Okay, I've searched for onsite Network Engineer roles focused on Cisco routing and switching in Austin, TX, requiring 5+ years of experience, CCNP certification preferred, and full-time contract positions. I have found 45 positions that match your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

This Onsite Network Engineer role is fundamentally designed to ensure the stability, efficiency, and modernization of enterprise network infrastructures across multiple U.S. sites. The core focus is on designing, implementing, and managing network switching solutions primarily based on Cisco technologies, while overseeing a strategic transition from Juniper and Extreme platforms to Cisco. This reflects a need for deep technical expertise in multi-vendor environments and an aptitude for driving network standardization and simplification. The engineer will be working hands-on with routing and switching protocols—especially IS-IS—requiring robust understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking concepts. Troubleshooting and rapid resolution of complex network issues are daily challenges, meaning the candidate needs strong problem-solving skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and an ability to operate under pressure. Cross-functional collaboration implies working closely with various IT teams, possibly including security, applications, and operations, ensuring the network supports broader business functions seamlessly. Continuous learning is critical here to stay current with best practices and evolving technologies, which links directly to the requirement for Cisco certifications and prior experience with mixed vendor solutions. Success in this role means not only maintaining uptime and performance but also proactively identifying improvements and effectively supporting colleagues, evidenced by participation in on-call rotations and thorough documentation practices.

Company Analysis:

Talent Groups operates as a specialist IT talent solution provider with a broad client base spanning startups, middle-market organizations, and Fortune 500 firms. Positioned as a trusted partner rather than a traditional staffing agency, the company leverages industry expertise, a strong healthcare IT presence, and agile transformation advisory to differentiate itself. The environment is likely fast-paced, client-focused, and mission-driven around connecting skilled professionals with meaningful contracts and permanent roles. Within this ecosystem, the network engineer role likely supports clients’ operational excellence by enabling reliable IT infrastructure—critical for organizations undergoing digital transformation or geographic expansion. Given the company’s emphasis on quality service delivery and recognition of talent as people, their culture probably encourages technical excellence balanced with interpersonal skills. The engineer’s onsite status and involvement in multiple locations highlight a role that demands adaptability, autonomy, and strong communication to effectively translate technical solutions to diverse stakeholders. While the position is contract-based and offers limited traditional benefits, the strategic alignment suggests this is a growth- or stabilization-focused hire for clients relying on Talent Groups’ recruiting acumen, emphasizing the candidate’s readiness to embed themselves quickly, deliver immediate value, and serve as a dependable network expert in various environments.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex network outage involving multiple vendor devices. How did you approach the problem and what was the outcome?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation where you had to work across different IT teams to implement a network upgrade. How did you ensure alignment and manage any conflicting priorities?
• Behavioral: Can you share an experience where you had to adapt your technical knowledge quickly to support a new or unfamiliar network technology?
• Behavioral: How do you handle on-call responsibilities when network issues occur outside normal working hours? Give an example that highlights your problem-solving under pressure.
• Technical: How would you design a transition plan from Juniper and Extreme network switches to Cisco switches in a multi-site environment?
• Technical: Explain the IS-IS routing protocol and why it might be chosen over other routing protocols in enterprise networks.
• Technical: What steps do you take to conduct a network audit and ensure documentation is accurate and up to date?
• Technical: Describe your experience with Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP) and how they have prepared you to manage complex network infrastructures.
• Situational: Imagine a critical application is experiencing latency after a recent network configuration change you implemented. How would you diagnose and resolve this issue?
• Situational: You receive conflicting requests from different departments about network prioritization and bandwidth allocation. How do you handle and reconcile these demands?
• Situational: During an on-call shift, an urgent network outage occurs but the root cause is unclear. Walk me through your first 30 minutes of response.
• Company Fit: What interests you most about working with Talent Groups and supporting client network infrastructures through a contract model?
• Company Fit: How do you see your personal values and work style aligning with Talent Groups’ emphasis on recognizing talent as people and treating jobs as opportunities?
• Company Fit: Given Talent Groups’ broad client base and healthcare IT expertise, how would you leverage your network engineering skills to add value in such diverse environments?
• Questions for interviewer: Can you describe the typical client environments where this network engineer role will be deployed?
• Questions for interviewer: How does Talent Groups support contract engineers in keeping their skills current and engaged with latest industry trends?
• Questions for interviewer: What are the key success metrics for someone in this role during their first 6 months?