Freelance Network Operations Center Jobs in Minnesota

Working at Knobelsdorff 

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions. 

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work. 

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you. 

Job Purpose 

This role supports KE’s Automation division by designing, deploying, commissioning, and maintaining industrial communication networks that support manufacturing facilities, industrial automation systems, and critical data center infrastructure. You’ll be responsible for installing and troubleshooting network infrastructure, configuring industrial networking equipment, and ensuring reliable communication between automation and operational technology systems. 

Success in this role means delivering secure, scalable, and reliable network solutions that enable safe and efficient operations for our customers, all while upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in solving technical challenges, working directly with customers, and delivering high-quality results in the field, this position is built for you. 

What You'll Do 

You'll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include: 

• Install, terminate, label, test, and troubleshoot copper and fiber optic network infrastructure. 
• Configure, commission, and support managed network switches and industrial network equipment. 
• Diagnose and resolve network connectivity, communication, and performance issues. 
• Support industrial automation and control system communications across manufacturing and data center environments. 
• Maintain and document IP addressing schemes, network drawings, cable schedules, and system configurations. 
• Verify network functionality and performance during equipment startup and system commissioning. 
• Assist with implementing secure, scalable, and reliable network architectures. 
• Collaborate with automation engineers, project managers, and customers to support successful project execution. 
• Read and interpret network diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation. 
• Travel extensively to customer sites throughout the United States for installation, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities. 
• Follow all company and customer safety requirements while working in industrial and mission-critical environments. 

What You Bring 

You're someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring: 

• 3–7 years of experience in networking, industrial automation, telecommunications, IT infrastructure, or a related technical field
• Associate degree, technical degree, military experience, or equivalent industry experience preferred. 
• Experience installing, terminating, testing, and troubleshooting Cat5e/Cat6 copper network cabling. 
• Experience working with fiber optic infrastructure, including patching, cleaning, testing, and troubleshooting fiber connections. 
• Strong understanding of Ethernet networking concepts including VLANs, MAC addressing, network segmentation, and IP communications. 
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting managed network switches. 
• Knowledge of network testing equipment, certification tools, and diagnostic software. 
• Ability to read and interpret network diagrams and maintain accurate technical documentation. 
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project teams and customers. 
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain customer site access as required. 
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 100%, including overnight travel. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting industrial automation, manufacturing, or data center environments. 
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and OPC UA. 
• Understanding of routing, inter-VLAN communication, NAT, firewalls, and network security fundamentals. 
• Experience supporting PLC, HMI, SCADA, or other industrial control systems. 
• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, CCNP, or equivalent networking credentials. 

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $35.00- $40.00 per hour

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical requirements may include:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in close proximity to team members in a production environment

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at HR@KEway.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.