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., Ops. Manager) 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., Ops. Manager). Experience & Soft Skills: 3–7 years of hands-on experience in Network Operations (NOC / Net. Ops). 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.