Network Engineer

Job Title: Network Engineer Job Description This intermediate-level Network Engineer role focuses on designing, implementing, and commissioning industrial network and server infrastructure for manufacturing environments. You work independently with general supervision, applying practical knowledge of industrial networking, server and compute platforms, and virtualization technologies to support modern operational technology and IT convergence initiatives. You collaborate directly with client stakeholders, contribute throughout the project lifecycle from design through onsite commissioning, and continuously build your knowledge of organizational practices and procedures. Responsibilities Design and deploy industrial network architectures, including switching, routing, and wireless infrastructure for manufacturing environments. Implement network segmentation and VLAN designs for plant-floor and converged operational technology and IT environments. Configure managed switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless systems for industrial networks. Implement physical layer designs for plant-floor connectivity, including structured cabling, fiber, enclosures, and related environmental considerations. Build server, compute, and virtualization environments that support industrial and operational workloads. Configure and administer Windows and Linux servers in support of industrial and infrastructure applications. Deploy and manage virtualization hosts and virtual machines using VMware or equivalent technologies. Implement storage and backup solutions to support industrial infrastructure resilience and recovery. Configure firewalls and secure remote access solutions aligned to industrial and organizational security requirements. Implement network monitoring and management tools to support visibility, performance, and reliability. Apply industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and OPC-UA, and account for deterministic network requirements in designs. Prepare and maintain detailed network documentation, including drawings, configuration records, and design artifacts. Maintain accurate asset inventories, IP schemas, and infrastructure records for industrial environments. Support system checkout, testing, and onsite commissioning activities for deployed network and infrastructure solutions. Troubleshoot and resolve network and infrastructure issues in industrial settings. Apply cybersecurity practices, including zone and conduit segmentation aligned with IEC-based approaches. Work directly with client IT and operational technology stakeholders to understand operational requirements and constraints. Collaborate closely with software, SCADA/MES, cybersecurity, and other engineering disciplines to deliver integrated solutions. Participate in design reviews and peer reviews to improve solution quality and consistency. Mentor junior engineers as appropriate, sharing knowledge and best practices in industrial networking and infrastructure. Support proposal development and project planning activities, including scoping and estimating network and infrastructure work. Continue to build knowledge of organizational practices, procedures, and delivery standards. Meet billable hour expectations as communicated during onboarding and contribute to overall project and team success. Perform other related duties as assigned to support project and organizational objectives. Essential Skills Practical knowledge of network engineering and infrastructure practices with a focus on switching, routing, and wireless in industrial environments. Strong knowledge of network segmentation and VLAN design for plant-floor and converged operational technology and IT environments. Practical experience working with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and OPC-UA, including deterministic network requirements. Strong understanding of physical layer design for plant environments, including cabling, fiber, enclosures, and environmental considerations. Practical knowledge of firewalls and secure remote access solutions for industrial and infrastructure environments. Strong knowledge of server and compute infrastructure supporting industrial workloads. Proficiency with virtualization technologies such as VMware or equivalent platforms. Working knowledge of storage and backup fundamentals for infrastructure environments. Practical experience with Windows and Linux server administration. Working knowledge of network monitoring and documentation tools. Practical cybersecurity knowledge, including zone and conduit segmentation and familiarity with IEC-based practices. Understanding of cloud connectivity concepts as they relate to industrial and infrastructure environments. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in network and infrastructure contexts. Ability to work independently with general supervision while managing multiple tasks and priorities. Collaborative approach to team delivery and cross-functional engagement. Detail-oriented mindset with strong organizational skills and documentation discipline. Strong written and verbal communication skills for client-facing and internal interactions. Understanding of operational technology environments and IT/OT convergence patterns. Familiarity with client-facing delivery, including requirements gathering and stakeholder communication. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in network engineering, infrastructure, or industrial IT. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working in data center or industrial facilities on the network side of software and hardware deployments. Exposure to Cisco networking technologies and CCNA-level concepts. Experience with scripting to support network configuration, automation, or tooling. Familiarity with Juniper or other enterprise and industrial networking platforms. Cisco certifications such as CCNA or CCNP are preferred but not required. Industrial networking certifications, such as Cisco Industrial or similar vendor credentials, are preferred but not required. Virtualization-related certifications are preferred but not required. Experience collaborating with SCADA, MES, and cybersecurity teams in industrial environments. Comfort working in client-facing roles with responsibility for requirements gathering and solution presentation. Work Environment The role supports a hybrid work environment that combines remote work with travel to client work sites and industrial facilities as needed. You work primarily with industrial network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless systems, and physical layer components such as structured cabling, fiber, and industrial enclosures. The position involves building and supporting server, compute, and virtualization environments, including Windows and Linux servers, VMware or equivalent platforms, and associated storage and backup solutions. You use network monitoring, management, and documentation tools regularly, and you apply cybersecurity and IEC-aligned practices in operational technology environments. Onsite work may include time on plant floors, in data centers, or in control rooms, where you collaborate with IT, operational technology, and engineering teams during design, testing, and commissioning activities. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Abilene, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $45.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Abilene,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.