Lead Network Engineer

Job Summary

The Lead Network Engineer is responsible for driving the design, standardization, and modernization of the enterprise network across a rapidly growing, multi-site healthcare organization. This role serves as both a technical authority, operational leader, and delivery owner, accountable for network architecture decisions, operational performance, and consistent execution across 150+ hospital locations, including new construction, expansions, and legacy site transformations.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with the ability to lead large-scale initiatives involving SD-WAN, SASE, Network Access Control (NAC), wireless modernization, and infrastructure standardization, while also leading network operations staff, enforcing process discipline, and ensuring day-to-day network stability and performance.
This is a hands-on role requiring a balance of architectural vision, operational ownership, and execution leadership in a fast-paced, highly distributed environment.

Responsibilities

Architecture & Transformation Leadership

• Lead the design and evolution of enterprise network architecture across all locations
• Drive standardization of network technologies, configurations, and deployment models
• Act as the design authority for all network-related initiatives, including construction and transformation projects
• Partner with Enterprise Architecture and Security teams to align with broader Zero Trust and SASE strategies

Core Strategic Focus Areas

• SD-WAN Standardization: Lead deployment and optimization of VeloCloud SD-WAN across all sites
• Network Access Control (NAC): Lead implementation and operationalization of Cisco ISE, including posture, profiling, and segmentation (TrustSec)
• Wireless Modernization: Drive enterprise adoption of Cisco Meraki wireless platforms and RF standards
• Network Standardization: Enforce enterprise standards for switching, routing, and site architecture
• Legacy Sunset: Plan and execute retirement of legacy platforms

Construction & Multi-Site Deployment

• Lead network design and execution for new hospital construction, relocations, and expansions
• Define and maintain standards for site network architecture
• Partner internal and external vendors to ensure consistent, scalable deployments
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to enterprise standards

Operations & Engineering Leadership

• Provide advanced technical leadership and escalation support for complex network issues
• Oversee network performance, reliability, and capacity across all sites
• Guide and mentor network engineers; establish best practices and operational standards
• Participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation as a senior escalation point

Vendor & Carrier Strategy

• Act as technical lead for network vendors, including ISPs, SD-WAN providers, and implementation partners
• Support circuit strategy including carrier diversity, bandwidth tiering, and cost optimization
• Evaluate vendor performance and ensure alignment with enterprise standards and expectations

Observability & Performance

• Drive adoption of modern network observability tools (e.g., ThousandEyes, LogicMonitor, etc.)
• Establish visibility into end-to-end network performance, user experience, and service health
• Proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and systemic issues

Documentation & Governance

• Maintain high-quality architecture diagrams, standards, and operational documentation
• Contribute to Architecture Review Board (ARB) processes and governance frameworks
• Ensure all designs and deployments align with enterprise standards and compliance requirements

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering, including architecture and design
• 5+ years in a senior or lead role within a multi-site environment (100+ locations preferred)
• Proven experience leading large-scale network transformation initiatives

Deep Expertise In

• Routing & switching (enterprise LAN/WAN)
• SD-WAN technologies (VeloCloud preferred)
• Firewall and security architecture (Palo Alto, Prisma Access preferred)
• Wireless networking (Cisco Meraki or equivalent)

Strong Experience With

• Network Access Control (Cisco ISE preferred)
• Segmentation and Zero Trust principles
• Multi-site network design and deployment

Education, License And Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field or 15+ years of equivalent proven working experience in the field
• Minimum 10 years of experience in enterprise network engineering, including architecture, design, and implementation
• Minimum 5 years in a senior or lead role supporting a multi-site environment (100+ locations preferred)
• Proven experience leading large-scale network transformation initiatives across distributed environments
• Strong experience designing and supporting enterprise WAN/LAN environments at scale (multisite, healthcare or similar preferred)
• Individual must live in North America
• Individual must have a personal work location that allows for uninterrupted audio and videocalls
• Individual’s personal work location must have consistent and reliable Internet connectivity
• Relevant IT industry certifications preferred (CCNP, CCIE, PCNSE, or equivalent network/security certifications)

Skills And Experience

• Proven experience leading network architecture, standardization, and transformation initiatives across a multi-site enterprise
• Deep expertise in routing and switching (Cisco Catalyst, enterprise LAN/WAN design)
• Strong experience with SD-WAN technologies (VeloCloud strongly preferred) including deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management
• Advanced experience with firewall and security architecture (Palo Alto, Prisma Access, SASE concepts)
• Extensive experience designing and supporting enterprise wireless networks (Cisco Meraki or equivalent)
• Strong experience with Network Access Control solutions (Cisco ISE preferred), including posture, profiling, and policy enforcement
• Demonstrated experience implementing network segmentation and Zero Trust principles
• Proven experience designing and deploying networks across large, distributed, multi-site environments
• Experience supporting new site construction, relocations, and expansions, including MDF/IDF design and deployment standards
• Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations, and divestitures, ensuring alignment to enterprise network standards
• Experience with network automation, orchestration, or infrastructure-as-code approaches
• Strong knowledge of modern network observability and monitoring tools (e.g., ThousandEyes or equivalent)
• Expert-level troubleshooting skills including packet analysis, performance diagnostics, and root cause analysis
• Ability to work concurrently on multiple projects across construction, transformation, and operational initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong documentation, organizational, and project management skills
• Proven ability to mentor engineers, set technical direction, and lead by example
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate complex environments and drive solutions
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Healthcare or similarly distributed industry experience preferred

Reports to: IT Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

The base salary range for this full-time position is up to $155,000 annually. Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and more depending on location. Your recruiter can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the application process.
This role is not open to receiving agency candidates and any contingent submissions will not be honored.

Key skills/competency

• Lead Network Engineer
• Network Architecture
• SD-WAN
• SASE
• Network Access Control (NAC)
• Cisco ISE
• Cisco Meraki
• Palo Alto
• Zero Trust
• Enterprise Networking