Network Engineer na Ruger

If you are a current Ruger employee, please click here to apply internally.

Job Description:

**No 3rd party candidates will be accepted.**

This position is hybrid with 2 days/week onsite in Newport, NH. Preference is that candidate lives within 2 hours of the Newport site.

Job Title: Network Engineer

Department: IT Infrastructure
Reports To: Director of IT Infrastructure
Collaborates With: Network Architect, Systems and Security Teams

Position Summary

The Network Engineer will play a key role in designing, implementing, optimizing and maintaining Ruger’s enterprise and operational technology (OT) network environments.
This position plays a critical role in the organization’s digital transformation by working closely with the Director of IT Infrastructure and the Network Architect to execute strategic network initiatives, enhance performance and security, and support scalable, resilient connectivity across manufacturing, corporate, and cloud environments.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong analytical skills, deep understanding of modern networking technologies, including VoIP and SIP routing, and the ability to translate architectural designs into reliable, production-ready systems.

Key Responsibilities

Network Design & Implementation

• Implement network solutions based on architectural designs and standards developed with Director of IT Infrastructure and the Network Architect.
• Configure, deploy, and maintain routers, switches, wireless systems, firewalls, and VPNs across corporate and manufacturing environments.
• Support segmentation initiatives (IT/OT, DMZ, vendor access) ensuring secure and compliant connectivity.
• Participate in site expansions, upgrades, and new technology enablement and deployments (Wi-Fi 6, SD-WAN, industrial wireless, voice gateways, smart manufacturing technologies).
• Assist in implementing Zero Trust principles across network layers.
• Support audit readiness by maintaining compliance documentation and participating in internal reviews.
• Support and maintain segmented manufacturing networks, including OT/IT network boundaries, VLANs, and security zones.

Operations & Maintenance

• Monitor network health, performance, and capacity; proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, topology maps, and change records.
• Manage firmware updates, lifecycle management, and patching schedules in coordination with infrastructure teams.
• Participate in after-hours support as needed for critical systems.

Security & Compliance

• Work closely with the Security and Infrastructure teams to enforce access control, logging, and vulnerability remediation across all network assets.
• Support implementation of NAC, MFA, segmentation, and encryption policies for compliance with SOC 2 Type 2, and ITAR.
• Ensure firewall rule sets, ACLs, and VPN configurations adhere to Ruger’s security standards.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Validate designs, perform proof-of-concept testing, and transition architecture into production—including voice networking projects.
• Provide technical input to network modernization, cloud connectivity, and vendor integration projects.
• Support the Director of IT Infrastructure in network capacity planning, vendor evaluations, and documentation for audits and leadership reviews.
• Collaborate with the network, security, systems, and helpdesk teams to ensure reliable cross-functional support.
• Assist in translating business requirements into technical designs in collaboration with the Network Architect and Director of IT Infrastructure.
• Work closely with IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, manufacturing engineering, and plant operations teams.
• Provide support and technical guidance to junior technicians and local IT staff at remote facilities.

Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate new networking technologies and propose enhancements to reliability, automation, and performance.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and runbooks for network monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery.
• Contribute to network automation efforts (e.g., scripting, configuration management) to improve consistency and speed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering or administration.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Preferred

• Strong proficiency in:
  • Switching, routing, and firewall platforms (Cisco switching preferred)
  • Layer 2/3 design.
  • VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL, site-to-site, client)
  • Wireless LAN design, controller-based systems
  • Network monitoring tools.
  • Voice networking/routing (VoIP, SIP, QoS for voice traffic)
• Solid understanding of network security principles and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and cross-team collaboration skills.
• Experience in hybrid IT/OT or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with segmentation and industrial DMZ design.
• Knowledge of cloud networking (Azure, AWS) or SD-WAN.
• Certifications such as CCNP, CompTIA Network+ / Security+, or equivalent.
• Exposure to infrastructure automation tools.
• Experience with network access control platforms.
• Understanding of Zero Trust architecture and micro-segmentation.
• Experience with voice systems (Cisco Unified Communications, SIP trunking, call routing)

Success in This Role

• Strong customer service mindset
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Execute designs and changes collaboratively with the Network Architect while ensuring operational stability.
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying and resolving network risks before escalation.
• Contributes to cross-functional projects that improve network scalability and resilience.
• Anticipates and resolves network performance or security issues before they impact production.
• Provides accurate documentation and input that supports audits, planning, and vendor management activities.
• This contributes to continuous improvement — enabling Ruger’s network to remain secure, scalable, and future-ready.

Work Environment

• On-site office, manufacturing floor, and remote troubleshooting as needed.
• Travel is required to support site deployments and audits.
• Must be eligible to handle ITAR-controlled information.