Network Engineer II

1. Network Management:
   • Infrastructure Monitoring: Continuously monitor the health and performance of the network infrastructure using network management tools and dashboards to ensure availability and reliability.
   • Capacity Planning: Analyze network traffic patterns and usage statistics to anticipate future needs and recommend upgrades or expansions to accommodate growth.
   • Network Topology: Maintain and update network topology diagrams to reflect the current state of the network, ensuring all connections, devices, and configurations are accurately documented.
2. Troubleshooting:
   • Issue Identification: Utilize diagnostic tools and logs to identify network issues such as bottlenecks, latency, packet loss, or connectivity problems.
   • Root Cause Analysis: Conduct thorough root cause analysis (RCA) of network incidents to identify underlying problems and prevent recurrence.
   • Resolution Implementation: Work with cross-functional teams to implement fixes, which may include reconfiguring devices, replacing hardware, or modifying network protocols.
3. Configuration & Deployment:
   • Device Configuration: Configure network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points, and the like, ensuring they are set up according to best practices and security standards.
   • Network Deployment: Assist in the rollout of new network infrastructure, including laying/running cables, setting up racks, and installing devices in data centers or remote locations.
   • Firmware Upgrades: Plan and execute firmware updates for network devices to ensure they have the latest security patches and features.
4. Performance Optimization:
   • Traffic Analysis: Use network monitoring tools to analyze traffic flow, identifying congestion points, and optimizing routing to improve overall network efficiency.
   • Quality of Service (QoS): Implement and manage QoS policies to prioritize critical traffic, ensuring optimal performance for key applications and services.
   • Path Optimization: Identify, configure, and manage traffic patterns using various path manipulation methods to distribute network traffic evenly across expected/predictable network resource paths.
5. Security:
   • Firewall Management: Configure and manage firewalls to control access to the network, prevent unauthorized access, and protect against threats.
   • VPN Management: Set up and manage Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to secure remote connections and ensure secure communication between different network segments.
   • Intrusion Detection/Prevention: Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity using IDS/IPS systems, responding to and mitigating potential security threats.
6. Documentation:
   • Configuration Records: Maintain detailed records of network device configurations, including IP addresses, port configurations, and routing tables.
   • Change Management: Document all network changes, including upgrades, patches, and configuration changes, following company change management procedures.
   • Incident Reports: Produce detailed incident reports following any network outage or security breach, outlining the cause, impact, and steps taken to resolve the issue.
7. Support:
   • User Support: Provide assistance to lower-level Network team members as well as supporting end-users experiencing network connectivity issues, assisting with troubleshooting and resolving problems.
   • Internal IT Support: Collaborate with other IT team members to resolve complex technical issues that involve multiple IT systems and services.
   • Vendor Support: Coordinate with external vendors for troubleshooting and support on network hardware and software issues that cannot be resolved in-house.
8. Collaboration:
   • Cross-Departmental Projects: Work with other departments on projects that require network integration, such as implementing new software systems, telephony systems, or cloud services.
   • Vendor Relations: Liaise with vendors and service providers to evaluate new networking products, manage service contracts, and coordinate on-site support or installations.
   • Training & Mentoring: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers or IT staff, sharing knowledge and best practices.
9. Project Involvement:
   • Network Design: Participate in the design phase of network projects, contributing to the selection of technologies, topology design, and network architecture planning.
   • Implementation: Assist in the implementation of network projects, ensuring that the solutions meet design specifications and business requirements.
   • Post-Implementation Review: Conduct post-implementation reviews to evaluate the success of network projects, identifying any areas for improvement or optimization.
10. Compliance:
    • Regulatory Adherence: Ensure that network configurations and operations comply with relevant regulations and industry standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
    • Policy Enforcement: Implement and enforce network policies to ensure compliance with company security policies and procedures.
    • Audit Support: Assist in network audits, providing necessary documentation and information to auditors, and implementing any required changes based on audit findings.
11. Continuous Improvement:
    • Technology Research: Stay updated on the latest networking technologies, trends, and best practices, attending training sessions, webinars, and industry events as needed.
    • Process Improvement: Continuously assess current network processes and procedures, recommending and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency, reliability, and security.
    • Lab Testing: Set up lab environments to test new network technologies or configurations before deployment in a production environment.

Four-Year College Degree; at least three years of experience in performing systems programming work in a mainframe, LAN or WAN environment, or performing equivalent work in a related field; and completion of college-level courses in computer science, business administration or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

• Experience: 2 -3 years of experience in network engineering or a similar role.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network+/Security+, or equivalent are preferred. CCNP is exceptional.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, etc.)
  • Experience with network hardware (e.g., Cisco, Aruba, Palo Alto Networks, etc.)
  • Knowledge of network security principles and tools
  • Experience with troubleshooting Layer1 using various tools (Sniffers, Flukes, etc.)
  • Familiarity with monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds)
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality.

• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and install network equipment.
• Work Schedule: May require occasional after-hours work for network maintenance, upgrades, on-call support, and including but not limited to any special projects.
• Travel: Minimal travel may be required for off-site installations, training, and potential break/fix scenarios.