Senior Network Engineer

Looking for a Senior Network Engineer local to the Houston area with hands on experience in Cisco and Fortinet platforms along with SD-WAN. Key Responsibilities: Lead the transition from Cisco AnyConnect to a Fortinet-based VPN solution. Oversee the integration of Fortinet SD-WAN, ensuring seamless connectivity and security. Collaborate with the retiring Network Engineer to acquire knowledge transfer and ensure smooth transitions. Drive the phase-out of Cisco infrastructure, including telephony and unified communications. Develop a robust, resilient firewall strategy with Fortinet as the cornerstone. Work on command structures and platform protocols for Fortinet and Cisco networks, providing training if foundational knowledge is present. Act as a technical leader capable of taking on broader responsibilities within the IT architecture team. Contribute to the telephony team's tools and strategy to enhance corporate communications. Qualifications: Proven experience with Cisco and Fortinet platforms, including firewalls, routing, and switching. Strong command of networking principles, including SD-WAN and VPN solutions. Expertise in virtualized environments, especially VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V. Excellent communication skills with a well-developed change management mindset. Confidence in presenting designs and solutions with a design-defense approach. Ability to work independently without micromanagement, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Experience with Fortinet VPN solutions and SD-WAN. Hands-on experience with transitioning from Cisco to Fortinet. Familiarity with SaaS-based corporate communication tools. Ability to consolidate teams and mentor junior resources for growth within the organization.