Network Operations Engineer

Job Description

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) has an outstanding opportunity for Network Operations Engineer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to Technology Manager of Networks & Communications Technologies , the Network Operations Engineer is responsible for communication system planning, design, development, installation and operations, as well as for support of the overall Network Operations service and staff that support it. They provide consultation to the University on data and telecommunications network services and systems, participate in requirements definition processes, design and implement appropriate solutions, and identify and solve operational problems relating to networks and distributed communication systems and servers.

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds overhead, this may include lifting above the head. Must use proper lifting techniques.

• This is an essential position and required to report to work remotely when UW suspends operations.

Key Responsibilities

Network Operations Engineering (85 %)

• Expect 85% of time allocated for the operations, sustaining work, complex requests, and projects.

• Monitor network performance and provide traffic pattern and/or usage analysis.

• Have experiences and closely worked with Linux/Windows-based systems, both physical and virtual.

• Have relevant industry experience supporting the Network Management Systems such as DHCP/DNS/IP, SNMP, RADIUS, syslog, config management, utilization/threshold alarming, Solarwinds, and etc.

• Ability to use scripts to automate routine processes using a language like Ansible, and Python.

• Write documentation on routing-related projects, procedures and configurations.

• Software Ecosystem(Custom, COTS, & Open Source)

• Custom Application Lifecycles: Ability to collaborate with development teams to host, monitor, and maintain proprietary internal applications. This includes managing custom APIs, database connections (SQL/NoSQL), and environment variables.

• Configuration Management & Scripting: Proficiency in using scripting languages like PowerShell, Bash, or Python to automate deployments and bridge gaps between disparate software products.

• Provide project management oversight of routing-related projects as assigned.

Indirect (15 %)

• Attend and contribute to pre-approved professional meetings and programs

• Participate in organizational activities

• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering or related field or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of four years experience network troubleshooting and incident management in a large and complex network environment

• Must be self-directed and able to appropriately manage workloads, priorities, and provide timely communications to stakeholders and management

• A Network Engineer is expected to have expertise in contemporary network technologies and protocols including fiber optics, SONET, DS3, DS1, Ethernet, TCP/IP, OSPF, MPLS, BGP4, IPv6, CoS, QoS, EVPN-VXLAN, VoIP, etc

• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills and personal interaction abilities

• Must have a valid driver’s license to occasionally operate state vehicles

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Core networking experience in a large research university or large enterprise

• Experience with Network Management Systems.. (e.g. Solarwinds, Auvik, etc.)

• Experience with firmware evaluation and bug investigation

• Demonstrated understanding of interconnection and troubleshooting techniques for LAN hardware including L3 routers, L2 switches, hubs, and wireless access points. This includes familiarity with network-level protocols such as SNMP, dhcp, as well as complex configurations involving virtual LANs and VRFs

• Experience with highly disciplined debug methodology, including paying close attention to detail, maintaining detailed configuration and testing documentation

• Experience evaluating technologies and vendor management practices

• Experience with Juniper JUNOS, Cisco IOS, F5 BIG-IP (APM)

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Demonstrated project management skills

Working Conditions

• Hybrid

• open office environment

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds overhead, this may include lifting above the head. Must use proper lifting techniques.

• Must be able to work in confined spaces such as ceilings or raised floors.

• Must be willing to be on-call and work off-hours in the event of an emergency or planned work

• This is an essential position and required to report to work remotely when UW suspends operations.

About the Team

UW Information Technology (UWIT) is the central information technology organization for the University of Washington, responsible for strategic planning, oversight, and direction of the UW’s IT infrastructure, resources, and services. UWIT provides critical technology support to all three campuses, UW Medicine, WA K-20 Education Network, and research operations around the world. UWIT partners with the UW community to enable innovation, learning, discovery, and service.

Network Operations is responsible for a large network of over 600 routers, 5,000 switches, and 13,000 wireless access points for the various network sectors. This service has responsibility to ensure that the network is operating correctly, identifying any fault conditions, performance issues, and activities that could threaten the correct operation of the enterprise.

The purpose of the Network Operations Engineer is to design and create as-builts within the bounds of existing architectural standards, configure network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, etc. and maintenance of said devices. The Network Operations Engineer is critical in ensuring the efficient and secure operation of an organization's network infrastructure, which serves as the backbone for communication and data exchange at the University of Washington and beyond.

The most demanding aspects of the Network Operations Engineer  include:

• Advanced troubleshooting: identifying and resolving network issues promptly to ensure maximum network uptime.

• Network Optimization: optimizing network performance by fine-tuning configurations, implementing policies (e.g. CoS, QoS, port security, etc.) and upgrading hardware/software components as necessary.

• Documentation: maintaining a wide array of articles that detail network configurations, procedures, troubleshooting steps, knowledge sharing, etc.

• Collaboration: works closely with other IT teams such as system administrators, security specialists, and others to ensure seamless integration of network infrastructure with other systems and applications.

• Training and support: provides guidance and support to end-users and other IT staff on network related issues, best practices and procedures.

The primary mission of the University of Washington is the preservation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge.  UW-IT’s objectives are to enable innovative teaching and learning, support world-class research, enhance collaboration, advance operational excellence, modernize information and business systems, reduce enterprise risk and provide access to excellent infrastructure.  The Infrastructure division supports these initiatives in multiple ways relating to network availability.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$99,756.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$162,096.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.