Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer

The Company:

Hooker Furnishings Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Engineer to join our IT infrastructure team. Celebrating over 100 years in business, Hooker Furnishings is a leading designer, marketer, and importer of case goods, leather furniture, and fabric-upholstered furniture for the residential, hospitality, and contract markets.

Position Summary

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience designing, implementing, and supporting secure, high-performance enterprise networks. This role requires expertise with Cisco technologies including Meraki, Palo Alto firewalls, Trend Micro security solutions, as well as experience with Microsoft Azure and VMware virtualization platforms. This position will report to our Senior Director of IT Infrastructure and Operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Infrastructure
  • Design, configure, and maintain enterprise LAN, WAN, and wireless networks using Cisco routing and switching solutions.
  • Manage and optimize Cisco infrastructure including routers, switches, and wireless controllers, with a strong understanding of iOS-based systems and CLI.
  • Deploy and manage Cisco Meraki cloud-managed networking solutions (switches, access points, firewalls).
  • Administer Palo Alto Networks firewalls, including security policy management, threat prevention, and VPN configurations.
  • Implement and maintain Trend Micro security tools for endpoint, server, and network protection (e.g., Apex One, Deep Security).
  • Monitor and troubleshoot network performance and availability, ensuring high uptime and reliability.
• Cloud & Virtualization
  • Design, deploy, and manage network connectivity and security within Microsoft Azure, including VPN gateways, virtual networks, NSGs, and ExpressRoute.
  • Collaborate on hybrid cloud infrastructure initiatives integrating on-premises environments with Azure services.
  • Manage and support VMware vSphere environments, including ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, virtual networking (vSwitch, dvSwitch), and storage integrations.
  • Participate in cloud migration planning and execution, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity.
• Security & Documentation
  • Develop and implement network segmentation, access controls, and firewall rule sets to meet security and compliance standards.
  • Maintain and enhance network security posture across on-prem, cloud, and virtualized platforms.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including network diagrams and standard operating procedures.
• Collaboration & Support
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, security, and application teams to support business operations and resolve incidents.
  • Stay up to date with emerging technologies, security trends, and best practices in networking and cloud infrastructure.
  • Provide Tier 3 support and participate in on-call rotations as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 7+ years of hands-on network engineering experience in medium to large enterprise environments.
• Proven experience with Cisco technologies including routers (ISR/ASR), switches (Catalyst/Nexus), and wireless solutions.
• Strong proficiency with Palo Alto Networks firewalls - certification (PCNSA or PCNSE) preferred.
• Working knowledge of Trend Micro security platforms in enterprise deployments.
• Experience with Meraki dashboard management and device provisioning.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure networking (VPNs, VNets, ExpressRoute, NSGs).
• Experience supporting and managing VMware environments (vSphere, vCenter, ESXi).
• Deep understanding of network protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, VPNs, STP, QoS.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Wireshark).
• Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or in a team.

Preferred Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• Trend Micro Certified Professional
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate or Azure Administrator Associate
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP) - Data Center Virtualization
• CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or other relevant security certifications

Why Join Us

• A company dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected Competitive compensation and bonus plan
• Successful and stable organization for over 100 years
• Multinational, global organization with 11 locations in the US and offices in Vietnam and China
• A culture that encourages forward-thinking, team-building and creative problem solving
• Career development focus including training opportunities and leadership development programs
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Emphasis on charitable giving and volunteering in our communities
• Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision plans including a generous employer health saving account (HSA) contribution each plan year
• Matching 401k employer contributions

This position is based in our Martinsville, VA office. This position is an on-site role.