Job#: 3035713

Job Description:

Network Engineer I (Entry-Level / Early Career)

• Location: Onsite
• Type: 6 month Contract

About the Role

• We are seeking a Network Engineer I to support an enterprise-level networking team in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career network professional who has a strong foundation in networking fundamentals and a passion for troubleshooting.
• This role is heavily focused on day-to-day operations and ticket resolution, with exposure to a wide range of enterprise technologies including routing, switching, wireless, and firewalls.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve network connectivity issues across enterprise environments
• Support incoming tickets related to network performance, connectivity, and access
• Assist with switching deployments, installations, and upgrades
• Follow structured troubleshooting methods to identify and resolve issues end-to-end
• Support networking infrastructure including routing, switching, Wi-Fi, and firewalls
• Collaborate with senior engineers and escalate complex issues when needed

Required Qualifications (Must-Have Skills)

Strong Networking Foundations (CCNA-Level Knowledge)

• Candidates must demonstrate a working understanding (not just terminology) of:

Layer 2 (Switching)

• VLAN creation, tagging, and trunking
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP: PVST+, RSTP)
• Port security and access control
• 802.1X basics and AAA concepts
• MAC addressing and ARP

Layer 3 (Fundamentals)

• IPv4 addressing and subnetting (Class A/B/C, public vs. private)
• Default gateways and basic routing concepts
• Foundational understanding of routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, or similar)

Troubleshooting Mindset (Top Priority)

• Ability to diagnose connectivity issues step-by-step, including:
  • IP addressing and DHCP validation
  • Gateway and network reachability (ping/traceroute)
  • DNS-related issues
• Strong critical thinking and ability to identify root cause logically
• Comfortable working through issues with non-technical end users

Hands-On Networking Experience

• Exposure to real-world networking environments (lab-only experience is not sufficient)
• Familiarity with Cisco-based environments (preferred)
• Ability to clearly explain what you’ve done in past roles (not just list technologies)

Operational Readiness

• Comfortable working in a ticket-driven environment
• Able to contribute quickly with minimal ramp time
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills

• Basic Wi-Fi knowledge:
  • SSIDs, channels, RF basics
  • APs and wireless controllers
  • Troubleshooting signal/interference issues
• Exposure to firewalls (Palo Alto or similar) and ACLs
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, etc.)
• Wireshark or packet capture basics

Installation & Infrastructure Experience (Bonus)

• Network switch installation, racking, and cabling standards
• Power and grounding considerations (PoE, UPS)
• Documentation and labeling best practices

Ideal Candidate Profile

• ~1–4 years of networking experience (flexible based on skill level)
• Strong problem-solving ability and curiosity
• Able to articulate technical concepts clearly in interviews
• Eager to learn and grow within an enterprise networking team

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in a large-scale enterprise network environment
• Exposure to routing, switching, wireless, and security technologies
• Opportunity to grow into more advanced networking roles
• 
  

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy

Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [email protected] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.