Senior Network Engineer
Houston, TX - USA
Job Summary
Crescent is a differentiated U.S. energy company committed to delivering value through a disciplined returns-driven growth through acquisition strategy and consistent return of capital. Our long-life balanced portfolio combines stable cash flows from low-decline production with a deep high-quality development inventory.
Crescent is a top three producer (by gross operated production) in the Eagle Ford basin. Crescents leadership is an experienced team of investment financial and industry professionals that combines proven investment and operating expertise. For more than a decade Crescent and our predecessors have executed on a consistent strategy focused on cash flow risk management and returns.Through disciplined and accretive investments we have successfully tripled the size of our company since going public in December 2021 while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Network Engineer to design implement and maintain mission-critical networking infrastructure supporting our oil and gas operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in RF backhaul technologies enterprise networking cloud (Azure) networking Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and robust experience with both Fortinet and Cisco IOS platforms. You will ensure high availability security and performance for both office and field networking environments often in remote or challenging locations.
Key Responsibilities:
Design deploy and support enterprise network solutions across diverse operational environments (offices remote field sites drilling rigs processing plants etc.).
Implement and maintain RF backhaul networks (point-to-point/multipoint microwave licensed/unlicensed links) ensuring reliable connectivity in remote oilfield locations.
Configure manage and troubleshoot Fortinet security appliances (firewalls VPNs SD-WAN etc.) and Cisco IOS-based network devices (routers switches wireless controllers).
Plan and deploy Azure networking solutions: VPN gateways virtual networks ExpressRoute network security groups and hybrid cloud architectures.
Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) scripts for network and cloud resource provisioning using Terraform and related tools.
Maintain and optimize LANs/WANs wireless networks and remote access infrastructure to support industrial IoT operational technology and business applications.
Collaborate with SCADA IT and OT teams ensuring secure segmentation between corporate and critical infrastructure networks.
Monitor network performance and perform proactive maintenance troubleshooting issues to resolution (including after-hours emergencies if needed).
Document network designs configurations and policies for auditing handover and regulatory compliance.
Implement network security best practices to protect sensitive operational data and prevent cyber threats.
Coordinate with vendors service providers and field technicians for deployment and support of network services.
Participate in network architecture reviews audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
Required:
Degree in Computer Science Information Technology Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
47 years experience as a network engineer preferably in the oil & gas sector or comparable industrial environment.
Proven expertise in RF backhaul technologies: path alignment link budgeting interference analysis installation and maintenance.
In-depth experience with Cisco IOS routers/switches (configuration troubleshooting upgrades).
Hands-on experience with Fortinet security appliances (FortiGate firewalls FortiManager FortiAnalyzer VPN configuration).
Azure networking experience including vNets VPN/ExpressRoute security/network policies and hybrid solutions.
Experience with Infrastructure as Code specifically Terraform for networking and cloud automation; experience with other IaC tools (such as Ansible ARM templates or CloudFormation) is a plus.
Strong grasp of routing (BGP OSPF EIGRP) VLANs QoS MPLS NAT and VPN technologies.
Solid understanding of enterprise networking and security concepts: 802.1x wireless (Wi-Fi) IP addressing subnetting DNS/DHCP firewalls IDS/IPS.
Ability to work safely and independently in remote or challenging locations (occasional field travel required).
Travel to field sites required (30%) including operational sites tower locations and remote field environments.
Preferred:
Industry certifications (ex: CCNP Fortinet NSE Azure Network Engineer Terraform HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate).
Prior experience with industrial networking SCADA and OT environments.
Experience with point-to-multipoint or LTE/private 5G/CBRS technologies for oilfield connectivity.
Experience with network automation and monitoring tools (ex: Auvik SolarWinds PRTG etc.).
Key Skills:
RF Backhaul (microwave wireless links)
Cisco IOS (routing switching)
Fortinet Security (firewall VPN SD-WAN)
Azure Cloud Networking
Infrastructure as Code (Terraform ARM etc.)
LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi design & troubleshooting
Network security best practices
Documentation & compliance
Analytical & troubleshooting skills
Communication & teamwork
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
Primarily office-based (in office 5x a week) with occasional travel to field offices and operational sites as needed.
Potential exposure to remote and high-risk environments requiring adherence to safety protocols.
May involve walking climbing bending or handling equipment during site visits.
Possible exposure to varying weather conditions (heat cold rain) while on-site at the field offices.
Availability for emergency response and incident management including after-hours support when required.
Crescent Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race color religion gender/pregnancy gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age veteran status or any other legally protected status. Crescent Energy is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. If you require accommodation to complete the application process please let us know by contacting .
Required Experience:
Senior IC