Senior Network Engineer - UniFirst

The Senior Network Engineer is the technical authority for UniFirst Corporation’s enterprise network, responsible for the design, implementation, and support of data and voice communications across all office locations, wireless, Internet, Microsoft Azure, and remote connectivity. This role leads network architecture decisions, sets standards for network operations, and serves as the top escalation point for the network team. The Senior Network Engineer is accountable for the security, availability, and performance of the network, drives projects and vendor relationships from planning through production, and mentors IT staff in building a secure, reliable, and cost-effective environment.

Job Detail:

• Lead the design, configuration, and management of routers, switches, and all related WAN equipment, including SD-WAN and carrier circuits
• Monitor the WAN for outages, serve as the escalation point, and work with vendors to drive resolution of all issues through root cause analysis
• Design, manage, and configure hardware associated with wireless and wired LANs
• Architect, manage, and configure Palo Alto firewalls, including security policy, VPN, and remote access standards
• Architect, manage, and configure F5 Big-IP LTM equipment, including load balancing and application delivery
• Design, manage, and secure hybrid network connectivity between on-premises and Microsoft Azure, including virtual networks, VPN Gateway/ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, network security groups, and DNS
• Support intrusion prevention monitoring and partner with the information security team on remediation, audits, and vulnerability management
• Serve as the Tier 3 escalation resource for complex WAN, wireless, and LAN issues and mentor junior network staff in troubleshooting. · Administer and lead the evolution of the company’s Cisco VoIP phone system
• Lead planning, technical design, and implementation for network installations, upgrades, and migrations, including project scoping and timelines
• Define and maintain network standards, documentation, change management practices, and configuration baselines
• Use automation and scripting to improve configuration consistency, monitoring, and operational efficiency
• Plan network capacity and lifecycle, evaluate new technologies, and make recommendations on architecture, budgets, and vendor selection
• Manage relationships with equipment vendors and carriers, including contract, support, and SLA performance
• Train IT staff on the network infrastructure, standards, and operational procedures

The estimated salary for this position ranges from $82,000 - $114,000 yearly. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Geographic differentials may also apply depending on the position’s location. There is no application deadline for this role; recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience

• 8+ years’ experience managing Cisco routers and switches in an enterprise environment

• Strong knowledge of routing protocols, including BGP and OSPF

• 3+ years’ experience working with Cisco wireless

• 5+ years’ experience with Palo Alto firewalls or F5 BIG-IP, including design and advanced configuration; experience with both preferred.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking, including virtual networks, hybrid connectivity (VPN/ExpressRoute), network security groups, and Azure Firewall

• Cisco VoIP experience preferred

• Experience with network automation or scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible) preferred

• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences and to manage equipment vendors

• Demonstrated success in designing, installing, customizing, implementing, and maintaining network systems developed internally and / or in conjunction with outside vendors

• Experience designing, implementing, and providing Tier 3 support for the WAN, wireless, routed network, and LAN at all company facilities

• Demonstrated experience leading network projects and mentoring or providing technical guidance to other IT staff

• CCNP or equivalent experience required; CCIE, Palo Alto PCNSE, F5, or Microsoft Azure certification (e.g., AZ-700 Azure Network Engineer) a plus

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Participation in the on-call rotation, including availability outside normal business hours for maintenance windows and critical incidents

• Hybrid work arrangement with occasional travel to company facilities

UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws

UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

If you require an accommodation during any part of the application process due to a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at TalentAcquisition@unifirst.com or through our EthicsFirst portal at UniFirst.ethicspoint.com. You may also call the EthicsFirst Hotline at (800) 213-8979 to let us know the nature of your request.

UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent.