Network Operations Specialist

Experienced Network Operations Analyst (Contract-to-Hire) Must be US Citizen or Green card holder, our client cannot sponsor VISA Join GTN and step into a crucial Contract-to-Hire role as a Network Operations Analyst, leveraging your Cisco expertise to support a Fortune 500 energy leader based in Houston, TX. This position involves some travel across Texas and Louisiana to implement, upgrade, and maintain cutting-edge LAN/WAN infrastructure but most of the time will be spent in Mont Belvieu, (eastern part of Houston) You will be instrumental in network design, installation, configuration, testing, and providing expert Tier 2/3 troubleshooting . A key aspect of this role is building strong, in-person relationships with the clients site employees and developing a solid understanding of critical plant operations and business objectives. Core Responsibilities Network Management: Plan, execute, and manage all assigned network activities, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and procedures. Emergency Response: Be available to respond to and resolve urgent network issues, serving as a critical point of contact for technical escalation. Infrastructure Design & Implementation: Lead the implementation and architectural design of robust local and wide area network solutions to meet operational needs. Travel & Onsite Support: Utilize company vehicles for travel to various client locations to manage and maintain WAN/LAN systems, with comfort working in industrial plant environments. Technical Leadership: Direct and collaborate with telecom vendors to ensure projects are completed efficiently and within budget. Liaison Role: Serve as the primary link between technical support teams and business stakeholders, clearly communicating technical and business needs. Project Participation: Actively participate in network technology upgrades and expansion projects, including hardware/software installation and integration testing. Independent Work: Successfully lead job assignments and meet objectives with minimal direct supervision. Key Technical Experience Cisco & Firewall Expertise: Strong, demonstrated working knowledge of Cisco infrastructure and firewalls. Experience with Palo Alto Firewalls is a significant advantage (including management via Panorama). Advanced Networking: Maintain a detailed and robust understanding of LAN/WAN topologies, including OSPF, BGP, NAT/PAT, and VPNs . Security Focus: Familiarity with information security concepts and best practices, including securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) as defined by NIST SP800-82 Rev.2 . Operational Tools: Working experience with SolarWinds and ServiceNow , and adherence to defined change management processes. Minimum Essential Qualifications Education/Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent related work experience. Relevant Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years experience maintaining and supporting complex local and wide area network infrastructures. Security Foundation: Robust understanding of firewall operation, policy development, deployment, and common network routing and switching protocols. Soft Skills: Excellent customer interface skills, the ability to build effective business relationships, multi-task, prioritize, and ask clarifying questions of business customers. Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in and adapt to new and changing technology environments. Certifications REQUIRED: Current professional certifications such as CCNP and/or PCNSE . Wireless Experience (Plus): Experience with Aruba ClearPass and related Aruba Wireless Infrastructure technologies. Industry Experience (Plus): Prior experience in the Oil and Gas industry is a plus.