Lead Network Engineer

Pantheon Electric Careers•Leetsdale, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Lead Network Engineer to define and own the enterprise network architecture and standards across all U.S. sites and European operations. This role will lead the design and execution of the company's Fortinet standardization program, architect and oversee SD-WAN deployment, drive network segmentation strategy with a focus on OT/IT boundary design in manufacturing environments, and own the Azure networking architecture. The Lead Network Engineer will also lead network overhauls for acquired business units, collaborate with IT leadership on strategic initiatives, and manage vendor relationships. Additionally, this role involves directly managing and developing network infrastructure staff, setting technical direction, and serving as the senior escalation point for complex network incidents.

Requirements

12+ years of hands-on enterprise network engineering experience, with increasing scope and seniority over time.
Demonstrated experience owning network architecture in multi-site, distributed enterprise environments — manufacturing or industrial experience a strong plus.
Proven track record leading network modernization or standardization programs from design through execution.
Prior experience managing or mentoring network engineering staff.
Fortinet (required): Deep hands-on expertise across the FortiOS ecosystem — FortiGate firewalls, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, FortiSASE, and FortiAnalyzer; Security Fabric architecture experience strongly preferred.
SD-WAN: Design, deployment, and operational management of enterprise SD-WAN — Fortinet SD-WAN preferred.
Azure Networking: Practical experience with VNets, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, and hybrid on-prem/cloud routing.
OT/IT Segmentation: Understanding of network architecture requirements in manufacturing environments, including VLAN segmentation, zone-based firewalling, and OT protocol awareness.
Core Networking: Expert-level command of TCP/IP, BGP/OSPF, routing, switching, VLANs, DHCP/DNS, QoS, VPNs, and network security principles.
HPE Aruba/Meraki: Familiarity with Aruba and Meraki switching and wireless a plus as we complete migration from these to Fortinet.
Certifications are preferred but not required — hands-on depth matters more than paper credentials. That said, the following are viewed favorably: Fortinet: NSE 4, NSE 5, or NSE 6 (NSE 7 / FCSS a strong differentiator). Networking: CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certification. Cloud: Azure Network Engineer Associate or other Azure certifications. Security: Security+, CISSP, or equivalent.
Confident technical authority who can present architecture decisions to both engineers and senior business stakeholders.
Collaborative leader who elevates the people around them rather than hoarding knowledge.
Bias toward documentation, repeatability, and leaving systems better than you found them.
Comfortable operating with ambiguity in a fast-moving, PE-backed environment where priorities can shift.
Organized and accountable — able to manage multiple concurrent programs without dropping threads.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing or industrial experience a strong plus.
Fortinet Security Fabric architecture experience strongly preferred.
Fortinet NSE 7 / FCSS a strong differentiator.
Familiarity with HPE Aruba/Meraki switching and wireless as we complete migration from these to Fortinet.

Responsibilities

Define and own the enterprise network architecture and standards across all U.S. sites and European operations, ensuring consistency, security, and scalability.
Lead the design and execution of the company's Fortinet standardization program, including FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, FortiSASE, and FortiAnalyzer across on-prem and cloud environments.
Architect and oversee SD-WAN deployment across the enterprise, including design decisions for site-to-site connectivity, failover, and traffic policy.
Drive network segmentation strategy with specific attention to OT/IT boundary design in manufacturing environments.
Own the Azure networking architecture, including VNets, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, and hybrid connectivity patterns.
Lead the network overhaul for recently acquired business units, including multi-site Fortinet infrastructure deployments.
Collaborate with the Sr. Director of IT on capacity planning, security uplift, and long-term infrastructure investment decisions.
Manage vendor and MSP relationships for network infrastructure — owning technical scope, SLA accountability, and escalation pathways.
Ensure network infrastructure supports ERP modernization, cloud migration, and other major transformation programs.
Directly manage and develop two network infrastructure staff, including the mid-level Network Engineer.
Set technical direction, assign work, conduct code/config reviews, and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
Establish and enforce documentation standards, change management practices, and operational runbooks across the network team.
Serve as the senior escalation point for complex network incidents across domestic and international sites.