Network Engineer

The Network Engineer role will implement and support the University’s enterprise Cisco network environment. This role focuses on engineering-level execution, advanced troubleshooting, and technical leadership for complex network systems, while operating within established architectural standards and strategic direction.
The Network Engineer works beyond day-to-day administration to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable network solutions, supporting academic instruction, research, healthcare-related programs, and administrative operations. This position partners closely with Network Administrators, Information Security, and infrastructure teams to ensure the network operates effectively and evolves in a controlled, supportable manner.

Essential Functions:

Network Engineering & Implementation
• Engineer, implement, and enhance enterprise network solutions across wired, wireless, WAN, and security domains.
• Translate approved designs and standards into production-ready configurations and implementations.
• Lead technical execution for network upgrades, expansions, and major changes.
• Validate configurations and changes to ensure performance, resilience, and security requirements are met.

Advanced Troubleshooting & Escalation
• Serve as the escalation point for complex or non-routine network issues beyond administrative support.
• Perform deep technical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective engineering actions.
• Resolve systemic performance, stability, and interoperability issues.
• Support post-incident analysis and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Security Engineering & Controls
• Engineer and implement network security controls including segmentation, access control, firewall policies, and secure remote connectivity.
• Partner with Information Security to implement security requirements aligned with FERPA, HIPAA, PCI, and institutional standards.
• Support vulnerability remediation and security-driven network changes.

Standards, Lifecycle & Optimization
• Implement and enforce network engineering standards and best practices.
• Participate in lifecycle planning for network hardware, software, and licensing.
• Evaluate and test new features, platforms, and capabilities within existing network standards.
• Ensure engineered solutions are operationally supportable by Network Administrators.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Network Administrators.
• Work with cross-functional IT teams to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers on complex technical issues and implementations.
• Clearly document engineered solutions and transition them into operational support.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification
• 4+ years of experience in network engineering roles.
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• Cisco Enterprise routing and switching
• Cisco wireless networks
• Cisco VPN technologies
• Palo Alto Firewalls
• Demonstrated experience implementing and supporting complex network environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Cisco Hardware & Cisco IOS
• DHCP and DNS
• Ethernet
• Fiber Optics - Network
• Data Center Operations
• Network Security Fundamentals
• Performance Tuning/Monitoring
• Accountability & Adaptability
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Customer Relationship Management
• Innovative/creative thinking
• Mission/Service orientation
• Backup Management Systems
• Telecommunications - Video/Voice
• Wireless Networking
• Network Security Principles
• Network operating systems
• Equipment configuration, testing, and repair
• Knowledge of network protocols
• Knowledge of Server operating systems.
• Network evaluation using standard tools.
• Ability to accurately diagnose problems.
• Operate network test equipment
• Openness (zest) for learning
• Results orientation
• Vendor Relationship Management
• Oral/written communication
• Time Management
• Technical Writing
• Problem Solving

Licenses/Certifications:

• CCNA Preferred
• ITIL certification or achieve certification within 6 months of hire