Technical Consultant - Enterprise Network in Chicago, Illinois at AHEAD

We are seeking a Technical Consultant with a strong networking foundation to support the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of enterprise network environments. The ideal candidate holds CCNA and CCNP certifications, has at least 2 years of hands-on experience as a Network Engineer, communicates effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, works well in team environments, and demonstrates a strong desire to learn new technologies.

This role aligns well with a mid-level Technical Consultant profile where consultants independently support remote and onsite projects, bring strong technical expertise, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to solution development and innovation. AHEAD’s network competency model also emphasizes effective communication, teamwork, and continuous learning as core success factors for technical consulting roles. CCNA is a required certification for Technical Consultant roles in the network organization, while CCNP is preferred for that level and required at more senior levels.

• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network solutions across LAN, WAN, wireless, and security environments.
• Support network deployments, upgrades, migrations, and operational improvements for client or internal environments.
• Analyze technical requirements and recommend practical, scalable, and secure solutions.
• Collaborate with engineers, project teams, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, diagrams, implementation plans, and support materials.
• Monitor network performance and assist in identifying and resolving reliability, capacity, and security issues.
• Provide technical support during planning, implementation, testing, and post-deployment activities.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in meetings, written updates, and customer interactions.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, cross-team collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with emerging networking and infrastructure technologies and pursue ongoing technical development.

• CCNA and CCNP (preferred) certifications.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working as a Network Engineer.
• Hands-on experience with routing, switching, and general enterprise network operations.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel occasionally within the United States when needed.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt in a fast-changing technical environment.

• Experience with Cisco enterprise networking technologies.
• Exposure to wireless, firewall, network security, SD-WAN, or network automation solutions.
• Experience working in client-facing, consulting, or project-based environments.
• Familiarity with documenting designs, configurations, and implementation procedures.

• Team player with a collaborative mindset.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Customer-focused and solution-oriented.
• Adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous learning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent practical experience may be considered.