Senior Network Engineer

Fanatics
Full_time•$155k-195k/year (USD)•New York, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior Network Engineer
  • Company: Fanatics
  • Location: New York, NY, United States
  • Job Type: Hybrid (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
  • Category: Network Engineering
  • Date Posted: June 11, 2025
  • Experience Level: 7+ years
  • Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise-grade network solutions across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in Palo Alto Networks, Cisco routing and switching, and cloud networking (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, highly available, and scalable hybrid cloud network architectures.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide tier-3 support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in both traditional networking and modern cloud architectures, with a focus on security and automation.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Network Architecture & Design:

    • Design, deploy, and support enterprise-grade network solutions, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, cloud networking, and SASE.
    • Design secure and highly available hybrid cloud network architectures integrating with AWS, Azure, or GCP.

  • Palo Alto Networks Management:

    • Lead the implementation and ongoing management of Palo Alto Networks solutions, including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Panorama, GlobalProtect, threat prevention, and SSL decryption.
    • Perform deep packet analysis, root cause investigations, and performance/security tuning for Palo Alto Networks solutions.

  • Cloud Networking & Automation:

    • Leverage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and scripting tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, Python) to automate network provisioning, monitoring, and compliance.
    • Own network security posture: enforce segmentation, zero-trust principles, firewall policies, and cloud-native controls.

  • Mentorship & Support:

    • Provide tier-3 support and mentorship to junior engineers and IT support staff.
    • Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to align with future growth and security needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.

Experience: Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in network engineering within complex enterprise environments.

Required Skills:

  • Proven expertise in Palo Alto Networks (3+ years), including NGFW, Panorama, and GlobalProtect.
  • Strong expertise in cloud networking concepts, including VPCs, transit gateways, routing, security groups, peering, etc. in AWS and/or Azure (3+ years).
  • Solid understanding of core networking protocols such as BGP, OSPF, IPsec, DNS, DHCP, and NAT.
  • Experience designing and troubleshooting hybrid connectivity (Direct Connect, ExpressRoute, VPN tunnels).
  • Proficiency in network automation, scripting (Python, PowerShell), and infrastructure-as-code.

Preferred Skills:

  • Palo Alto PCNSE certification.
  • AWS Certified Advanced Networking or Azure Network Engineer Associate.
  • Experience with SASE, ZTNA, or cloud-native security solutions (e.g., Prisma Access, Zscaler).

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate experience in designing, implementing, and managing secure, scalable networks across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Showcase your expertise in Palo Alto Networks, cloud networking, and hybrid connectivity through case studies and live demonstrations.
  • Highlight your mentorship and support skills through examples of successful collaboration with junior engineers or IT support staff.

Technical Documentation:

  • Provide detailed network diagrams, architecture documents, and security policies to showcase your technical expertise.
  • Include code samples or scripts demonstrating your proficiency in network automation, scripting, and infrastructure-as-code.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,000 to $195,000 per year (NYC-based salary range, may vary for other locations)

Benefits:

  • Remote Work Flexibility: Employees can work remotely for up to four weeks per year, which can be taken in daily or weekly increments.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours, with the option to work remotely one day per week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

  • Industry: Sports merchandise and fan gear e-commerce.
  • Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees).
  • Founded: 2011.

Team Structure:

  • The network engineering team consists of various levels of engineers, from junior to senior, working collaboratively to design, implement, and maintain network solutions across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • The team reports to the Director of Network Engineering and works closely with other IT teams, including security, cloud, and infrastructure.

Development Methodology:

  • Fanatics uses Agile methodologies for network engineering projects, with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
  • The team leverages Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation tools to ensure consistent and efficient network deployments.

Company Website: Fanatics

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics is a large, fast-growing e-commerce company with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The network engineering team plays a critical role in ensuring the scalability, security, and reliability of the company's online platforms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: Senior Network Engineer roles involve leading network architecture and design efforts, mentoring junior engineers, and driving strategic initiatives. They require a deep understanding of both traditional networking and modern cloud architectures, as well as strong leadership and communication skills.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Network Engineering and has the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and influence the team's technical direction.

Technical Impact: Senior Network Engineers at Fanatics have a significant impact on the company's network infrastructure, ensuring secure, highly available, and scalable network solutions that support the growth and success of the business.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in cloud networking, hybrid connectivity, and emerging security technologies.
  • Leadership Development: Grow into a technical lead or management role, driving strategic initiatives and mentoring other engineers.
  • Architecture & Design: Gain experience in designing and implementing large-scale, complex network architectures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a focus on collaboration and in-person interaction four days per week.

Office Location(s): New York, NY, United States

Workspace Context:

  • The New York office features an open, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art technology and tools to support network engineering efforts.
  • Engineers have access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and other resources necessary for designing, implementing, and managing network solutions.
  • The workspace encourages cross-functional collaboration with other IT teams, including security, cloud, and infrastructure.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time workweek of 40 hours, with the option to work remotely one day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing engineers to collaborate and learn from one another in the office while also enjoying the flexibility of working from home one day per week.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
  2. Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on your expertise in Palo Alto Networks, cloud networking, and hybrid connectivity. Be prepared to discuss network architecture, design, and security best practices.
  3. Behavioral & Cultural Fit: An interview focused on your problem-solving skills, communication, and cultural fit within the Fanatics team.
  4. Final Review: A meeting with the hiring manager or a panel of senior network engineers to assess your overall fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight your experience in designing, implementing, and managing secure, scalable networks across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Include case studies and live demonstrations showcasing your expertise in Palo Alto Networks, cloud networking, and hybrid connectivity.
  • Prepare a portfolio of network diagrams, architecture documents, and security policies to demonstrate your technical expertise.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your knowledge of core networking protocols, such as BGP, OSPF, IPsec, DNS, DHCP, and NAT.
  • Familiarize yourself with Palo Alto Networks, AWS, and Azure products and services.
  • Practice explaining complex network concepts in a clear and concise manner, as you may be asked to present your ideas to a team of senior network engineers.

ATS Keywords: See the comprehensive list of relevant keywords at the end of this document, organized by category.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

  • Palo Alto Networks (NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect)
  • Cisco Routing and Switching
  • AWS and/or Azure cloud networking (VPCs, transit gateways, routing, security groups, peering, etc.)

Infrastructure & Automation Tools:

  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible)
  • Scripting languages (Python, PowerShell)
  • Cloud-based network monitoring and management tools (e.g., AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor)

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics leverages a diverse set of networking and infrastructure technologies to support its large-scale, secure, and highly available network environment. Familiarity with these technologies is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

  • Expertise: Demonstrate deep technical knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning.
  • Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable network solutions.
  • Innovation: Embrace emerging technologies and drive strategic initiatives to improve network performance, security, and scalability.
  • Customer Focus: Prioritize the needs of internal customers, such as application development teams and end-users, to ensure optimal network performance and user experience.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with other IT teams, including security, cloud, and infrastructure, to ensure secure, highly available, and scalable network solutions.
  • Code Review & Knowledge Sharing: Participate in code reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure consistent network design and best practices.
  • Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to help them grow and develop their careers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Cloud Networking & Hybrid Connectivity: Design and implement secure, highly available hybrid cloud network architectures that integrate with AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  • Network Security: Own network security posture by enforcing segmentation, zero-trust principles, firewall policies, and cloud-native controls.
  • Automation & Infrastructure as Code: Leverage IaC and scripting tools to automate network provisioning, monitoring, and compliance, ensuring consistent and efficient network deployments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Cloud Networking & Security: Expand your expertise in cloud networking, hybrid connectivity, and emerging security technologies through training, certifications, and hands-on experience.
  • Leadership & Architecture: Develop your leadership and architecture skills by driving strategic initiatives, mentoring other engineers, and designing large-scale, complex network architectures.
  • Community Involvement: Participate in industry events, conferences, and online forums to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in network engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Network Architecture & Design: Discuss your experience in designing, implementing, and managing secure, scalable networks across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Palo Alto Networks: Demonstrate your expertise in Palo Alto Networks products and services, including NGFW, Panorama, and GlobalProtect.
  • Cloud Networking & Hybrid Connectivity: Explain your experience with cloud networking concepts, hybrid connectivity, and integrating with AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Fanatics Culture: Describe what you like about Fanatics' company culture and how you can contribute to its success.
  • Team Dynamics: Discuss your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and how you can contribute to Fanatics' network engineering team.
  • Problem-Solving: Provide an example of a complex network challenge you faced and how you overcame it, demonstrating your ability to think critically and solve problems.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Live Demonstrations: Prepare live demonstrations of your expertise in Palo Alto Networks, cloud networking, and hybrid connectivity through case studies and architecture walkthroughs.
  • Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your portfolio projects, including network diagrams, architecture documents, and security policies.
  • User Experience: Highlight the user experience aspects of your network solutions, demonstrating your ability to balance technical requirements with user needs and expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Network Engineer position:

  1. Submit your application through the Fanatics job portal.
  2. Customize your resume to highlight your experience in network engineering, Palo Alto Networks, cloud networking, and hybrid connectivity.
  3. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your expertise in network architecture, design, and security, including case studies, live demonstrations, and technical documentation.
  4. Familiarize yourself with Fanatics' company culture, team dynamics, and technical interview process to ensure a successful application and interview experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and network engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Fanatics before making application decisions.

🔑 ATS Keywords

Programming Languages:

  • Python, PowerShell, Bash, JavaScript

Networking Technologies:

  • Palo Alto Networks (NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect)
  • Cisco Routing and Switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)
  • AWS Networking (VPCs, transit gateways, routing, security groups, peering, etc.)
  • Azure Networking (VNet, ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, Network Security Groups, etc.)
  • GCP Networking (VPC, Cloud VPN, Interconnect, etc.)
  • SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA, VPN, Direct Connect, ExpressRoute

Infrastructure & Automation Tools:

  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation)
  • Cloud-based network monitoring and management tools (AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, GCP Cloud Monitoring)

Methodologies & Frameworks:

  • Agile, DevOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Soft Skills:

  • Problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, mentoring, leadership, customer focus

Industry Terms:

  • Network architecture, network design, network security, hybrid cloud, cloud networking, on-premises networking, network automation, infrastructure as code, network engineering, senior network engineer

Application Requirements

Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in network engineering, with at least 3 years focused on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Strong expertise in cloud networking concepts and proficiency in network automation and scripting are also required.