Network operations engineer

Job Description S3/Strategic Staffing Solutions has a Network Operations Engineering opportunity for a leading Financial Client on a remote basis. Please read further if you are interested in joining a leading organization!

Title: Network Operations Engineer

Duration: 12 month contract + possible extension

Pay Rate Range: $65-75/hr. W2.

Location: Remote, work at home

Qualifications & Description:

Network Operations Engineer Schedule:

2:00 PM – 11:00 PM ET, 1-hour lunch

Days: Saturday–Wednesday or Sunday–Thursday

Training: First 3 weeks will be on 1st shift for training Monday - Friday - 6 AM -3 PM ET - 1 hour lunch

Weekend Availability: Required

We are seeking a Network Operations Engineer with 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a Cisco network operations environment.

This role is responsible for maintaining and monitoring a large-scale network environment through 24/7 real-time “eyes-on-glass” monitoring, identifying issues proactively, and responding rapidly to network events and incidents. The ideal candidate is focused, dependable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment. This person should be able to work independently while collaborating with network vendors, internal teams, and technical resources to quickly troubleshoot and mitigate network issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 real-time monitoring of the network environment and proactively identify potential issues.
• Monitor network performance and events in real time rather than relying solely on ticket-based notifications.
• Maintain awareness of network health, availability, and performance across a Cisco-based environment.
• Respond rapidly to network incidents, escalations, and high-priority events, including troubleshooting and “fire-fighting”/issue mitigation.
• Navigate and utilize SecureCRT to monitor, troubleshoot, and perform basic network operational tasks.
• Work with network vendors and cross-functional technical teams to investigate and resolve issues.
• Perform basic network maintenance and operational activities; this is not primarily a network configuration role.
• Maintain accurate network documentation and operational procedures.
• Escalate complex issues appropriately while leveraging available technical resources.
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus in a high-volume operations environment.
• Work independently when needed, while knowing when and how to engage additional resources.
• Support basic automation and scripting activities using tools such as Ansible.
• Contribute to process improvements involving automation and emerging technologies, including AI.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in Network Operations.
• 3–5 years of experience working in a Cisco network environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco technologies and SecureCRT — MUST HAVE.
• Experience in a Network Operations Center (NOC) or similar 24/7 network monitoring environment.
• Ability to perform real-time network monitoring and identify issues proactively.
• Strong troubleshooting and rapid-response skills.
• Experience working with network vendors and multiple internal technical teams.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working independently while having access to supporting technical resources.
• Ability to work Saturday–Wednesday or Sunday–Thursday, 2:00 PM–11:00 PM ET.
• Ability to work weekends is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Riverbed.
• Experience with SolarWinds.
• Experience with Splunk.
• CCNA certification.
• Basic Ansible experience.
• Scripting/automation experience.
• Experience leveraging AI or automation technologies within network operations.
• Experience maintaining network documentation and operational procedures.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Network Operations Engineer, not someone focused primarily on network design or configuration. They are comfortable keeping a constant eye on the environment, quickly recognizing abnormalities, responding to incidents, coordinating with vendors and technical teams, and helping maintain overall network stability.