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Virtual Network Engineer Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Sr. Eng, Process Control

Stevenson, AL · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

... network requirements with process control engineers, operating departments, and control system ... Experience with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) environments utilizing Thin/Zero clients and ...

Sr. Eng, Process Control

Stevenson, AL · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

... network requirements with process control engineers, operating departments, and control system ... Experience with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) environments utilizing Thin/Zero clients and ...

Virtual Network Engineer information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$28.2K

$99.3K

$143.9K

How much do virtual network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual network engineer in Chattanooga, TN is $99,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $121,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual network engineer?

Virtual Network Engineers are IT professionals who design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot virtualized network environments. They work with technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network virtualization, and cloud-based network infrastructure to ensure secure and efficient data flow. Their responsibilities often include configuring virtual network devices, optimizing network performance, and supporting cloud migration or hybrid environments. These engineers play a crucial role in modern organizations as businesses increasingly rely on virtual and cloud-based networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual network engineer?

To thrive as a Virtual Network Engineer, you need expertise in networking fundamentals, virtualization technologies, and a relevant degree or certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP or VMware VCP. Familiarity with network monitoring tools, virtual private networks (VPNs), cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, and automation systems is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help you manage complex virtual environments and work effectively with cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring secure, scalable, and reliable network infrastructures in today's increasingly virtualized IT landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by virtual network engineers when managing cloud-based network infrastructure?

Virtual Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring network security across distributed cloud environments, maintaining consistent connectivity between on-premises and cloud resources, and troubleshooting latency or performance issues. Adapting to rapidly evolving cloud platforms and integrating new virtualization tools can also require continuous learning. Collaboration with security, DevOps, and cloud architecture teams is essential to proactively address these challenges and ensure seamless network operations.

What is the difference between Virtual Network Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectVirtual Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentRemote/virtual, cloud-based networksOn-site or hybrid, local networks
ResponsibilitiesDesigning, implementing, managing virtual/cloud networksMaintaining and troubleshooting local network infrastructure
Industry UsageIT, cloud service providers, remote organizationsCorporate, educational, healthcare institutions

The Virtual Network Engineer focuses on designing and managing virtual and cloud-based networks, often working remotely. In contrast, the Network Administrator maintains physical network infrastructure on-site. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work environment and network scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Network Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

For Virtual Network Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Network Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Network Engineer jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What cities near Chattanooga, TN are hiring for Virtual Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chattanooga, TN with the most Virtual Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Network Engineer job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,284 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Sr. Eng, Process Control

Smurfit Westrock

Stevenson, AL • On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Smurfit Westrock rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 278 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 121 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR64704
Posting Job Title
Senior IT / OT Systems Engineer
Locations
AL Stevenson
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
16-Jul-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS
The Senior IT/OT Systems Engineer position: provides technological and engineering expertise for the implementation of new IT/OT technology and equipment; evaluates and resolves problems with existing IT/OT systems utilizing vendor and/or mill maintenance support when necessary; designs and programs changes to the existing OT systems as needed. This position ensures the IT/OT systems are properly deployed to provide the greatest return on investment regarding production, costs, quality as well as safe and environmentally sound operations.
The Senior IT/OT Systems Engineer reports to the Process Control Manager
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK:
  • Responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting the IT/OT infrastructure that supports Process Control Systems. This includes Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's), as well as custom control applications used to meet manufacturing needs and production goals.
  • Assists project engineers and managers in the planning, development, and implementation of capital projects.
  • Engages in development of short and long-term planning of system upgrades and migrations.
  • During project design, assists with coordinating the development of system and network requirements with process control engineers, operating departments, and control system suppliers. Participate in factory checkout of equipment prior to delivery to confirm design and functionality.
  • Provide documentation of IT/OT systems.
  • Maintains a strong emphasis on IT/OT improvement projects -- customer focused innovations, cost saving improvements, process optimization, etc.
  • Utilizes a proactive approach and project skills to develop solutions to short- and long-term issues.
  • Works closely with Process Control, Maintenance, and Operations to identify and resolve issues.
  • Leads troubleshooting efforts of systems and processes. Helps promote technical skills with key stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with WestRock Corporate IT and Engineering & Manufacturing Services to implement policies and infrastructure improvements.
  • As part of the Process Control & IT team, shares in the responsibility of providing weekend and off-hour availability to support Process Control and IT mill needs as well as startup support from planned and unplanned shutdowns.
  • Adheres to all mill safety rules, participates in, or may lead safety programs and meetings with the goal of improving safety at the mill. Supports the mill behavior-based safety program.
  • Maintains mill-wide data historian (OSIsoft Pi) and related interfaces.
  • Evaluates, troubleshoots, and maintains system hardware.
  • Support of 3rd Party vendor system access in adherence with corporate policy
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:
Required Experience
  • Minimum of five years of industrial experience in IT/OT preferred with degree or 10 years plus of IT experience in enterprise-class environments would be required with two-year degree or equivalent military experience.
  • Ability to research and learn new technologies at a rapid pace with exceptional problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with VMware vSphere 5.5+ including ESXi, vCenter, Horizon View and other virtualization solutions.
  • Knowledge of networking concepts such as subnetting, routing, VLANs, wireless, Firewalls/ACLs, and common protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, NTP, SMTP, TELNET, and RDP.
  • Cisco experience
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Windows Services such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, etc.
  • Experience with blade systems, storage arrays, Fibre Channel, and iSCSI.
  • Familiarity with various server hardware vendors such as HP, Dell, PureStorage, etc.
  • Ability to build/image/support desktops and laptops in both IT & OT environments
  • Knowledge of system monitoring software and protocols involved (PING, SNMP, WMI, etc.)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Results oriented individual capable of handling projects individually, yet able to work efficiently in a team-oriented environment
  • Additional skills needed: self-directed, flexible, self-learner, multitasking, results driven, and safety focused

Additional Experience (Plus):
  • Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Anti-Virus products such as McAfee and Symantec
  • Experience with VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) environments utilizing Thin/Zero clients and management of these systems
  • Expertise with all Windows operating systems (Server and Workstation)
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office365 application suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.)
  • Knowledge of legacy telephony and modern VOIP systems.
  • Experience with support of printers
  • Ability to support other devices such as Vehicle Mounted Units (VMUs), Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and Cameras
  • Understanding of Industrial Communication Protocols such as Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, OPC, Wireless HART, etc.
  • Ability to read and understand P&ID's loop sheets, and electrical drawings
  • CCNA Certification
  • Experience with Nutanix and other VM Platforms

Keywords: IT / OT Engineer, IT/OT Engineer, IT / OT process control engineer, IT/OT process control engineer, IT / OT systems engineer, IT/OT systems engineer. I/O, IT/OT, process control engineer, lead process control engineer, senior process control engineer, I/O, process control lead, process control leader, process controls engineer, senior controls engineer, senior process controls engineer, process controls, senior control engineer, senior controls engineer, lead controls engineer, lead control engineer, controls engineering, electrical engineer, bsee, electrical engineering, , PLC, plcs, plc's, instrumentation, plc, dcs, electrical engineer, HMI, hmi's, hmis, modbus, control logic, control systems, control system, commissioning, installation, panel design, OSISoft, process improvement, programming, troubleshooting, liner, linerboard, containerboard, kraft paper, paper, pulp, packaging, manufacturing, controllogix, modicon, panelview, wonderware, p2p, scada, loop, Honeywell Experion, ABB, Foxboro, Experion, Mark, Voith, Rockwell PLC, Direct Logix
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

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