Network Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: Emory, VA 24327Position Type: Full Time StaffEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeJob Shift: AnyJob Category: Information Technology  The Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of the university's mission-critical network infrastructure, including campus-wide LAN, WAN, and high- density wireless environments. You will play a vital role in ensuring reliable, high-speed connectivity for students, faculty, and researchers across multiple campus locations. This role requires expertise in routing, switching, and network security, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a resilient environment that supports blended learning, research data transfers, and administrative operations. Duties and Responsibilities: Network Administration and Engineering: -Design and Deployment: Plan, design, and deploy scalable network solutions, including routers, switches, and next-generation firewalls to meet evolving campus needs. - Infrastructure Management: Administer the university’s physical and virtual network components, ensuring 24/7 availability of core services across various campus locations. - Performance Optimization: Monitor network traffic and performance using advanced telemetry and analytics tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Cisco DNAC) to proactively identify and resolve bottlenecks. - Wired/Wireless Connectivity: Manage high-density Wi-Fi 6/6E environments and campus-wide Ethernet infrastructure to support a mobile-first student population. Network Security & Compliance: - Secure Architecture: Implement and maintain network security protocols, including VPNs, ACLs, and Zero Trust principles to safeguard institutional data. - Incident Response: Monitor for suspicious activity and collaborate with the Security Team to mitigate threats and participate in disaster recovery operations. - Regulatory Adherence: Ensure the network environment complies with relevant regulations such as FERPA, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Collaboration & Documentation: - Technical Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive network diagrams, cable plant drawings, and configuration standards. - Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical university stakeholders, including faculty and department heads. - Project Leadership: Lead or assist in infrastructure projects, coordinating with vendors and internal teams to meet deadlines and budgets. Required Education & Experience Required Education: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). 3–5 Experience: 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in network administration or engineering, preferably within a large-scale enterprise or academic environment. Certifications (Must hold at least one or equivalent): Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Professional (CCNP): The industry standard for routing and switching. CompTIA Network+: A foundational vendor-neutral credential. Aruba Certified Professional (ACP): Relevant if the campus utilizes HPE Aruba wireless/wired solutions.  Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP): Specialized expertise for high-density campus Wi-Fi. Competency: Protocols: Proficiency in BGP, OSPF, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and Multicast. Virtualization: Experience with network virtualization (SD-WAN) and cloud networking (AWS/Azure). Cryptography: Proficiency in encryption protocols (TLS, SSL, IPsec) and how to securely handle sensitive data. Automation: Scripting skills in Python, PowerShell, or Ansible to automate routine configurations. Endpoint Protection: Experience with endpoint detection and response (EDR solutions, including understanding anti-malware, device encryption, and remote monitoring. Tools: Hands-on experience with network monitoring platforms like SolarWinds, Arista CVP, or Cisco DNAC. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Deep understanding of authentication protocols (SAML, OAuth, OpenID), privilege management, and access control frameworks. Analytical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting abilities to diagnose complex connectivity issues. Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Collaborative Mindset: A commitment to working within a team to build a culture of shared responsibility and high-quality service. Working and Environmental Conditions This role is primarily office-based with the potential for some remote work flexibility. Physical Characteristics and Requirements Full-time, administrative-level position, with occasional evening or weekend work required, especially during major projects or system upgrades. Supervisory Responsibility No direct reports. QualificationsRequired Education and Experience Required Education: - Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). Required Experience: - 3–5 Experience: 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in network administration or engineering, preferably within a large-scale enterprise or academic environment. - Certifications (Must hold at least one or equivalent): - Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Professional (CCNP): The industry standard for routing and switching. - CompTIA Network+: A foundational vendor-neutral credential. - Aruba Certified Professional (ACP): Relevant if the campus utilizes HPE Aruba wireless/wired solutions. - Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP): Specialized expertise for high- density campus Wi-Fi. Competency: - Protocols: Proficiency in BGP, OSPF, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and Multicast. - Virtualization: Experience with network virtualization (SD-WAN) and cloud networking (AWS/Azure). Cryptography: Proficiency in encryption protocols (TLS, SSL, IPsec) and how to securely handle sensitive data. - Automation: Scripting skills in Python, PowerShell, or Ansible to automate routine configurations. Endpoint Protection: Experience with endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, including understanding anti-malware, device encryption, and remote monitoring. - Tools: Hands-on experience with network monitoring platforms like SolarWinds, Arista CVP, or Cisco DNAC. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Deep understanding of authentication protocols (SAML, OAuth, OpenID), privilege management, and access control frameworks. - Analytical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting abilities to diagnose complex connectivity issues. - Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously. - Collaborative Mindset: A commitment to working within a team to build a culture of shared responsibility and high-quality service. Working and Environmental Conditions This role is primarily office-based with the potential for some remote work flexibility. Physical Characteristics and Requirements Full-time, administrative-level position, with occasional evening or weekend work required, especially during major projects or system upgrades. Supervisory Responsibility No direct reports.