Network Technician (Freelance/Self Employed/Contractor)

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Freelance Network Technician to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining complex network infrastructure across diverse environments. Your expertise will ensure seamless connectivity, robust security, and high availability of network systems. This opportunity offers flexibility for self-employed professionals passionate about delivering top-tier network support and infrastructure management. Join us to leverage your technical prowess in a fast-paced, innovative setting that values your independence and technical excellence.

Duties

• Install, configure, and support network hardware including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, SAN (Storage Area Network), and RAID controllers to optimize performance and security.
• Manage WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), VPN (Virtual Private Network), and IPsec configurations to ensure secure remote access and reliable connectivity.
• Implement and maintain routing protocols such as OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), ensuring efficient data routing across networks.
• Conduct comprehensive network troubleshooting using tools like SolarWinds, PRTG, Splunk, and Wireshark to identify issues related to network protocols, hardware failures, or security breaches.
• Support network security measures including Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine), PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), SSO (Single Sign-On), encryption standards, and vulnerability assessments to safeguard organizational data.
• Perform system hardening on operating systems such as Windows Server, Linux distributions like Debian, CentOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, Solaris, and BSD variants to enhance security posture.
• Assist with network architecture design and system integration involving virtualization platforms like VMware vSphere/ESXi and vSphere for high availability solutions.
• Configure and support network services including DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), GPO (Group Policy Objects), DNS (Domain Name System), NFS (Network File System), SSH (Secure Shell), FTP/SFTP for secure file transfer and remote management.
• Monitor network performance using tools like SolarWinds or PRTG to proactively identify bottlenecks or vulnerabilities; recommend improvements aligned with ITIL best practices.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support for complex system issues involving load balancing, network switching, firewall management including Cisco ASA devices, IDS/IPS systems for intrusion detection/prevention.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in computer networking with a strong understanding of LAN/WAN architecture and protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, BGP, EIGRP, OSPF.
• Hands-on expertise with Cisco routers/switches implementation along with Cisco ASA firewalls; familiarity with Juniper devices is a plus.
• Knowledge of network security frameworks including VPN configuration, SSL/TLS encryption standards, vulnerability assessment tools like Splunk or SolarWinds.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash or PowerShell for automation tasks; experience with Python is advantageous.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies including VMware vSphere/ESXi; experience with high availability configurations is preferred.
• Strong background in IT infrastructure management covering Active Directory integration, system hardening practices on Linux/Windows operating systems.
• Ability to perform detailed network troubleshooting using advanced diagnostic tools; excellent problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA/CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional), CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to diverse audiences while working independently in a freelance or contractor capacity.

Join us if you’re ready to make an impact by delivering innovative networking solutions that keep organizations connected securely and efficiently!

Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• what is your current location?
• Are you comfortable working on 1099 contract?
• What is your expected hourly rate?
• Are you comfortable with working on demand?

Work Location: In person