Network and Telecom Engineer

Position Overview

At Smithfield Foods – an American food company renowned for its leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products – the Network and Telecommunications Engineer plays a crucial role in designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise-wide network and telecommunications systems. In this role, you will manage and maintain standards, ensure security, and oversee processes to provide a stable, scalable, and reliable platform for both on-premise and cloud-based voice and application services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the enterprise design, build, and administration of network platforms ensuring stability, scalability, and high performance (Cisco experience a plus).
• Manage and optimize network environments covering routing (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF), switching (spanning tree, VLAN, VTP), services (DNS, DHCP, SMB, subnetting, NetFlow), VPN (SSL/IPSec), SD-WAN, wireless, and telecom/VoIP.
• Support multi-cloud networking (AWS, Azure preferred) including configuration of security groups and NSGs, with expertise in Cisco and Fortinet considered advantageous.
• Utilize monitoring and diagnostic tools (Cisco DNA, SolarWinds, ThousandEyes, Wireshark) to evaluate performance, troubleshoot issues, and maintain system reliability.
• Leverage orchestration tools and programming skills (experience with Ansible is a plus) to automate network processes.
• Configure, install, upgrade, and maintain client/server network software and telecom systems while ensuring minimal downtime.
• Collaborate with Security, Enterprise Architecture, and IT teams to integrate secure and reliable technical solutions.
• Provide on-site support and manage project implementations, including up to 25% travel as needed.
• Administer telecommunications systems including PBXs, call accounting, ACD, voicemail, interactive voice response, video conferencing systems, and MS Teams, while offering technical assistance and troubleshooting as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Network Engineering, Information Technology Management, or a related technical field, with 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current Cisco CCNA and/or Cisco CCDA certification (certification is required); additional certifications such as Cisco CCNP are a plus.
• Experience supporting cloud migrations and maintaining network security through proper VPN and firewall configuration.
• Strong technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple priorities, and responsiveness to customer needs.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing technologies, and mentor peers through knowledge-sharing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional certifications like Cisco CCNP.
• Experience with orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible) and advanced troubleshooting methodologies.

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits: Robust, flexible, and affordable benefit plans with out-of-pocket costs averaging 20% less than those offered by other employers.
• Be Well Programs: Access to programs offering support for elective surgeries, weight management, mental health, chronic disease management, and more.
• Comprehensive training and professional development programs, including tuition assistance for continuing education and certificate programs.
• Opportunities for specialized skill development through apprenticeship programs and initiatives like the Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Education Reimbursement for team members pursuing further formal education, such as obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency Diploma or academic degrees.