modern, secure network architecture aligned with Zero Trust principles
• Evaluate and implement micro-segmentation strategies to protect critical assets (“crown jewels”)
• Transition from legacy and fragmented network designs to a more unified, scalable architecture
• Security & Zero Trust Implementation
• Identify critical systems, applications, and data requiring enhanced protection
• Implement Zero Trust frameworks including identity-based access controls and network segmentation
• Strengthen overall network security posture across distributed environments
• Act as a hands-on technical leader, actively participating in configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting
• Support implementation and optimization of SD-WAN solutions and secure access technologies
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to upskill and guide best practices
• Technology Evaluation & Optimization
• Assess and optimize the use of existing tools and platforms, including:
• Zscaler (ZIA, ZT Branch)
• Palo Alto and Fortinet NGFWs
• Cisco switching infrastructure
• Arista (transitioning environment)
• Threat detection and monitoring tools
• Provide recommendations around SD-WAN strategy and vendor capabilities
• Collaboration & Advisory
• Partner with internal network teams to address skill gaps and enhance operational maturity
• Provide architectural guidance and mentorship to elevate team capabilities
• Communicate technical strategies and progress with stakeholders

Required Qualifications:

• 10–15+ years of experience in networking, with strong emphasis on enterprise infrastructure
• Proven experience operating at the architect or senior SME level
• Deep expertise in Layer 2/Layer 3 networking, enterprise network design, and security frameworks
• Strong experience with Zero Trust architecture and implementation
• Hands-on experience with firewalls, SD-WAN, and network segmentation
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating with distributed teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• CCIE or CCNP certification preferred but not required
• Experience with Zscaler, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco, and Arista technologies
• Experience designing or supporting SD-WAN implementations
• Background in environments impacted by mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

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