Network Engineer
The Network Engineer Level 1 role involves supporting the deployment, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of network infrastructure at a highly secure nuclear facility. The position requires hands-on experience with Cisco equipment and foundational networking knowledge to assist in network installations, upgrades, and operational reliability within a regulated environment. Collaboration with cybersecurity teams and adherence to strict safety and compliance protocols are essential aspects of this onsite role.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Energy & Utilities (Nuclear Facility).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is seeking a motivated, hands-on Network Engineer — Level 1 to support network infrastructure deployment, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance at the confidential client's nuclear facility in Palo, IA. This onsite role is ideal for an early-career engineer with 1–3 years of practical networking experience, strong Cisco device familiarity, and a focus on secure, compliant operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with installation and deployment of network equipment: switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and structured cabling.
- Perform Layer 1 and Layer 2 troubleshooting and issue resolution.
- Configure and provision Cisco devices using Cisco IOS and established standards.
- Support VLAN configuration, network segmentation, and basic Layer 2/Layer 3 tasks.
- Assist with infrastructure upgrades, migrations, expansions, and deployment projects.
- Monitor network performance and respond to network-related incidents.
- Support network testing, equipment turn-up, connectivity validation, and post-deployment checks.
- Maintain network diagrams, technical documentation, configuration records, and asset inventories.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams to follow secure networking practices.
- Follow all facility safety, security, and operational procedures; escalate complex issues to senior engineers.
- Participate in scheduled after-hours maintenance windows as needed.
Required Qualifications
- 1–3 years of network support, administration, or engineering experience.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking, or related field preferred.
- Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, and switching.
- Hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment and Cisco IOS.
- Familiarity with Layer 2 and Layer 3 concepts, static routing, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
- Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds).
- Ability to read network diagrams, interpret configurations, and maintain technical documentation.
- Comfortable with structured cabling, rack-and-stack, patching, and on-site equipment handling.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
- Able to work effectively within technical teams and follow established procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
- Experience with enterprise network deployments and support.
- Knowledge of OSPF, wireless networking, and network access control solutions.
- Experience with fiber-optic infrastructure and connectivity testing.
- Familiarity with Cisco DNA Center, ServiceNow, or similar ticketing systems.
- Exposure to Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Operational Technology (OT), or critical-infrastructure networks.
- Experience in utility, energy, manufacturing, or other regulated environments.
- Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and network compliance requirements.
Work Environment & Requirements
- Primarily onsite at the confidential client's nuclear facility in Palo, IA.
- Highly secure and regulated operational environment — site access, safety procedures, and PPE compliance are mandatory.
- May require lifting equipment and work in equipment rooms or data center spaces.
- Flexibility to support scheduled after-hours maintenance windows.
- Local candidates who can interview promptly and start ASAP are preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated pay: $79,052 per year (estimated figure from source).
- Onsite role in a regulated critical-infrastructure environment; benefits and full compensation details will be provided by the Confidential Client during the interview/offer process.
What We Value
- Safety-focused technicians who follow strict procedures.
- Clear communicators who document work and escalate appropriately.
- Team players who collaborate with cybersecurity, field personnel, and senior engineers.
- Candidates eager to grow technical skills in enterprise and critical-infrastructure networks.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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