Senior Network Engineer

Job DescriptionJob Description

Senior Network Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer who delivers reliability, performance, and security at enterprise scale — with Fortinet as the definitive firewall and SD-WAN platform. This role combines deep hands-on expertise with architectural influence and team mentorship. You will design, operate, and evolve hybrid networks spanning Fortinet, Meraki, and Azure, while serving as the highest escalation point for complex, business-critical network issues.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives on solving difficult problems, leading by example, and ensuring the network is never a limiting factor for the business.

Key Responsibilities

Network Architecture & Engineering

• Architect, deploy, and optimize secure, scalable network solutions across on-prem and cloud environments, with Fortinet as the standard firewall and SD-WAN platform.
• Design and operate large-scale Fortinet SD-WAN, site-to-site VPN, routing, and segmentation strategies supporting 650+ connected locations.
• Engineer and maintain Azure networking components including VNets, routing, NSGs, ExpressRoute, and Azure Firewall, contributing to long-term architectural roadmaps.
• Act as the final escalation authority for complex network issues, leading deep-dive troubleshooting and root cause analysis across all layers.

Operations & Reliability

• Ensure high availability, performance, and stability across all network locations.
• Leverage FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer as primary management and visibility tools, alongside enterprise monitoring platforms such as LogicMonitor and SolarWinds.
• Automate, standardize, and document repeatable network processes to reduce operational risk and manual effort.
• Drive operational maturity through ITIL-aligned change, incident, and problem management practices.

Security & Compliance

• Enforce enterprise security standards using Fortinet Security Fabric, segmentation, and zero-trust principles at the edge and core.
• Own firewall policy design, VPN configurations, and SD-WAN routing in close partnership with Security and Cloud teams.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity through resilient network design and redundancy planning.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Mentor junior and mid-level network engineers, providing guidance on troubleshooting, documentation, and project execution.
• Partner closely with Infrastructure, Cloud, and Security teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
• Participate in design reviews and provide architectural input for upcoming infrastructure initiatives.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Manage relationships with ISPs, carriers, and vendors for circuit delivery, troubleshooting, and escalations.
• Evaluate new Fortinet features, hardware, and connectivity solutions to improve performance, stability, and cost efficiency.

Strategic Initiatives

• Support enterprise modernization efforts including Fortinet SD-WAN expansion, Azure network growth, and automation initiatives.
• Lead network integration efforts for newly acquired locations with minimal disruption.
• Reduce technical debt through standardization, documentation, and lifecycle management.

Required Qualifications (Fortinet Is a Deal Breaker)

• 10+ years of progressive network engineering experience in large enterprise environments.
• Expert-level, hands-on experience with Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, including SD-WAN, VPNs, advanced routing, and security policy design (required).
• Proven experience operating FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer in production environments.
• Solid experience with Meraki and Fortinet switching platforms.
• Deep knowledge of Azure networking (VNets, NSGs, routing, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall).
• Advanced troubleshooting skills, including packet capture and multi-vendor root cause analysis.
• Experience with enterprise monitoring and configuration management tools (SolarWinds, LogicMonitor, etc.).
• Working knowledge of ITIL frameworks and structured change management.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Certifications

• Fortinet NSE 5 or higher (strongly )
• Cisco CCNP (or higher)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
• ITIL Foundation

Key Competencies

• Fortinet Authority: Recognized expert in FortiGate firewalls and SD-WAN design.
• Resilient Problem Solver: Owns issues end-to-end until resolution.
• Architect-Level Thinker: Designs networks that scale securely with the business.
• Mentor & Collaborator: Elevates team capability through leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Operational Excellence: Builds infrastructure that is stable, repeatable, and dependable.
• Hands-On Expert: Comfortable diving deep into configurations, packet captures, and automation.

Work Environment

• Hybrid: Primarily remote with periodic on-site collaboration in Chicago or Dallas.
• Travel: Up to 15% to data centers or shop locations.
• Culture: Fast-paced, execution-focused, and committed to operational excellence.

Company DescriptionRightStaff was recognized by INC 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. RightStaff's unique process and approach to staffing has enabled us to provide services that far exceed our competitors in the areas of resource qualification, delivery and performance measurement.

Voted Best Places to work in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. RightStaff is a nationwide IT solutions partner. We offer a full range of services, covering recruitment, project management, rollouts, project deployment, staffing, consulting services, and direct hire placement.

RightStaff is continuing to grow our service offerings every year, offers excellent compensation, and a great opportunity for career growth.Company DescriptionRightStaff was recognized by INC 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. RightStaff's unique process and approach to staffing has enabled us to provide services that far exceed our competitors in the areas of resource qualification, delivery and performance measurement.\r\n\r\nVoted Best Places to work in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. RightStaff is a nationwide IT solutions partner. We offer a full range of services, covering recruitment, project management, rollouts, project deployment, staffing, consulting services, and direct hire placement. \r\n\r\nRightStaff is continuing to grow our service offerings every year, offers excellent compensation, and a great opportunity for career growth.