Join the Software Specialists Winning Team! We have an exciting opening for a Network Engineer with a progressive client in Columbia, SC. This is a (3 Month) Contract to Hire Opportunity. Excellent communication skills required. This is a W2 contract opportunity - Competitive Salary Structure - Medical/Dental Insurance - Paid Holidays and Vacation - 401(k) Job Description: The Network Engineer plays a lead role in the configuration, deployment and maintenance of all technologies within the IT network and the interfacing customer network for a 24x7 managed services provider network. Responsibilities: Extensive knowledge and understanding of routing and switching technologies, routing protocols, MPLS, multiple transport technologies and expert level routing platform design and planning Experience with Cisco, Checkpoint, Fortinet, Sonicwall, Juniper Firewalls Experience with site to site VPN and SSL technologies and large scale deployment Provide technical assistance and problem resolution for network, Firewall and intrusion prevention services This position supports 24/7 operations and will require participation during monthly infrastructure maintenance windows, an on-call rotation as well as shift work and limited travel Candidate Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Sciences, IT or Related Discipline or Equivalent Work Experience 6 Years Work Experience with LAN/WAN Network Design and Support 5-7 Years of Hands-on Technical Experience in the Installation, Maintenance and Operation of Networks and Network Appliances Knowledge of the Installation, Configuration and Administration of: Juniper Switches/Firewalls; instruction detection/prevention devices; brocade Routers and Switches; Cisco Routers and Switches; Cisco iron ports; SAN technologies Cisco and/or Juniper or related Network/Security Certifications Preferred (eg, CISSP, CISA) MCSE or MCPIT Certifications Preferred About Software Specialists, Inc: Incorporated in 1998, Software Specialists brings extensive experience in providing the RIGHT high quality IT. talent. Software Specialists is a Pittsburgh based company recently named by the Pittsburgh Business Times as the areas' #1 IT Staffing Firm by employment. Currently employing over 200 consultants, we maintain a strong presence both locally and nationally. This experience, has taught us that customers require business savvy consultants with more than just technical knowledge. Software Specialists' focus is on finding the "Smart Fit" for our clients needs has made us not only one of the fastest growing Information Technology consulting firms in the country, but a trusted advisor to our customers.