Network Engineer - Ship Board

Ampcus Inc. is a certified global provider of a broad range of Technology and Business consulting services. We are in search of a highly motivated candidate to join our talented Team.

Job Title: Network Engineer - Ship Board

Location(s): Chicago, IL
(Remote: EST time zone)

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to design, implement, and support enterprise shipboard and shoreside network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Cisco networking, Aruba wireless, Fortinet security solutions, cloud and hybrid networking, and satellite communications. This role supports large-scale maritime network projects, including vessel newbuilds, drydocks, and fleet upgrades, while serving as a senior escalation point for complex network issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze, design, implement, and support shipboard and shoreside network infrastructure.
• Design scalable, resilient, and cost-effective LAN, WAN, wireless, satellite, and hybrid network solutions.
• Configure, upgrade, and maintain enterprise network hardware and software.
• Support vessel growth, infrastructure upgrades, newbuilds, and drydock projects.
• Plan, stage, and execute network implementation projects.
• Develop Bills of Materials (BoMs) and manage projects from planning through deployment.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineering teams, and business stakeholders.
• Monitor network health using enterprise management platforms such as Cisco DNA Center, Cisco ISE, Fortinet, Aruba, and related tools.
• Perform preventive maintenance, firmware upgrades, and patch management.
• Troubleshoot complex network, wireless, firewall, satellite, and connectivity issues.
• Maintain documentation, network standards, and operational procedures.
• Support cloud, hybrid, and on-premises networking environments.
• Review and implement infrastructure change requests.
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and third-party contractors.
• Validate backup and disaster recovery processes for critical infrastructure.
• Provide senior-level technical support and mentorship for Level 2 engineers.
• Travel internationally to support deployments, upgrades, and operational initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, MIS, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of enterprise network engineering and administration experience.
• Experience configuring and managing:
  • Enterprise routers and switches
  • Wireless infrastructure
  • Firewalls
  • Voice over IP (VoIP)
  • Internet proxy solutions
  • Cloud networking services
• Strong experience with network implementation and infrastructure upgrades.

Required Technical Skills:

• Enterprise Routing Protocols:
  • BGP
  • OSPF
  • EIGRP
• Switching Technologies:
  • VLANs
  • Spanning Tree
  • Trunking
  • MPLS
• Cisco Enterprise Networking
• Cisco ACI
• Cisco Software Defined Access (SDA)
• Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)
• Cisco DNA Center (DNAC)
• Aruba Wireless
  • Controllers
  • ClearPass
  • AirWave
• Fortinet
  • FortiGate
  • FortiAuthenticator
  • FortiAnalyzer
• LAN/WAN Technologies
• Wireless Networking
• Satellite Communications
• Cloud & Hybrid Networking
• Network Monitoring & Performance Management
• Infrastructure Security
• Network Automation concepts
• Disaster Recovery and Backup Validation

Preferred Experience:

• Maritime or shipboard network engineering.
• Experience supporting cruise ships, commercial vessels, or offshore environments.
• Large-scale infrastructure deployment projects.
• Newbuild and drydock implementations.
• Global enterprise networking environments.

Desired Skills:

• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and planning abilities.
• Experience working independently in remote environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• CCNA
• CCNP
• CCIE
• CCDA
• CCDP
• Cisco Certified DevNet Professional or Expert
• Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP)
• Aruba Certified Edge Professional
• Fortinet NSE 4-7
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 30-35% international travel.
• Travel primarily supports shipboard deployments, drydocks, fleet upgrades, and new vessel implementations.

Work Schedule:

• Remote
• Must work EST business hours.

Ampcus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.