Network Project Engineer (Professional Services)

Job Title: Network Project Engineer (Professional Services)
Location: Etobicoke (3 days onsite)
Type: Contract (expected duration of 12 months)
Industry: OT / Network Infrastructure / Professional Services

Overview
We are seeking a Network Project Engineer to support the execution of capital projects within our client’s network environment. This role blends hands-on network engineering with project coordination, requiring strong technical expertise in Cisco and Fortinet technologies, along with the ability to work across architecture, operations, and business teams.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in network implementation, troubleshooting, change management, and documentation, with the maturity to drive tasks forward and ensure project milestones are met.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Support & Network Stability

• Partner with the Technical Relationship Manager to troubleshoot, diagnose, and escalate network issues.
• Apply advanced problem-solving techniques across Cisco and Fortinet product suites.
• Support root cause analysis, continuous monitoring, and overall network health.

Project Execution & Delivery

• Work closely with internal and client teams to ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved.
• Review, refine, and validate deployment project plans for accuracy and alignment.
• Identify risks, escalate blockers, and communicate impacts on project timelines.
• Support the integration of new technologies and systems into the existing network environment.

Technical Implementation

• Perform software patching on network devices within OT environments.
• Coordinate application testing and validate successful patch deployments.
• Implement firewall rules and ensure secure access paths into the network.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize:
• Fortinet Firewalls: VDOMs, firewall rules, packet captures
• Cisco N9K/5K/2K: VLANs, trunking, port channels, routing & switching

Documentation & Reporting

• Create and maintain clear, audience-appropriate technical and operational documentation.
• Update design documentation, procedural guides, and deployment materials.
• Provide regular status updates to leadership and participate in recurring project meetings.

Change & Compliance Management

• Create and execute MOPs (Methods of Procedure) and RFCs within ITSM frameworks.
• Conduct impact analyses and coordinate security scans for production environments.
• Ensure all work aligns with the client’s SCOP (Security Code of Practice) and IT standards.

Design Review & Optimization

• Review and validate network layouts, IP addressing, routing, switching, and traffic flow.
• Recommend design optimizations across Cisco and Fortinet environments.
• Support architectural teams by providing detailed feedback and design validation.

Knowledge Transfer & Sustainment

• Provide mentorship and knowledge transfer to first-line support teams.
• Assist in integrating management tools and other IT systems into the network environment.
• Deliver sustainment through documentation, training, and operational support.

Required Experience & Skills

• 5+ years in network engineering, professional services, or implementation roles.
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus (N9K/5K/2K) and Fortinet Firewalls.
• Proven experience in OT or highly regulated environments is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks, follow through on project milestones, and coordinate across teams.
• Strong understanding of routing, switching, firewall policies, VLANs, trunking, and network segmentation.
• Experience with patching, MOP creation, and executing changes in enterprise environments.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-team collaboration skills.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience in capital project environments.
• Exposure to Citrix, field router connectivity, or secure remote access architectures.
• Knowledge of ITSM frameworks (ServiceNow, Remedy, etc.).
• Familiarity with security compliance frameworks and OT security practices.