Network Engineer III
Date: May 15, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607
Company: McDonald's Corporation
Company Description:
McDonald’s growth strategy, Accelerating the Arches, encompasses all aspects of our business as the leading global omni-channel restaurant brand. As the consumer landscape shifts we are using our competitive advantages to further strengthen our brand. One of our core growth strategies is to Double Down on the 3Ds (Delivery, Digital and Drive Thru). McDonald’s will accelerate technology innovation so 65M+ customers a day will experience a fast, easy experience, whether at one of our 25,000 and growing Drive thrus, through McDelivery, dine-in or takeaway.
McDonald’s Global Technology is here to power tomorrow’s feel-good moments.
That’s why you’ll find us at the forefront of transformative technology, exploring new and innovative ways to serve our millions of customers and spread happiness one delicious Hot Fudge Sundae-dipped fry at a time. Using AI, robotics and emerging tech, we’re digitizing the Golden Arches. Combine that with our unparalleled global scale, and we’re reshaping all areas of the business, industry and every community that is home to a McDonald’s restaurant. We face complex tech challenges every day. But that’s where our diverse and talented teams come in. They’re made up of the best and brightest from all over the globe, and they thrive in the space where feel-good meets fast-paced.
Check out the McDonald’s Global Technology Technical Blog to learn how technology and our global team are directly enabling the Accelerating the Arches strategy.
Department Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer to lead our global network infrastructure strategy and operations. This individual will be responsible for designing, implementing, and leading secure and scalable network solutions across a multinational environment. The ideal candidate will bring leadership experience, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in supporting distributed, multi-region teams—including franchisee operations.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise-level network solutions across global locations, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.
- Lead and mentor a team of network engineers and technicians; handle performance, workflows, and professional development.
- Collaborate with multi-functional teams and external partners to ensure seamless network integration and compliance with corporate standards.
- Provide strategic mentorship on infrastructure scalability to support growth, particularly within a franchise-based business model.
- Lead all aspects of and support WAN, LAN, VPN across geographically diverse sites.
- Handle vendor relationships and evaluate new technologies or services.
- Develop and maintain documentation, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
- Establish and implement security protocols and business continuity plans in line with industry standard methodologies.
- Support and improve network monitoring, diagnostics, and incident response processes.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in network engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Demonstrable experience supporting multinational enterprise networks, including remote site connectivity and international infrastructure.
- Solid understanding of routing, switching, firewalls, SD-WAN, and wireless technologies (Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, etc.).
- Experience handling hybrid environments (on-prem and cloud-based networks).
- Solid grasp of ITIL or similar IT service frameworks.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in or supporting franchise-based organizations, with an understanding of the operational, compliance, and security challenges.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP).
- Experience with network automation and scripting (Python, Ansible, etc.).
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: YES
Long - Term Incentive: YES
Benefits Eligible: YES
Salary Range
Salary Ranges-$129,800.00 - $165,490.00
Additional Information:
Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.
Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.
Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago