Job Title: Network Engineer
Location: San Francisco, CA (with travel to Sunnyvale and San Ramon, CA)
Position Type: Contract - Hybrid
Travel: Required between specified locations
Reports To: IT Infrastructure Manager
Job Summary
The Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and support of enterprise-level network infrastructure. The role involves maintaining highly available and secure networks to meet organizational objectives and SLAs. The candidate will work within a dynamic team to deliver mission-critical IT services, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and scalability in a rapidly expanding environment.
Essential Responsibilities:
Network Infrastructure Management
- Design, deploy, and manage network solutions for WAN, LAN, and third-party services.
- Implement, monitor, and troubleshoot network hardware/software, focusing on:
- WAN Services: Support for circuits (wide-area, Internet, Point-to-Point), routing protocols (BGP/OSPF), and network integration.
- Wired/Wireless LAN Services: Configure Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 devices for optimal performance.
- Third-Party Services: Liaison with external providers for solution design, integration, and management.
- Automate network deployment and monitoring tasks to improve productivity and ensure accuracy.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for all network implementations, processes, and operational strategies.
Data Center Management
- Physically manage data center components, including hardware installation, cabling, and layout optimization.
- Oversee equipment installation and troubleshooting in designated data centers:
- San Francisco, CA (555 California St)
- Sunnyvale, CA (255 Caspian Dr)
- San Ramon, CA (12647 Alcosta Blvd)
- Collaborate with third-party data center vendors, ensuring optimal performance and compliance.
- Design and maintain UPS systems, cooling systems, racks, cabling, and other infrastructure elements.
Network Security
- Implement and maintain robust security tools, policies, and procedures in coordination with the security team.
- Identify, remediate, and document network security vulnerabilities and incidents.
- Manage firewalls (e.g., Cisco Firepower, ASA) and Network Access Control solutions (e.g., Forescout).
Monitoring and Optimization
- Monitor network performance using tools like Dynatrace and ensure system reliability per SLAs.
- Automate alerts, triage processes, and testing platforms to detect configuration issues proactively.
- Regularly provide network health reports with key metrics.
- Conduct disaster recovery and business continuity exercises, ensuring minimal downtime.
Collaboration and Project Management
- Act as a liaison between internal stakeholders, IT teams, and external vendors.
- Develop business justifications, project plans, and work effort estimates for new implementations.
- Lead IT network infrastructure projects using project management methodologies.
- Design and deploy IT systems for new office setups and expansions.
Documentation and Standards
- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standards for network environments.
- Ensure all system specifications, design documents, and support guides are accurate and up-to-date.
Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required.
Experience
- Minimum 6+ years in a network engineering role within a Cisco environment.
- Minimum 3+ years of experience managing hosted data centers.
- Proven expertise in automating network deployments and configurations.
Certifications (Preferred)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Technical Skills
- Networking Equipment: Cisco Routers, Switches, Wireless, Firewalls.
- Protocols: BGP/OSPF architecture and SD-WAN integration.
- Data Center Management: Design, layout, cooling systems, UPS, PDU.
- Automation: Experience with Python, Ansible, and Terraform.
- Monitoring Tools: Dynatrace or similar observability tools.
- Wireless Solutions: Cisco DNA, Nexus Dashboard, ISE, and Forward Networks.
- Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in centralized policy management, disaster recovery, and security posture assurance.
- Knowledge of ITIL frameworks and processes.
- Familiarity with InfoBlox and Forescout administration.
Core Competencies
- Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage IT infrastructure projects.
- Problem Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional teamwork.
- Adaptability: Ability to operate in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
- Proactive Approach: Identify opportunities for improvement and drive innovative solutions.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and install equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based with occasional visits to data centers.
- Noise levels are typically quiet to moderate.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation.
- Must be available for occasional evening, weekend, or holiday support.
