Senior Network Engineer

Job Purpose and Summary

This position is responsible for monitoring communication systems/network technologies to identify and address issues in performance, quality and effectiveness, ensuring a high-quality communication transmission for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Incumbents provide support for a 24/7 operation crucial to enterprise wide communications. Work at this level is differentiated by complexity of assignments. Work is performed with considerable independence and reviewed for attainment of program goals, completion of projects, overall performance and overall customer satisfaction. This position functions as a lead worker and may supervise lower-level staff and external contractors/consultants.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Leads and supports lower-level staff involved with the administration of communications infrastructure. May supervise internal staff functions including performance management, delegation of work assignments and review of work product. Leads/supervises the efforts of external contractors/consultants supporting assigned projects and performing day-to-day communication services.
• Monitors communication systems/network technologies operations and performance to identify problems and minimize downtime. This includes, but is not limited to, status monitoring, capacity optimization, error elimination, security vulnerability redaction and upgrades.  
• Identifies communication system-oriented problems and acts as a Tier-3 responder for communication system-oriented problem determination and directs/implements corrective action plans, including problem bypass or recovery procedures. 
• Functions as the technical lead or subject matter expert on assigned IT projects. Corresponds and provides input with project managers concerning project tasks, scheduling and technical aspects of the effort. Ensures project objectives and schedules are being met.
• Proactively plans and performs system upgrades/replacements to keep systems supported/secure and meet functionality requirements.
• Leads other technical staff in providing technical guidance/advice in the administration of communications infrastructure and assisting end users with utilizing/identifying communication technology needs (equipment, feature requirements, etc.). Advises on and ensures compliance with IT security as defined by IT security policies.
• Manages tests and analysis of all components of communication systems/network technologies to confirm quality installation and proper operation. Develops and implements quality assurance testing of communication systems. Conducts evaluations of vendor’s technical proposals and evaluates vendor quality assurance programs/procedures.
• Identifies requirements and proactively plans and performs system upgrades, updates, patching and configuration control to minimize possible communications failures and to preserve a stable/productive communications environment. 
• Reviews and provides technical input in the preparation of specifications for the installation, operation and maintenance of communications systems, network technologies and supporting equipment.
• Performs daily administrative tasks including, but not limited to, monitoring, configuring, managing, documenting and updating the monitoring systems and associated backup systems for communication systems/network technologies.
• Supports the principles defined in the Strategic Enterprise Technology Plan and the Enterprise Technology Architecture document. 
• Assists management and project managers with planning for potential IT communication related projects. Provides key input in the development of short/long-range plans and the operational/capital budgets for technology communications infrastructure.
• Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of technical experience in communication systems/network technologies design, development, construction, implementation and maintenance;
  OR
• Five (5) years of technical experience in communication systems/network technologies design, development, construction, implementation and maintenance AND a bachelor’s degree in information technology, electrical engineering or related communications field. 
  Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted. 
• Possession of a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching professional-level certification is highly desirable.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.

Competencies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Position may require occasional exertion of up to fifty (50) pounds and minimal couching, stooping and/or kneeling. Position may require some travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic. Occasionally works outside of normal business hours for assigned work assignments.

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.  

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent(s) within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Management has the discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.