Nesco Data Center is seeking a Network Infrastructure Assessment & Fiber Planning Engineer in the Greater Rockford IL Area.

Network Infrastructure Assessment & Fiber Planning Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Network Infrastructure Assessment & Fiber Planning Engineer to conduct comprehensive surveys, assessments, and documentation of an existing network environment within a legacy facility. The selected consultant will evaluate current network infrastructure, identify existing cabling pathways and connectivity, document legacy systems, and develop recommendations for a future-state fiber-based network architecture.

This role is ideal for an experienced networking professional who possesses strong analytical, documentation, and infrastructure planning skills. The successful candidate will work closely with project stakeholders, facility personnel, and installation teams to create a detailed roadmap for modernization while ensuring minimal disruption to existing operations.

This engagement will serve as the foundation for future network upgrades, structured cabling deployments, and enterprise networking initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

Existing Infrastructure Assessment

• Perform comprehensive site surveys of existing network infrastructure.
• Identify and document all active and inactive network cabling.
• Trace copper and fiber pathways throughout the facility.
• Evaluate telecommunications rooms, network closets, MDFs, IDFs, and equipment locations.
• Assess existing cable management practices and pathway utilization.
• Document rack layouts, patch panels, switches, routers, firewalls, and associated network equipment.
• Identify undocumented cabling, abandoned infrastructure, and legacy network components.
• Evaluate current network topology and connectivity methods.

Network Discovery & Documentation

• Develop detailed documentation of the existing network environment.
• Create network topology diagrams and connectivity maps.
• Document equipment inventory including:
  • Switches
  • Routers
  • Firewalls
  • Wireless Infrastructure
  • Patch Panels
  • Fiber Distribution Panels
  • Network Appliances
• Record port utilization and network interconnections where applicable.
• Develop floor plans showing cable routes and infrastructure locations.
• Create as-built documentation for stakeholder review.

Fiber Infrastructure Planning

• Assess suitability of existing pathways for future fiber installations.
• Identify conduit availability and cable routing opportunities.
• Recommend fiber backbone designs between telecommunications spaces.
• Develop high-level fiber network architecture plans.
• Identify locations requiring additional pathways, conduit, cable trays, or infrastructure upgrades.
• Recommend structured cabling best practices and standards.
• Assist in developing migration strategies from legacy copper-based environments to modern fiber infrastructure.

Future-State Network Design Support

• Collaborate with customer stakeholders to understand business and technical requirements.
• Provide recommendations for:
  • Fiber Backbone Architecture
  • Distribution Layer Design
  • Access Layer Connectivity
  • Network Segmentation
  • Redundancy Requirements
  • Physical Network Security
  • Scalability and Future Growth
• Assist with network modernization planning and infrastructure roadmaps.
• Develop implementation recommendations supporting future deployment phases.

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure recommendations align with industry standards and best practices.
• Review infrastructure against applicable standards, including:
  • TIA/EIA Structured Cabling Standards
  • BICSI Best Practices
  • ANSI Telecommunications Standards
  • Local Building and Fire Codes
• Identify deficiencies and opportunities for infrastructure improvements.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Participate in project meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Present findings and recommendations to project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with facilities personnel, network engineers, contractors, and project managers.
• Provide technical guidance regarding infrastructure modernization efforts.

Reporting & Deliverables

• Produce comprehensive assessment reports.
• Develop detailed network diagrams and infrastructure maps.
• Deliver gap analysis identifying current-state deficiencies.
• Create future-state infrastructure recommendations.
• Provide budgetary guidance for network modernization efforts.
• Deliver executive-level summaries and technical documentation packages.

Required Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in network infrastructure, structured cabling, or network engineering environments.
• Experience performing physical network assessments and infrastructure surveys.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Ethernet Networking
  • TCP/IP
  • Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking
  • Structured Cabling Systems
  • Fiber Optic Infrastructure
  • Telecommunications Spaces
• Experience documenting existing network environments.
• Ability to read and interpret floor plans and construction drawings.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• BICSI Certification (RCDD preferred).
• Cisco Certifications (CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent).
• CompTIA Network .
• Experience with AutoCAD, Visio, or network documentation platforms.
• Experience in healthcare, education, manufacturing, government, or enterprise campus environments.
• Experience with fiber optic design and deployment projects.
• Familiarity with MDF/IDF design standards and telecommunications room planning.

Deliverables Expected

The successful consultant will be expected to provide:

• Current-State Network Assessment
• Existing Cabling Inventory
• Telecommunications Room Inventory
• Network Equipment Inventory
• Network Topology Diagrams
• Fiber Backbone Recommendations
• Pathway and Conduit Assessment
• Infrastructure Gap Analysis
• Future-State Network Design Recommendations
• Executive Summary Report
• Budgetary Planning Recommendations

Key Skills

• Network Discovery
• Infrastructure Assessment
• Fiber Optic Planning
• Structured Cabling Design
• Technical Documentation
• Network Architecture
• Site Surveys
• Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Communication
• Project Coordination
• Network Modernization Planning

Work Environment

This position requires extensive on-site work within an operational facility environment. The consultant will regularly access telecommunications rooms, network closets, equipment rooms, and cable pathways throughout the building. Walking, ladder usage, and inspection of overhead and underfloor infrastructure may be required.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong balance of hands-on infrastructure knowledge and strategic planning expertise, enabling the organization to confidently transition from a legacy network environment to a modern, scalable fiber-based infrastructure platform.

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.