Network Engineer

Network Engineer II

Full Time, Exempt, Travel up to 25%

Position Description:

Merit Controls is seeking an experienced Network Engineer II to design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructure for renewable energy projects, including solar, energy storage, and wind. This role involves leading network integration projects, troubleshooting complex networking challenges, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop reliable network solutions.

The ideal candidate will have strong industrial networking experience, proficiency with Cisco networking equipment, and a solid understanding of network security technologies.

This position reports to the Network Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Network Engineer I:

• Assist in the implementation of network integration for small-to-large scale renewable energy sites.

• Support network architecture and design using Cisco, Hirschmann, and Palo Alto products.

• Create necessary network documentation, including architecture drawings and IP schemas.

• Configure firewalls, VPNs, IDS, DNS, DHCP, SDN, and network segmentation technologies.

• Troubleshoot via existing instructions, triage and gather information.

• Provide guidance for fiber optic network design.

• Support remote connectivity setup from Azure environment to sites (VPN or IPSEC).

• Ensure adherence to Merit’s cybersecurity and compliance policies.

• Support the customer portal, ensuring secure access to site-related data in Azure.

• Track and report recurring costs related to network services.

• Assist in identifying and pricing Industrial Networking opportunities during pre-sales phase.

• Adhere to quality management processes in accordance with Merit Controls' ISO 9001 certification.

Network Engineer II:

Responsibilities in addition to Level I

• Lead and independently execute network integration for renewable energy projects of varying complexities.

• Take the lead in network architecture and design decisions using advanced technologies and solutions.

• Proactively identify and resolve complex network security issues.

• Collaborate with teams on major projects during the proposal phase, conducting research and analysis based on customer proposals and specifications.

• Configure and manage site server equipment, both physical and virtual environments (VMWare).

• Support and troubleshoot telco communications for remote sites.

• Design and implement scalable network solutions for new and existing projects.

• Basic support of Level I.

Network Engineer III:

Additional Responsibilities in addition to Level II

• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor for junior team members.

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative network solutions.

• Actively contribute to the improvement of existing processes and network infrastructure.

• Collaborate with other departments to enhance overall system reliability and performance.

• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to the development of long-term network goals.

• Provide high-level technical support and troubleshoot complex network issues.

• Mentorship for Level I and II.

Preferred Position Requirements:

Experience:

• Level I: 0-2 years of relevant experience is required.

• Level II: 2-5 years of relevant experience is required.

• Level III: 5+ years of relevant experience is required. Experience working within renewable energy including industrial or utility scale PV solar, BESS or Wind is preferred.

• Strong understanding of Industrial Networking.

• Ability to troubleshoot and provide support in unfamiliar environments.

• Experience with managing Windows Domain, DHCP, DNS, and GPO.

• Proficiency with Cisco switches, routers, and firewalls.

• Experience with Hirschmann switches and routers.

• Experience with Palo Alto firewalls.

• Understanding of VLAN segregation and DMZ design, including IP schemas.

• Proficient in all Windows Server and Windows Desktop versions.

• Experience managing an Azure or AWS environment.

• Familiarity with Dell servers and workstations.

• Experience in both IT and OT environments is required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Certification in OSHA 10, within 6 months after joining company.

Note: The OSHA certification emphasizes the importance of safety and preparedness within the company. Candidates who do not currently hold these certifications must be willing to obtain them within a reasonable timeframe after joining the company.

Behavioral:

• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative team environment and start-up atmosphere.

• Enthusiasm for taking on new and challenging tasks.

• Strong interest in renewable energy, energy storage and their applications.

• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, collaborative working environment.

• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter.

• Sense of humor and ability to build positive relationships.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment.

• Speech/Reading: Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.

• Lifting: Ability to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Vision/Hearing: Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.

• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary.

Note: The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned based on evolving business needs.