Network Engineer

Position Overview

Align seeks a highly motivated Network Engineer to join our team, dedicated to providing exceptional networking solutions and support to our Managed Service clients. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust and secure network environments. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Project Managers, Cybersecurity Engineers, and System Engineers, to deliver seamless network onboarding, upgrades, and support services. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in networking fundamentals, hands-on experience with Cisco devices, and a proactive approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving.

This role requires a combination of technical expertise and client-facing communication skills, ensuring high-quality service delivery and customer satisfaction. You will also contribute to network automation initiatives, implement security remediations, and participate in the monthly on-call rotation, acting as a critical escalation point for network-related incidents. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, advance your skills, and play a key role in delivering cutting-edge network solutions

• The Network Engineer will be a hybrid position based out of our New York City office. You will primarily work from home, but we estimate you will work onsite approximately 1 to 3 days a week either in our office or at client locations throughout the New York metropolitan area as required.
• This is a full-time position offering a competitive compensation package consisting of a base salary in the $90-100K range, benefits, training, paid vacation and participation in a bonus plan

Key Qualification 

• Technical Skills:
• Good understanding of how to apply the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model concept to real world scenarios.
• Strong understanding of IP networking fundamentals (IP address subnetting, DHCP process, VLAN vs. subnet, ping/arp relationship).
• Hands-on experience with Cisco switch configurations.
• Familiarity with firewall configuration (any vendor).
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve networking issues with minimal oversight.
• Basic Wi-Fi understanding (frequency, SSID, channels).
• Experience: 2-3 years in a network engineering role; no more than 5 years.
• Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent knowledge.
• Soft Skills:
• Critical thinking and reflective thinking ability.
• Clear and accurate client-facing communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for networking technologies. Desire to learn and advance skillsets.
• Team Player but also can work independently with minimum instructions.
• Both will be a vital part of this role.
• Proactive, problem-solving attitude.

Nice to Have

• Technical Skills:
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
• Python programming or network automation experience.
• AZ-700 or Azure networking working experience.
• Computer Sienese Degree or Computer Engineering Degree
• Industry Experience:
• Previous work in a Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment.

Responsibilities

Daily Tasks:

• New Client Network Onboarding:

• Collaborate with Onboarding Project Managers and System Engineers.
• Communicate with clients to gather requirements and provide updates.
• Perform discovery of existing environments to create documentation or plan upgrade/takeover of equipment.
• Manage circuit activations.
• Rack, configure, and connect network equipment at customer offices, including switches and firewalls.
• Configure switches and firewalls to meet client requirements.
• Set up SNMP monitoring for NOC management.
• Create and update network documentation.
• Work efficiently as local hands while being guided by senior engineers who are remote.

• Managed Service Tickets Handling:

• Troubleshoot and resolve network-related issues at client sites or remotely.
• Provide timely updates and resolutions to clients and internal teams.

• Office Move/Network Hardware Upgrade:

• Collaborate with Account Manager for requirement gathering.
• Plan and execute network migrations for office relocations.
• Upgrade or replace network hardware with minimal downtime.
• Recommend efficiencies or improvements to customers where appropriate.

• Network Security:

• Collaborating with Cyber Security team.
• Forming Security vulnerabilities remediation.
• Planning upgrade stages (support engagement, new image, maintenance window).

• Network Automation:

• Utilize Python or Ansible to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency.
• Contribute to the development of automated solutions for network management and configuration.

• Network On Call Rotation:

• Once a month, responsible for 24 x 7 NOC Tier1 / Tier 2 escalation point for Severity 1 incident.

Expected Accomplishments:

• Ensure stable and secure client network environments.
• Deliver timely and high-quality service and support to clients.
• Working with other Network team members as a team.
• Contribute to cross team members - System Engineers, Cyber Security Engineers, Account Managers, and Project Managers.