Network Engineer III

Job Summary:

The Network Engineer III serves as a senior technical expert responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise network infrastructure across UFP Industries' global operations. This role provides technical leadership for complex networking initiatives involving data center, campus, WAN, SD-WAN, cloud, security, and Operational Technology (OT) environments. The Network Engineer III partners closely with infrastructure, security, cloud, and application teams to deliver secure, scalable, and resilient networking solutions while serving as a key escalation resource for complex technical challenges. In addition to leading major projects and modernization efforts, this position contributes to architectural decision-making, engineering standards, automation initiatives, and the development of less experienced engineers

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior technical resource and subject matter expert for enterprise networking technologies, providing guidance and escalation support for complex engineering challenges.

• Lead the design and implementation of complex enterprise and hybrid cloud network solutions, including data center, WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, and cloud-connected environments.

• Architect, implement, and optimize advanced routing and switching solutions utilizing technologies such as MPLS, MP-BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, EVPN, and large-scale enterprise networking architectures.

• Design, deploy, and support Cisco Catalyst switching, Meraki wireless, Versa SD-WAN, and related network infrastructure platforms in accordance with established engineering standards.

• Engineer and maintain enterprise network security solutions, including Palo Alto firewalls, network segmentation, VPN technologies, Cisco ISE, and secure access architectures.

• Design and support segmented Operational Technology (OT) network environments, ensuring secure connectivity between manufacturing systems and enterprise networks.

• Design and support Azure networking solutions, including ExpressRoute, virtual network architectures, network security controls, routing, and hybrid connectivity services.

• Collaborate with cloud, security, systems, and application teams to develop secure, scalable, and highly available network solutions aligned with business objectives.

• Serve as the technical lead for large-scale network projects, modernization efforts, cloud migrations, infrastructure refreshes, acquisitions, and facility expansion initiatives.

• Contribute to enterprise network architecture decisions and technology roadmaps by evaluating solutions, identifying risks, and recommending improvements.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of network engineering standards, design patterns, documentation, and operational best practices.

• Lead complex troubleshooting efforts, root-cause analysis activities, and long-term remediation initiatives to improve reliability and reduce operational risk.

• Develop and implement network automation, scripting, and infrastructure-as-code solutions utilizing technologies such as Python, Ansible, Terraform, PowerShell, and API-driven integrations.

• Mentor Network Engineer I and II team members through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and project leadership opportunities.

• Maintain high-quality network documentation, architecture diagrams, implementation plans, and operational procedures.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.

• 5+ years of network engineering experience, including demonstrated ownership of complex enterprise networking initiatives and technical project leadership.

• Strong proficiency designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructure, including routing, switching, wireless, SD-WAN, and hybrid cloud connectivity solutions.

• Strong knowledge of routing and networking technologies including MPLS, BGP/MP-BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, EVPN, and large-scale enterprise network architectures.

• Experience with network security technologies and principles, including Palo Alto firewalls, segmentation, VPN technologies, Cisco ISE, and secure access architectures.

• Experience designing and supporting Azure networking solutions, including ExpressRoute, virtual networks, network security controls, DNS, and hybrid connectivity services; AWS and GCP experience is a plus.

• Experience designing and supporting Operational Technology (OT) or industrial networking environments is strongly preferred.