Entry Level Network Engineer Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:

Network Engineer I - Enterprise Network Operations & Lifecycle

We are seeking a Network Engineer I to support the daily operations of our global enterprise network environment. This role is responsible for supporting day-to-day enterprise network operations, resolving standard network incidents, executing approved changes, and contributing to hardware lifecycle activities across routing, switching, firewall, wireless, and SD-WAN platforms.

This position plays an active role in maintaining network stability, supporting operational consistency, and executing defined network tasks within established standards and processes.

**Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Sponsorship is not available for this position

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Network Operations

• Provide operational support for enterprise network platforms including switching, routing, firewalls, wireless, and SD-WAN systems.
• Monitor network performance, respond to alerts, and troubleshoot standard network incidents.
• Diagnose and resolve common network issues including connectivity, wireless performance, DHCP/DNS, VLAN, and port-related issues.
• Execute approved standard network changes such as port activations, VLAN assignments, access point replacements, and routine configuration updates following established standards.
• Resolve standard issues independently and escalate non-standard or complex issues with clear analysis, troubleshooting history, and recommended next steps where appropriate.

Incident & Queue Management

• Own assigned network incidents and service requests from triage through resolution, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and appropriate escalation when required.
• Apply established troubleshooting methodologies to resolve incidents efficiently.
• Maintain accurate and timely updates within the ticketing system.
• Participate in on-call rotation and incident response processes.

Hardware Lifecycle Support

• Perform installation, refresh, and decommissioning activities for network hardware including switches, access points, firewalls, and related infrastructure.
• Execute lifecycle and deployment tasks across multiple locations following defined procedures.
• Maintain accurate inventory, asset tracking, and lifecycle documentation.
• Coordinate with field resources, logistics, and internal teams to support successful deployment and transition activities.

Change & Process Execution

• Support approved change activities by completing assigned tasks, validating results, and documenting outcomes in accordance with change management processes.
• Execute against established operational processes, standards, and runbooks.
• Identify recurring issues or trends and communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Contribute to maintaining network reliability, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with network engineering, infrastructure teams, field resources, and service delivery teams to resolve issues and complete assigned work.
• Communicate technical updates clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Engage with team members to align on solutions and escalate when appropriate.

Documentation & Standards

• Document troubleshooting steps, configurations, changes, and resolutions in a consistent and auditable manner.
• Maintain and update support documentation, runbooks, diagrams, and asset records as needed.
• Adhere to change management, security, compliance, and operational standards.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Practical working knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, subnetting, routing/switching concepts, and wireless connectivity.
• Hands-on familiarity with enterprise networking platforms such as Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Palo Alto, or similar technologies.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to resolve standard network issues independently and escalate complex issues with clear supporting documentation.
• Experience working in a ticket-driven, SLA-based support environment.
• Ability to execute tasks consistently within defined processes, standards, and change control requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce clear, complete, and timely technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of networking or infrastructure experience, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Entry-level certifications such as CCNA, JNCIA, Network+, or similar.
• Experience with network monitoring tools.
• Experience supporting multi-site or enterprise network environments.
• Basic familiarity with SD-WAN concepts.
• Familiarity with ITIL or structured support environments.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a large-scale enterprise network environment.
• Hands-on experience supporting critical infrastructure platforms.
• Participation in enterprise network lifecycle and modernization efforts.
• A collaborative team environment with opportunities to expand technical responsibilities.

Perks & Benefits

• Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous 401(k) savings plan.
• Education assistance.
• On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service.
• And many more - visit our benefits site for additional details.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.