Network Engineer

Role Summary

This role is primarily responsible for managing the organization's network infrastructure and end-to-end IT asset lifecycle. The engineer will ensure stable, secure network operations across LAN/WAN environments while maintaining accurate asset records, driving procurement governance, and supporting IT compliance initiatives across Chennai and branch offices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network Support & Operations  (Primary Focus)

• Monitor, configure, and troubleshoot LAN/WAN infrastructure including switches, routers, and wireless access points
• Administer FortiGate firewall policy management, NAT rules, VPN configuration, and log review
• Manage VLAN segmentation, DHCP scopes, and DNS configurations across Fortinet and Microsoft environments
• Support and maintain Wi-Fi infrastructure (FortiAP or similar) including site surveys and channel planning
• Configure and troubleshoot site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN for branch locations
• Maintain comprehensive network documentation: IP address management (IPAM), topology diagrams, and network runbooks
• Use monitoring tools (OpManager, SolarWinds, or equivalent) for proactive network health and performance tracking
• Respond to and resolve network-related incidents, ensuring minimal downtime and adherence to SLAs

2. IT Asset Management  (Primary Focus)

• Own and maintain the end-to-end IT asset lifecycle procurement, tagging, deployment, tracking, and retirement/disposal
• Manage and regularly audit the IT asset inventory covering hardware (desktops, laptops, servers, network devices), software licenses, and peripherals
• Coordinate with vendors for procurement, warranty management, AMC renewals, and hardware replacements
• Maintain asset records in the ITSM tool (ServiceDesk Plus or equivalent), ensuring data accuracy and completeness
• Support software license compliance — track allocations, renewals, and ensure adherence to licensing agreements
• Prepare asset utilization reports and present periodic summaries to IT management
• Define and enforce asset tagging standards, disposal procedures (e-waste), and asset handover/return processes
• Liaise with Finance for asset capitalization, depreciation tracking, and audit support

3. Systems & Endpoint Support  (Secondary)

• Manage Active Directory — user provisioning, OU structure, Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and access control
• Support Windows Server administration (2019/2022) including DHCP, DNS, and file share management
• Assist with Microsoft Intune / Hybrid Azure AD Join for endpoint compliance and policy enforcement
• Perform patch management and vulnerability remediation using Endpoint Central or equivalent tools
• Provide Level 1/2 support for hardware, software, and OS issues, managing tickets within defined SLAs in ServiceDesk Plus

4. Security & Compliance

• Enforce endpoint security policies via Sophos EDR, antivirus, and firewall rules
• Monitor security alerts and escalate incidents per defined IT security procedures
• Audit user access controls, privileged accounts, and software licensing compliance
• Support data protection policy adherence and participate in security awareness initiatives

5. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare weekly/monthly network performance and asset status reports for IT management review
• Maintain accurate SOPs, network configurations, asset lifecycle policies, and escalation procedures
• Support internal and external IT audits with accurate documentation and evidence

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline
• Diploma holders with demonstrably strong hands-on experience will be considered

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with managed switches, VLANs, routing concepts, and wireless infrastructure
• Working knowledge of FortiGate firewall — policy rules, NAT, VPN; Fortinet stack exposure is a strong advantage
• Proven experience in IT asset lifecycle management — tagging, tracking, auditing, and disposal
• Familiarity with ITSM tools (ServiceDesk Plus, Freshservice, or equivalent) for asset and ticket management
• Working knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP administration
• Experience with Microsoft 365 administration (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint)
• Basic scripting ability in PowerShell for asset reporting or network automation tasks
• Understanding of ITIL service management principles, particularly Asset and Configuration Management (SACM)

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail — especially in maintaining accurate asset records and network documentation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with vendors, and work independently
• Clear communication skills — able to liaise with Finance, Procurement, and non-technical stakeholders
• Process-oriented mindset with a commitment to documentation quality and compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: CompTIA Network+, Fortinet NSE 4, ITIL Foundation, or Microsoft MD-102 / AZ-900
• Hands-on exposure to Fortinet products (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP)
• Experience with dedicated ITAM tools (Manage Engine AssetExplorer, Lansweeper, or similar)
• Working knowledge of Azure Active Directory / Entra ID
• Experience supporting hybrid on-premises and cloud infrastructure environments

Exposure to IT procurement processes — RFQ, vendor evaluation, and contract management