Senior Network Engineer

Crescent Energy Co

Houston, TX

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
802.1, ARM (Advanced RISC Machine), Acquisition Strategy, Analysis Skills, Ansible, Automation, Balance Sheet, Best Practices, Budgeting, Business Solutions, CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional, Cash Flow, Cisco IOS (Internetworking Operating System), Cloud Architecture, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Continuous Improvement, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), DNS (Domain Name System), Drilling Equipment, Emergency Response, Enterprise Protection, Finance, Firewall Appliances, Firewalls, High Availability, Hybrid Cloud, IP Addressing, Identify Issues, Incident Management, Information Technology & Information Systems, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Internet Security, Internet of Things, Intrusion Detection Systems, Intrusion Prevention Systems, Leadership, Local Area Network (LAN), Microsoft Windows Azure, Microwaves, Network Administration/Management, Network Architecture/Engineering, Network Design, Network Monitoring, Network Performance/Analysis, Network Routers, Network Security, Network Support, Network Switching, Oil and Gas, On Site Support, Performance Analysis, Petroleum, Problem Solving Skills, Radio Frequency, Remote Access, Risk, Risk Management, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Security Attacks, Subnetting, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Team Player, VPN (Virtual Private Network), Wi-Fi, Wide Area Network (WAN), Willing to Travel, Wireless Communications
LOCATION
Houston, TX
POSTED
13 days ago

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. Crescent's 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).

  • 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).

  • 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 recruitment@crescentenergyco.com.

About the Company

C

Crescent Energy Co