Intermediate Network Specialist

Requisition ID

44168BR

Business Unit

COR

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Network Specialist with expertise in network security and enterprise networking to help safeguard, operate, and scale our global IT infrastructure. This is a high-impact, hands‑on role for a networking generalist who is equally comfortable working across firewalls, routers, switches, wireless, and network management platforms in both on premises and cloud environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, manage, and optimize enterprise firewalls, VPNs, and network security policies across on premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks firewalls to support secure global connectivity.
• Analyse, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network performance, availability, and security issues.
• Support and maintain enterprise switching and routing environments, including Cisco SD‑WAN routing and Aruba switches.
• Administer and troubleshoot Aruba wireless networks, ensuring reliable and secure campus and office wireless connectivity.
• Manage and operate Aruba Central for centralized network visibility, monitoring, and configuration.
• Implement and support Aruba ClearPass for network access, authentication, and policy enforcement.
• Provide networking operational support in our growing cloud environments, with a particular focus on Azure with AWS and Oracle support when needed.
• Partner with the Information Security team to align firewall rules, network segmentation, and access controls with compliance and risk standards.
• Work with Infrastructure and Application teams to ensure secure and reliable connectivity for on premises, cloud, and hybrid workloads.
• Evaluate, recommend, and deploy next‑generation firewall (NGFW), switching, wireless, and network security solutions.
• Recommend and implement automation and standardization for firewall and network operations.
• Stay current on emerging network security threats, networking technologies, and vendor roadmaps, and recommend improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Title

Intermediate Network Specialist

Group

COR

Employment Type

Regular

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree.
• 3 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Zero Trust architectures, network segmentation, or secure access design.
• Experience managing enterprise networks using Aruba Central.
• Hands‑on experience with Aruba ClearPass for authentication, authorization and policy enforcement.
• Experience with Cisco SD‑WAN.
• Experience with SDN, network automation, or infrastructure as code, using tools such as Python, Ansible, or Bicep.
• Relevant certifications such as Palo Alto Network Security Professional, CCNA / CCNP, Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate, and HPE/Aruba certifications.
• Experience operating networks in large, distributed enterprise environments.

Skills and Abilities

• Hands‑on experience with firewall platforms, including Palo Alto Networks.
• Strong background in routing, switching, VPNs, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, as well as RADIUS/TACACS+.
• Practical experience as a networking generalist, supporting multiple network domains (security, switching, wireless, and WAN).
• Experience with switching platforms in enterprise environments, preferably HPE/Aruba.
• Experience supporting WiFi networks, including access point deployment and troubleshooting.
• Experience with SD‑WAN technologies in enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with cloud networking concepts.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (

Job Site Location

United States – Nationwide

Pay Range Minimum

$78,478

Pay Range Maximum

$129,459

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options

Fully Remote or Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.