IT/OT Specialist

Overview

The Senior Network Engineer plays a pivotal role in designing, maintaining, and optimizing the stability, security, and scalability of ERMCO’s network infrastructure to support core organizational functions in a manufacturing environment. This position focuses on leading the implementation, support, and enhancement of network hardware, software, and communication systems, ensuring seamless operations and resilience, and effectively communicates Technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings advanced technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills, with a proven track record in network engineering within industrial or high-demand settings. The Senior Network Engineer will also drive long-term network planning and alignment with organizational growth objectives.

Responsibilities

· Design, implement, and optimize network hardware, software, devices, and services (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, QoS) to meet current and future business needs.

· Proactively monitor network performance, identifying and resolving issues to ensure uptime and scalability, serving as the primary escalation point for complex problems.

· Lead troubleshooting efforts for advanced network issues, coordinating with vendors and mentoring IT staff to resolve incidents efficiently.

· Develop and enforce robust network security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and intrusion prevention, to safeguard data, systems, and operations.

· Oversee IP address management (DHCP, static allocation), optimizing IP space for manufacturing systems and IoT integration.

· Negotiate with vendors and service providers to secure cost-effective, high-quality network solutions, driving timely procurement and deployment.

· Architect, execute and occasionally perform backup, disaster recovery, and failover strategies, ensuring business continuity during outages or disruptions.

· Shape network administration policies, procedures, and training programs, fostering a culture of best practices and preparedness across IT. Ensure these policies align with industry standards such as ITIL or ISO frameworks.

· Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure network compatibility and connectivity, aligning with operational and organizational goals.

· Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, mappings, processes, and service records, ensuring clarity for audits and team handoffs.

· Mentor network staff, sharing expertise and building team capability. Leads cross-functional projects to drive organizational initiatives beyond network management responsibilities.

· Remain flexible to support on-call or after-hours maintenance and emergency response as needed.

· Other strategic duties as assigned to support ERMCO’s growth and resilience.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; advanced certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, CISSP) strongly preferred.

· 5-7+ years of progressive experience as a Network Engineer or similar role, ideally in manufacturing, industrial, or enterprise environments with comparable complexity.

· Expert-level knowledge of network infrastructure, hardware, and protocols, with hands-on experience designing and troubleshooting enterprise-grade networks. Experience with network automation using scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell is highly desirable.

· Proven expertise with firewalls, VPNs, remote access, and security frameworks, including integration of IoT or industrial control systems. Familiarity with cloud networking technologies such as AWS or Azure is a plus.

· Deep understanding of disaster recovery, network optimization, and application transport protocols, with a track record of resolving large-scale outages.

· Strong analytical skills, with the ability to architect solutions for evolving technologies and business demands. Ability to develop and implement Zero Trust architecture or other advanced security solutions is highly valued.

· Excellent communication and leadership abilities, adept at mentoring teams and collaborating across departments, and engaging non-technical stakeholders.