[Remote] Lead Network Engineer

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. NASCO is a company focused on providing secure and high-performance enterprise network infrastructure solutions. The Lead Network Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network systems while leading strategic initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations.ResponsibilitiesLeads the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, and cloud networking to ensure high performance and scalabilityDeploys, configures, and manages enterprise networking solutions, including Cisco and Meraki, ensuring reliable and secure connectivityAdministers and secures network firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS/IDS), and access control policies to mitigate threats and protect sensitive dataImplements network segmentation, Zero Trust security principles, and enforce compliance standards such as SOC, HITRUST, HIPAA, and NIST to align with industry regulationsMonitors, optimizes, and enhances network performance, redundancy, and disaster recovery strategies to minimize downtime and maintain business continuityTroubleshoots and resolves complex network incidents, outages, and performance issues, serving as the highest escalation point for critical problemsAutomates network operations and implements proactive monitoring tools to improve efficiency and reliabilityArchitects and manages cloud networking solutions in Azure and AWS, including VPCs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and hybrid connectivity to ensure seamless integration with cloud environmentsDevelops, enforces, and maintains network policies, standards, and best practices to ensure compliance, security, and operational consistencyMentors junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharingCollaborates with security, infrastructure, and application teams to align networking strategies with organizational security and business objectivesManages vendor relationships, evaluate emerging technologies, and make recommendations for new networking solutions that enhance efficiency and cost-effectivenessSkillsDeep understanding of enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, and cloud networkingKnowledge of networking solutions, including deployment, configuration, and managementAdvanced knowledge of network security principles, including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS/IDS), and access control policiesKnowledge of cloud networking in Azure and AWS, including VPCs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and hybrid connectivityKnowledge of automation and network monitoring tools for optimizing efficiency and reliabilityAdvanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for resolving complex network incidents and performance issuesSkills in designing and implementing high-performance, scalable, and secure network infrastructuresStrong skills in performance optimization, redundancy planning, and disaster recovery strategiesVendor management and negotiation skills for assessing new solutions and maintaining strategic partnershipsAbility to effectively manage and secure network environments while ensuring compliance with industry regulationsAbility to mentor junior team members, fostering technical growth and collaborationAbility to collaborate with internal teams to align strategy with business objectives and requirements8 years of experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing enterprise network infrastructure, with expertise in managing networking solutions, securing network environments, and ensuring high availability through performance optimization, redundancy, and troubleshooting7 years of experience developing and enforcing network policies and security best practices, including network segmentation, Zero Trust models, and compliance with industry frameworks3 years' experience automating network operations, configuration management, and monitoring using scripting and tools such as Ansible, Python, and Terraform3 years' experience architecting and integrating cloud networking solutions in Azure and AWS, including VPCs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and hybrid connectivityBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)Knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN) technologies and network virtualizationFamiliarity with ITIL or other IT service management frameworks for structured network operationsAdvanced troubleshooting experience using network analysis toolsExperience with network automation frameworks for infrastructure-as-code (IaC) deploymentExperience with load balancing and application delivery controllersMaster's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related fieldIndustry certifications required or strongly preferred: CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or CCIEAdvanced networking certifications such as CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)Cloud networking certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate)Security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, Palo Alto PCNSE)Cloud and DevOps-related certificationsSecurity-focused certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), Palo Alto PCNSEITIL or PMP certification for expertise in IT service management and project leadershipContinuous training and professional development in networking, security, and cloud technologies to stay current with industry advancementsBenefitsLocation: Home Office/RemoteSchedule flexibility – outage resolution and scheduled maintenance windows require off-hours supportChoice of Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical, Dental, and Vision PlansTelehealthcare – for Medical and Behavioral visitsGenerous PTO with buy/sell options9 Company holidays, a floating day off, and a day off for volunteeringEmployee Assistance ProgramWellness program - earn insurance discounts or credit towards health-related items401K Plan with employer matching contributionsCompany-funded spending/reimbursement accounts to help with out-of-pocket medical expensesBonus and Recognition programsTuition AssistanceConsultation with financial plannerBasic Life & AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance provided, and Supplemental Term Life Insurance is availableGroup Discount programs - mobile, technology services, etc., to help you save moneyE-Learning – Comprehensive and current library of e-learning and performance support assets, available on demand and at no costCompany OverviewNASCO is dedicated to helping Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans across the nation build a better healthcare system for America. It was founded in 1987, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is http://www.nasco.com.