Network Engineer
Salary: Up to $105,000 plus bonuses
Location: Hybrid NW Chicago Suburbs
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Network Engineer with ERP system experience to support and optimize network infrastructure, enterprise systems, and manufacturing operations. This role will focus on ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient network performance while integrating and maintaining ERP systems used for production, inventory, and supply chain management. The ideal candidate will have a background in network administration, troubleshooting, and ERP support in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, VPN, firewalls, switches, and routers) to support manufacturing operations.
- Configure and troubleshoot ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, etc.) to ensure smooth integration with production processes.
- Support network security protocols, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and access controls, to protect manufacturing and ERP data.
- Monitor network performance, bandwidth utilization, and system uptime, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal efficiency.
- Collaborate with IT, operations, and engineering teams to ensure seamless connectivity between ERP, shop floor systems, and industrial automation networks.
- Perform root cause analysis and issue resolution for network, system, and ERP-related problems.
- Assist in disaster recovery planning, data backups, and redundancy strategies to maintain business continuity.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Implement and enforce IT security best practices and compliance standards within a manufacturing environment.
- Provide user support and training on network systems, ERP functionality, and IT-related issues.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- 3+ years of experience in network engineering, system administration, or IT infrastructure management.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, or similar) in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting Cisco, Juniper, or other enterprise network hardware.
- Knowledge of IP networking, VLANs, VPNs, firewalls, DHCP, and DNS administration.
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity best practices, Active Directory, and system access controls.
- Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial automation networks, and IoT devices.
- Ability to troubleshoot SQL databases, server performance, and ERP data integrations.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving IT issues.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with IT, operations, and management teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
- Experience with cloud-based ERP solutions and hybrid network environments.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) concepts.
