Network Engineer I

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

The Network Engineer is responsible for designing, securing, and supporting SunOpta's Cisco and Meraki based network infrastructure across corporate and manufacturing locations. This role ensures reliable, connectivity for business applications and cloud services while maintaining strong security and operational resilience. The Network Engineer leads multi site LAN/WAN operations, SD WAN and VPN connectivity, proactive monitoring, and Tier 3 troubleshooting. The position also collaborates closely with cybersecurity, IT, operations, and engineering teams to deliver stable, well documented network solutions. Experience supporting OT and industrial networking environments is beneficial but not required.

• Design, implement, and support SunOpta's Cisco and Meraki networks across corporate and manufacturing sites, including LAN, WAN, wireless, and Internet connectivity.
• Maintain and optimize Meraki SD WAN/AutoVPN and IPsec site to site VPNs for reliable multi site connectivity.

• Oversee performance and availability through the Meraki Dashboard and enterprise monitoring tools, serve as a Tier 3 escalation point for advanced L2/L3 incidents, and conduct root cause analysis.

• Ensure network security through the implementation and ongoing management of firewall, segmentation, and VPN policies, collaborating with cybersecurity teams on incident response and compliance initiatives.

• Maintain up-to-date network hardware and software with appropriate patches, and coordinate with carriers and vendors to promptly resolve circuit or WAN issues and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).

• Maintain accurate documentation (network diagrams, configurations, SOPs, asset inventory) and contribute to standards and lifecycle plans.

• Coordinate with IT, operations, engineering, and external vendors on new site buildouts, expansions, and upgrades, and actively participate in scheduled maintenance windows.

• Provide support for OT and industrial networking related to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and historians, as well as facilitate secure integration between IT and OT.

• Contribute to a 24/7 on call schedule with the Network Team to provide network support and incident response in emergency situations.
• Take and maintain ownership of assigned projects and coordinate with internal and external teams to ensure timely and successful delivery.
• Wear PPE when required and perform other duties as assigned.
• (Preferred, not required): Use Meraki API / basic scripting to automate configuration, reporting, and monitoring.

• None.

• 3+ years supporting Cisco and/or Meraki enterprise networks
• Strong understanding of L2/L3 routing & switching (STP, VLANs, BGP preferred)
• Experience supporting multi site environments including VPN, SD WAN, and cloud connectivity
• Familiarity with firewalls (Cisco, Meraki, etc.)

• Cisco certifications: CCNA required or strongly preferred; CCNP highly desirable
• Meraki certifications: ECMS
• Experience working in or supporting manufacturing or OT/industrial networks
• Hands-on experience with:
  
  
  
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    • Cisco Catalyst switching
    • Meraki MX/MR/MS/MV
    • VPN (AutoVPN, site to site IPsec)
    • Network monitoring tools (Site 24/7, Meraki Dashboard, DNA Center)
    • Azure Networking
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts related to networks (Zero Trust & segmentation)
• Basic scripting or API experience (Python, PowerShell, Postman, Meraki API)
• Experience supporting WAN circuits, SD WAN, or DIA links
• Ability to support network changes during maintenance windows or emergencies

• Travel Expectation: Up to 10% to various SunOpta locations for meetings and other job-related functions.
• Location: This role will be onsite at our Eden Prairie, MN location.

• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Work Environment / Physical Needs:

Approximately 90% of the work is performed in an office environment. 10% of work may involve being in the agricultural or manufacturing environment. Many SunOpta employees enjoy the benefits of the SunFlex program, where certain days of the week are designated for in-person (in-office) collaboration and meetings while other days are available for remote (off-site) work and virtual meetings. This hybrid approach to work is designed to enable flexibility and support of SunOpta's business needs. Standard schedule is working in the office Tue-Th, "SunFlex" benefit offered to WFH M & F, standard office hours. This schedule may vary or be subject to change based on business needs.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED