Senior Network Engineer

Talascend is currently seeking a Senior Network Engineer for a contract opportunity with our client in Richardson, Texas.

Overview

Responsible for architecting, deploying, and supporting information and operational technology solutions for mission-critical manufacturing sites. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy innovative infrastructure and software solutions to optimize semiconductor-related manufacturing and business operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support for on-premises network infrastructure, spanning from SD-WAN-based corporate Enterprise Wide Network down to sensor-level communications below the equipment/tool layer.
• Collaborate with process, equipment, and advanced manufacturing engineering teams to enable network-level equipment integration and automation aligned with semiconductor framework.
• Design, develop, and deploy next-generation Special Use Networks to segment and isolate mission-critical manufacturing operations from the corporate Enterprise Wide Network.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues across all layers of the IT/OT architecture, ensuring reliable and secure communication.
• Support the implementation and rollout of new network technologies, including switches, firewalls, wireless infrastructure, and monitoring tools.
• Participate in cross-functional calls with site and corporate teams to resolve network-related issues affecting equipment, applications, and infrastructure communications.
• Attend daily tier meetings with factory systems and manufacturing operations teams to provide network support and updates.
• Work closely with Corporate IT and Global Security to ensure all network infrastructure complies with corporate and semiconductor cybersecurity standards.
• Maintain network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration records, and change logs to support operational continuity and audits.
• Ensure network resilience, redundancy, and high availability through proper design and proactive maintenance.
• Monitor and manage network health, performance, and capacity using appropriate tools and dashboards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting enterprise and industrial network infrastructure in manufacturing or site environments.
• 2+ years of experience with PowerShell scripting.
• 1+ years of experience with Service Management platforms.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with Cisco network and routing equipment.
• Strong background in factory floor networking and collaboration with IT networks.
• Proficient in network fundamentals including: Firewall configuration, VPN setup, VLANs, subnetting, IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, NAT, routing, and switching.
• Experience with high availability, redundancy, and Quality of Service protocols.
• Experience with network segmentation, resilience, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Familiarity with DevOps network operations, including CI/CD integration for network changes, Infrastructure as Code, Monitoring and alerting pipelines, Version control and automated deployment.
• Strong ability to document network architecture, automation scripts, and system configurations for clarity and maintainability.
• Strong understanding of IT/OT convergence including industrial protocols, SCADA systems, MES platforms, and equipment integration.
• Knowledge of industrial network architectures including: Layered models, DMZs, secure remote access, and redundant topologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change, improve processes, and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; able to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Skilled in problem-solving and solution design, partnering with internal customers to define issues and implement improvements.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Certification in Cisco Certified Network Associate or equivalent.
• Experience with multi-vendor network equipment.
• Experience with network patching tools and applying security hardening practices to network devices and operating systems.
• Proficient in supporting modern data protection and recovery platforms to ensure backup integrity, business continuity, and rapid service restoration.