Network Engineer

Vulcan Elements · Research Triangle Park

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Integrity.

As a Network Engineer, you will take ownership of the IT network infrastructure supporting Vulcan Elements' offices and manufacturing facilities. This is a hands-on role with significant responsibility for designing and building a modern network environment from the ground up as Vulcan expands into its new manufacturing campus.

You will own the architecture, deployment, operation, and documentation of Vulcan's IT network while working closely with the OT Network Engineer to ensure secure connectivity and clear separation between enterprise IT and manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate is comfortable taking a greenfield environment, establishing standards, making sound technical decisions, and carrying projects through implementation.

Responsibilities

Network Design and Deployment: Architect, implement, and maintain LAN/WAN/WLAN infrastructure across office and manufacturing environments using Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti UniFi platforms.
IT Network Ownership: Take primary ownership of the IT network environment, including network architecture, VLANs, routing, wireless, firewall policies, and connectivity standards.
IT/OT Collaboration: Work closely with the OT Network Engineer to support secure segmentation and connectivity between IT and OT environments.
Security and Compliance: Implement and maintain network security controls aligned with NIST 800-171 and CMMC requirements.
Network Services: Support core network services including DHCP, DNS, VPN, remote access, and network authentication.
Infrastructure Deployment: Support network racks, cabling, UPS systems, access points, switches, and related physical infrastructure as new facilities are built out.
Documentation: Maintain detailed network diagrams, configuration baselines, change logs, and system security plans (SSPs) as required for CMMC assessments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Operations, and IT teams to support network requirements for automation, data acquisition, and production systems.
Government and Compliance Support: Support internal audits, CMMC assessments, and government contract compliance reviews with thorough documentation and evidence collection.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business

Qualifications

3+ years of experience in network engineering or network administration preferred. Candidates with less experience and strong technical ability, certifications, and demonstrated initiative are encouraged to apply.
Hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst and/or Meraki switching, wireless, and security platforms.
Strong fundamentals in VLANs, routing, spanning tree, subnetting, ACLs, VPNs, and enterprise wireless networking.
Working knowledge of NIST 800-171, CMMC, and network-level controls. Experience supporting or preparing for CMMC assessments is strongly preferred.
Strong fundamentals in BGP, OSPF, spanning tree, VLANs, QoS, and SD-WAN concepts.
Familiarity with IT/OT network segmentation or manufacturing environments is preferred, but deep industrial controls experience is not required.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in a manufacturing environment, and perform cable runs, rack installations, and equipment mounting.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Certifications: Cisco CCNA or CCNP, Meraki ECMS, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
Prior experience supporting federal contractors, DoD programs, or government-adjacent facilities with CUI handling and export-controlled environments (ITAR/EAR).

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

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