Network Engineer

Robert Half is actively partnering with an Austin-based client to identify a Network Engineer (contract). In this role, you will be heavily focused on hands-on network operations, incident management, capacity planning, and infrastructure improvement initiatives. Over time, the engineer will help drive innovation through intelligent automation, operational tooling, and process optimization. This role is onsite in Austin, Tx. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support the engineering, operation, and ongoing evolution of a large-scale global network infrastructure, including edge, backbone, and core connectivity environments.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex network incidents, manage escalations, participate in on-call rotations, and contribute to post-incident reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Design, develop, and maintain AI-powered operational tools and automation solutions that improve network visibility, troubleshooting efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
• Leverage machine learning and AI technologies to accelerate root cause analysis, identify patterns, and enhance decision-making within network operations.
• Architect and implement network enhancements to improve performance, scalability, resiliency, and overall user experience.
• Mentor junior engineers through hands-on coaching, technical guidance, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to document network designs, operational procedures, and best practices.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting and operating large-scale enterprise, service provider, or cloud networking environments.
• Strong programming skills in Python, TypeScript, Go, or similar languages, with experience building scalable operational tools and automation solutions.
• Experience developing or integrating AI/LLM-enabled workflows, tools, or operational systems.
• Knowledge of AI operational concepts including tool integration, retrieval systems, evaluation frameworks, and production deployment considerations.
• Understanding of AI reliability, governance, risk mitigation, and operational safeguards.
• Advanced expertise with BGP, routing protocols, and large-scale traffic engineering.
• Strong knowledge of MPLS, Segment Routing, and modern WAN technologies.
• Experience administering multi-vendor network environments, including platforms such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, or equivalent.
• Experience with infrastructure automation tools such as Ansible, SaltStack, Terraform, or similar frameworks.
• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure operational environments and lead incident response activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience deploying AI-powered tools that drove measurable improvements for operational teams.
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, JNCIP, or higher-level networking credentials.
• Knowledge of optical transport technologies including DWDM, CWDM, or related networking solutions.
• Linux systems administration experience.
• Experience creating network architecture, engineering, and operational documentation.

Contract Benefit Offerings:

• Healthcare (medical, dental, and vision plans)
• 401(k) and retirement plans
• Commuter benefits
• Employee and vendor discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• And many more!

Compensation

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