Sr. Network Engineer

Job Title: Sr. Network Engineer Location: Houston, Tx (On-Site)

Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Network Engineering Lead

Job Overview

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).

- 4–7 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).

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 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.

Job Title:

Desktop Engineering Lead Location: Houston, Tx (On-Site)

Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Manager, Digital User Experience

Job Summary

As the IT Desktop Engineering lead, you will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and management of our end user computing environment (Windows based environment). This position reports directly to the Manager of Digital User Experience. You will work to ensure delivery of seamless and efficient technology solutions to support our business operations. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong technical background, particularly in automation and patch management. Based at our corporate headquarters in Houston, TX, the position may require occasional travel to our remote sites to understand the needs of the business and users at those locations.

Key Responsibilities

- End-User Technology Environment: Build and maintain a world-class end-user technology environment, ensuring high availability, security, and performance.

- Automation & Optimization: Develop and implement automation tools to streamline desktop management processes and improve efficiency for our users. You will work to automate away low hanging fruit incidents/requests to increase efficiency and minimize wait times for our users.

- Patch Management: Own and execute patch management processes to ensure systems are up-to-date and secure, minimizing vulnerabilities.

- Technical Expertise: Provide technical guidance and support to the team, resolving complex issues and driving continuous improvement.

- Collaboration: Work closely with other IT teams and departments to align technology solutions with business objectives.

- Standardization & Best Practices: Define and enforce desktop engineering standards, ensuring consistent endpoint configurations, software baselines, and deployment methods across the organization.

- Metrics & Reporting: Establish KPIs for endpoint health, performance, and user satisfaction; deliver actionable reporting to leadership and recommend improvements.

Required Qualifications

- Minimum of 6 years of experience in IT desktop engineering or a related field, with a proven track record in building and managing end-user technology environments.

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

- Possesses deep expertise in Windows environments, including Intune/Azure AD management, Autopilot, and SCCM or other endpoint management platforms.

- Is proficient in using PowerShell, and optionally Python or Bash, to automate deployments, incident workflows, and user productivity tools.

- Has proven ability to manage patch orchestration, software packaging, version control, and automated rollouts.

- Brings experience managing virtual desktops, Thin Client setups, and platforms such as VMware or Hyper‑V.

- Takes a methodical, data-driven approach to diagnosing root causes and delivering efficient, user‑centric solutions.

- Communicates complex technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders, mentors junior engineers, and collaborates effectively across teams.

- Relevant certifications are a plus.

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 Kimberly Kalsey at Kimberly.Kalsey@crescentenergyco.com.