The HT Group
Position Overview
***Position is onsite 5 days per week in Sugar Land, TX. Candidates must be local. 6-month contract-to-hire opportunity. The primary function of this position is to maintain and troubleshoot a large Cisco Catalyst environment with Fortigate and Cisco Networking. This position will also perform network and system support functions on segments of the computer environment, including planned and emergency maintenance, performance and security analysis, monitoring, tuning and implementation of new products and procedures. Analyzes emerging technology and makes recommendations for constant improvements to network and infrastructure services and capabilities. Ensures that the implementation and rolling out of IT solutions are designed and planned with minimum disruption to the business processes.
Key Responsibilities
Install, configure, and maintain
Cisco Catalyst Switches and Routers
in access, distribution, and core layers.
Manage and support
Cisco routers
with a strong emphasis on
OSPF routing design, redistribution, and troubleshooting .
Configure, monitor, and secure
Cisco ASA, FortiGate, and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD)
firewalls, including policy creation, NAT, VPNs, and intrusion prevention.
Perform routine
network performance monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning .
Implement network
redundancy and failover strategies
to maximize uptime.
Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to align firewall and intrusion prevention systems with security policies.
Troubleshoot Layer 2/3 connectivity issues and provide timely resolution of incidents.
Maintain accurate documentation of network diagrams, device configurations, and operational procedures.
Stay current with Cisco best practices, emerging technologies, and security advisories.
Required Qualifications
3+ years of experience working with
Cisco networking technologies
(switches, routers, firewalls).
Strong knowledge of
OSPF routing protocol
and general IP routing concepts.
Hands‑on experience with
Cisco ASA
and
Cisco Firepower Threat Defense .
Proficiency in troubleshooting complex
Layer 2/3 issues
using CLI and monitoring tools.
Familiarity with VPN technologies (site‑to‑site, remote access) and firewall rule management.
Ability to create and interpret
network diagrams and documentation .
Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Cisco certifications
such as CCNA, CCNP (Enterprise, Security, or equivalent).
Experience with other routing protocols (EIGRP, BGP) and advanced firewall features.
Familiarity with
automation tools
(Python, Ansible, Netmiko) for network management.
Experience in high‑availability enterprise or government environments.
Soft Skills
Strong communication skills for collaborating with IT teams and leadership.
Ability to work independently and handle high‑pressure situations.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Knowledge
Theory and methods of computer networks, operation, security, and operating systems.
Data processing availability, recovery and backup techniques.
Prefer knowledge of public sector technologies for municipal governments.
Skills
Strong inter‑personal and communication skills.
Must be capable of writing proposals or papers.
A solid skillset of Cisco IOS, VPN, and Cisco ASA.
Familiarity with microwave and cellular data networking is a plus.
Can proactively monitor systems and familiar with patterns.
A solid understanding of networking, communications, and data security.
Requires initiative, independent thinking, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Abilities
Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise reports and instructions.
Solve problems quickly and completely.
Identify tasks which require automation and automate them.
Read and interpret technical reference materials.
Follow oral and written directions.
Plan and monitor assigned activities.
Education, Experience and Training
Formal Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or other relevant STEM field or equivalent technical training backed by industry recognized credentials and certifications.
Relatable Work Experience: Three years of information technology experience with an emphasis on infrastructure and operations. Experience in the following technologies/products is required, Cisco networking and communications applications and appliances.
Training (License and/or Certification): Valid Texas Driver License.
Employment Type Contract (6‑month contract‑to‑hire, onsite 5 days a week)
Location Sugar Land, TX (Candidates must be local)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities
Install, configure, and maintain
Cisco Catalyst Switches and Routers
in access, distribution, and core layers.
Manage and support
Cisco routers
with a strong emphasis on
OSPF routing design, redistribution, and troubleshooting .
Configure, monitor, and secure
Cisco ASA, FortiGate, and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD)
firewalls, including policy creation, NAT, VPNs, and intrusion prevention.
Perform routine
network performance monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning .
Implement network
redundancy and failover strategies
to maximize uptime.
Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to align firewall and intrusion prevention systems with security policies.
Troubleshoot Layer 2/3 connectivity issues and provide timely resolution of incidents.
Maintain accurate documentation of network diagrams, device configurations, and operational procedures.
Stay current with Cisco best practices, emerging technologies, and security advisories.
Required Qualifications
3+ years of experience working with
Cisco networking technologies
(switches, routers, firewalls).
Strong knowledge of
OSPF routing protocol
and general IP routing concepts.
Hands‑on experience with
Cisco ASA
and
Cisco Firepower Threat Defense .
Proficiency in troubleshooting complex
Layer 2/3 issues
using CLI and monitoring tools.
Familiarity with VPN technologies (site‑to‑site, remote access) and firewall rule management.
Ability to create and interpret
network diagrams and documentation .
Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Cisco certifications
such as CCNA, CCNP (Enterprise, Security, or equivalent).
Experience with other routing protocols (EIGRP, BGP) and advanced firewall features.
Familiarity with
automation tools
(Python, Ansible, Netmiko) for network management.
Experience in high‑availability enterprise or government environments.
Soft Skills
Strong communication skills for collaborating with IT teams and leadership.
Ability to work independently and handle high‑pressure situations.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Knowledge
Theory and methods of computer networks, operation, security, and operating systems.
Data processing availability, recovery and backup techniques.
Prefer knowledge of public sector technologies for municipal governments.
Skills
Strong inter‑personal and communication skills.
Must be capable of writing proposals or papers.
A solid skillset of Cisco IOS, VPN, and Cisco ASA.
Familiarity with microwave and cellular data networking is a plus.
Can proactively monitor systems and familiar with patterns.
A solid understanding of networking, communications, and data security.
Requires initiative, independent thinking, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Abilities
Prepare clear, comprehensive and concise reports and instructions.
Solve problems quickly and completely.
Identify tasks which require automation and automate them.
Read and interpret technical reference materials.
Follow oral and written directions.
Plan and monitor assigned activities.
Education, Experience and Training
Formal Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or other relevant STEM field or equivalent technical training backed by industry recognized credentials and certifications.
Relatable Work Experience: Three years of information technology experience with an emphasis on infrastructure and operations. Experience in the following technologies/products is required, Cisco networking and communications applications and appliances.
Training (License and/or Certification): Valid Texas Driver License.
Employment Type Contract (6‑month contract‑to‑hire, onsite 5 days a week)
Location Sugar Land, TX (Candidates must be local)
#J-18808-Ljbffr