Network Engineer - Contract Opportunity in Nashville, TN

Robert Half is excited to partner with a leading organization in Nashville, Tennessee, to find a skilled Contract Network Engineer. This pivotal role offers you the chance to design, implement, and maintain enterprise-grade network infrastructure while working with cutting-edge technologies. As a Contract Network Engineer, you'll ensure seamless connectivity, robust security, and optimal performance across LAN, WAN, and data center environments. Join our client's dynamic IT team and make a tangible impact on their digital transformation journey.

About the Role

This contract position provides an excellent platform for experienced network professionals to showcase their expertise in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Located in the heart of Nashville, TN, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable network solutions that support business objectives. Whether you're optimizing wireless networks, hardening security perimeters, or planning for future scalability, your contributions will directly influence operational efficiency and user satisfaction. Robert Half specializes in connecting top IT talent with premier contract opportunities, and this Network Engineer role exemplifies our commitment to quality placements.

Key Responsibilities

The Network Engineer will handle a diverse set of responsibilities critical to maintaining a high-performing network infrastructure:

• Network Design & Implementation: Architect and deploy LAN, WAN, and data center networks tailored to performance, security, and scalability needs. Leverage protocols like BGP, OSPF, and MPLS to create resilient topologies.
• Proactive Maintenance: Monitor routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless access points using tools like SolarWinds or Cisco Prime. Ensure 99.9% uptime through routine health checks and firmware updates.
• Security Fortification: Deploy and manage firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and secure VPN solutions to mitigate cyber threats and ensure compliance with standards like NIST or ISO 27001.
• Expert Troubleshooting: Rapidly diagnose connectivity issues, latency problems, and packet loss using Wireshark, SNMP, and NetFlow analysis. Provide tier-3 support to end-users and collaborate with ISP providers.
• Capacity Planning & Optimization: Analyze traffic patterns with tools like PRTG or Nagios, forecasting needs and recommending hardware/software upgrades to support organizational expansion.
• Documentation Excellence: Maintain detailed records in tools like Visio, Confluence, or ServiceNow, covering configurations, change logs, and audit trails for seamless knowledge transfer.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Negotiate with vendors like Cisco, Juniper, and Aruba for equipment procurement, SLAs, and support contracts while aligning with budget constraints.
• Performance Tuning: Identify inefficiencies such as QoS bottlenecks or redundant paths, implementing optimizations that reduce costs without compromising reliability.

Required Qualifications

To succeed in this Network Engineer role, candidates should possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Networking, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5+ years in network engineering, with hands-on experience in enterprise environments.
• Certifications such as CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+, or security-focused creds like CISSP.
• Deep expertise in Cisco/Juniper routing/switching, wireless technologies (802.11ax), and SD-WAN solutions.
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix for scripting automation (Python/Bash) and monitoring tools.
• Strong analytical skills for root-cause analysis and a proactive mindset for preemptive issue resolution.
• Excellent communication abilities to interface with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Experience with cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure VNet) and automation (Ansible, Terraform) is highly desirable for this Nashville-based opportunity.

Why Join Us

Partnering with Robert Half means accessing a competitive $45/hour contract rate, flexible work arrangements, and the potential for long-term engagement with a reputable Nashville employer. Enjoy the vibrant Music City lifestyle while advancing your career in network engineering. Robert Half offers comprehensive support, including dedicated recruiters, interview preparation, and access to exclusive job opportunities across Tennessee. This role not only builds your resume with high-profile projects but also positions you for permanent roles in the booming Nashville tech scene. Apply today to elevate your network engineering career with Robert Half!

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