Network Operations Center Engineer

Job Title: Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer – L2/L3 (Freelance Contract)Company: Throne SolutionsLocation: Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaEmployment Type: Freelance ContractExperience Required: 5–8 YearsAbout Throne SolutionsThrone Solutions is looking for a highly skilled and proactive Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer – L2/L3 to join our team on a freelance contract basis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining the availability, performance, and reliability of enterprise network infrastructure by providing advanced technical support, resolving complex network issues, and ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs). This role is best suited for professionals with extensive experience in Cisco enterprise networking and Network Operations Center environments.Key ResponsibilitiesMonitor and manage enterprise network infrastructure using Network Monitoring Systems (NMS) to ensure maximum uptime and service availability.Perform advanced Level 2 and Level 3 troubleshooting for LAN, WAN, WLAN, VPN, Internet, and Data Center networking environments.Diagnose and resolve routing, switching, MPLS, and WAN connectivity issues within defined SLA targets.Handle escalated incidents from Level 1 support engineers and perform detailed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for recurring network issues.Configure, maintain, and support Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, VPN gateways, and wireless infrastructure.Execute approved network change requests, firmware upgrades, security patching, and preventive maintenance activities.Monitor network performance, bandwidth utilization, latency, and device health while recommending optimization and capacity improvements.Collaborate with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), hardware vendors, and internal technical teams to resolve infrastructure-related issues.Support network performance tuning, infrastructure upgrades, and continuous service improvement initiatives.Maintain accurate technical documentation, network topology diagrams, asset inventory, configuration backups, operational procedures, and incident reports.Participate in planned maintenance activities with minimal impact on business operations.Follow ITIL best practices for Incident, Problem, Change, and Configuration Management.Provide technical mentoring and guidance to junior NOC engineers when required.Participate in a 24×7 shift rotation and provide on-call support for critical production incidents.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline.5–8 years of hands-on experience in a Network Operations Center (NOC) or Enterprise Network Support environment.Proven experience supporting medium to large-scale Cisco enterprise network infrastructure.Must be authorized to work in Saudi Arabia.Required Technical SkillsNetworking TechnologiesCisco Routing & SwitchingLAN, WAN, WLANMPLSSD-WANVPN (Site-to-Site & Remote Access)TCP/IPVLANsSpanning Tree Protocol (STP)EtherChannelHSRP / VRRPNATAccess Control Lists (ACLs)Quality of Service (QoS)Routing ProtocolsOSPFBGPEIGRPCisco TechnologiesCisco Catalyst SwitchesCisco Nexus SwitchesCisco ISR & ASR RoutersCisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC)Cisco ASA & Firepower FirewallsMonitoring & Management ToolsSolarWindsPRTGCisco PrimeManageEngine OpManagerNagiosZabbixAdditional ToolsWiresharkSNMPSyslogNetFlowServiceNowJiraBMC RemedyPreferred Certifications(Must Have one from these)CCNP Enterprise (Preferred)CCNAITIL Foundation CertificationCisco SD-WAN Certification (Preferred)Cisco CyberOps Certification (Preferred)Required CompetenciesStrong analytical and troubleshooting skills.Excellent understanding of enterprise network architecture and operations.Ability to manage multiple high-priority incidents in a fast-paced environment.Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within cross-functional teams.Customer-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence.Willingness to work in a 24×7 shift-based support environment.Strong organizational and time management skills.Mandatory RequirementsBachelor's Degree in a relevant technical discipline.Authorized to work in Saudi Arabia.Availability to work onsite in Riyadh.Experience supporting enterprise Cisco networking environments.Ability to participate in shift rotations and on-call support.