Jr Azure Network Engineer

Azure Network Engineer (Junior to Mid-Level)

Location: Houston, TX (Downtown – 100% On-Site)
Employment Type: 6-12 month contract with possibility to extend each 6 months.

Position Summary

ioSpjere is seeking an Azure Network Engineer with approximately 4–6 years of experience supporting enterprise networking environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoys working with Azure networking, cloud connectivity, firewalls, and secure network infrastructure while continuing to grow technically.

The ideal candidate will have experience administering Microsoft Azure networking, FortiGate firewalls, and Cato Networks (CATO SASE/SD-WAN) in a production environment. This role will work closely with senior infrastructure and security engineers to support, troubleshoot, and improve enterprise network services.

Responsibilities

• Support and administer Microsoft Azure networking components, including:
  • Virtual Networks (VNets)
  • Subnets
  • Network Security Groups (NSGs)
  • Route Tables
  • Azure Firewall
  • VPN Gateway
  • ExpressRoute connectivity
  • Load Balancers
  • Private Endpoints
• Configure and maintain FortiGate firewalls.
• Support Cato Networks cloud networking, SD-WAN, and SASE environments.
• Troubleshoot routing, switching, VPN, and cloud connectivity issues.
• Monitor network performance and proactively identify issues.
• Assist with Azure network deployments and cloud migration initiatives.
• Configure site-to-site VPNs and remote connectivity.
• Work with security teams to implement network security best practices.
• Maintain network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in change management and scheduled maintenance activities.
• Provide Tier II/Tier III network support for production environments.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, and security teams on new projects.

Required Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in network engineering or network administration.
• Experience supporting Microsoft Azure networking.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Azure Virtual Networks
  • VPN connectivity
  • Network Security Groups
  • Azure routing
• Experience administering FortiGate firewalls.
• Experience with Cato Networks (CATO) or similar SASE/SD-WAN platforms.
• Strong understanding of:
  • TCP/IP
  • DNS
  • DHCP
  • VLANs
  • Routing
  • Switching
  • VPN technologies
• Experience in troubleshooting enterprise network issues.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Active Directory and DNS.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Azure networking certifications (AZ-700 preferred).
• Fortinet NSE certification (or equivalent).
• Experience with:
  • ExpressRoute
  • Azure Firewall
  • Azure Bastion
  • Load Balancers
  • Private Link
• Knowledge of Zero Trust networking principles.
• Experience with scripting using PowerShell or Python.
• Exposure to network monitoring tools.
• Experience working in hybrid cloud environments.

Technical SkillsCloud

• Microsoft Azure Networking
• VNets
• VPN Gateway
• ExpressRoute
• Azure Firewall
• Route Tables
• Private Endpoints

Networking

• TCP/IP
• BGP
• OSPF
• VLANs
• Routing
• Switching
• DNS
• DHCP
• VPN

Security

• FortiGate
• Cato Networks (SASE/SD-WAN)
• Firewall Policies
• NAT
• IPS
• SSL VPN

Tools

• PowerShell (preferred)
• Network monitoring platforms
• Microsoft Azure Portal
• Microsoft Entra ID (preferred)

Soft Skills

• Strong troubleshooting abilities.
• Able to work independently while collaborating with senior engineers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced enterprise environment.