Network Operations Engineer

Network Operations Engineer (L1/L2) Location: New York, NY (Hybrid) Duration: Contract   Role Overview: We are seeking a Network Operations Engineer (L1/L2) to support, monitor, and maintain our global network infrastructure. In this role, you will monitor, troubleshoot, and operationally manage our global network infrastructure across WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, wireless, and network security environments in real time. You will play a key role in maintaining high availability and performance across cloud and on-premises networks by handling incident management, change execution, and OEM vendor coordination.   Key Responsibilities: - Incident Management & Troubleshooting - Perform L1/L2 operational troubleshooting across Palo Alto Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma Access, and Prisma SD-WAN. - Resolve enterprise connectivity, routing, switching, wireless, and network access issues (Cisco ISE). - Perform initial root-cause analysis, manage incident escalations, and minimize downtime during outages or performance degradation.Network Operations & Change Management - Execute routine firewall modifications (URL allowlisting, NAT/policy adjustments, traffic log analysis). - Submit, track, and implement low-to-medium-risk Change Requests (CRs) following ITIL processes and CAB approvals. - Perform software maintenance, OS upgrades, and security patching for Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco switches, and SD-WAN devices. - Configure switch VLANs, dynamic routing updates, and onboard network endpoints to Cisco ISE (NAC / TACACS+).Monitoring & Vendor Management - Active monitoring using enterprise tools (e.g., OpsManager) to respond to alerts and system events proactively. - Open, drive, and resolve technical support tickets with OEM vendors (Palo Alto TAC, Cisco TAC) and ISPs/circuit providers. Required Technical Skills: - Palo Alto Networks: Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Firewalls via Panorama (Mandatory). - Cloud & Hybrid Networking: Strong operational experience with Azure Networking (or Cisco ACI). - Routing & Switching: Solid foundational knowledge of core routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and Cisco Catalyst switches. - Network Access Control: Hands-on experience with Cisco ISE for NAC enforcement and TACACS+ administration. - Wireless & Tools: Working knowledge of Meraki Wireless and network monitoring tools (e.g., OpsManager).Experience & Soft Skills: - 3–7 years of hands-on experience in Network Operations (NOC / NetOps). - Proven experience in structured, multi-vendor enterprise ITIL environments (Incident, Change, Problem Management). - Strong oral/written communication skills for clear incident escalations and stakeholder status updates. - High attention to detail regarding change documentation, runbooks, and rollback strategies.Preferred Qualifications & Certifications: - Desirable hands-on exposure to Prisma Access and Prisma SD-WAN. - CCNA / CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional). - PCNSA / PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator/Engineer).    All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.