Network Engineer: Enterprise and Cloud Infrastrusture

Primary Purpose of the Job

The Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the organization's network infrastructure. This role ensures the stability, integrity, and efficient operation of in-house and cloud-based network services that support core organizational functions. The Network Engineer leverages communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills to identify, communicate, and resolve issues, maximizing the benefit of IT systems investments. Staying current with advancements and trends in networking technologies to improve the organization's network performance and security is also a key aspect of this role.

Areas of Responsibility and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Network Design and Implementation

   • Responsibilities: Design and implement functional network infrastructure for reliable and efficient organizational communication.
   • KPIs:
     1. Number of network designs successfully implemented on time.
     2. Percentage improvement in network performance post-implementation.

2. Network Maintenance and Support

   • Responsibilities: Monitor network performance and conduct regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and security. Implement necessary updates or changes.
   • KPIs:
     1. Network uptime (aim for 99.95%).
     2. Number of maintenance tasks completed on schedule.

3. Security Management

   • Responsibilities: Establish and enforce policies to ensure network security, including firewall administration, user access controls, and intrusion detection systems.
   • KPIs:
     1. Compliance rate with regulatory requirements and best practices.
     2. Mean time to remediate vulnerabilities.
     3. Number of exceptions.
     4. Average age of open vulnerabilities.

4. Troubleshooting

   • Responsibilities: Diagnose and resolve network-related issues promptly to minimize downtime and impact on business operations.
   • KPIs:
     1. Mean time to resolution (MTTR) for network incidents.
     2. Incident resolution success rate.

5. Capacity Planning

   • Responsibilities: Conduct network modeling and analysis to construct a reliable, high-performance integrated network.
   • KPIs:
     1. Percentage improvement in network capacity utilization.
     2. Number of network upgrades implemented successfully.

6. Vendor Management

   • Responsibilities: Liaise with vendors and IT personnel for problem resolution, hardware installation, and network maintenance.
   • KPIs:
     1. Vendor SLA compliance rate.
     2. Number of successful interactions and resolutions with vendors.

7. Documentation and Compliance

   • Responsibilities: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all implemented networks and update as necessary. Ensure compliance with legal and company standards.
   • KPIs:
     1. Up-to-date compliance rate with documentation standards.
     2. Number of non-compliance issues successfully resolved.

8. Network Performance Monitoring

   • Responsibilities: Monitor network performance regularly to identify bottlenecks and implement strategies for network optimization.
   • KPIs:
     1. Improvement rate in network performance metrics.
     2. Number of network bottlenecks identified and resolved.

9. Training and Mentorship

   • Responsibilities: Train team members on network operations, troubleshooting, and best practices.
   • KPIs:
     1. Number of training sessions conducted.
     2. Team member satisfaction rate with training.

10. Staying Abreast of Emerging Technologies

    • Responsibilities: Keep up to date with advancements in networking technology and incorporate them into the organization's network infrastructure to improve performance or security.
    • KPIs:
      1. Number of relevant technology updates incorporated into the network design.
      2. Number of industry events attended, or certifications obtained.

11. Team Collaboration

    • Responsibilities: Participate in cross-functional projects to enhance system integration and collaboration.
    • KPIs:
      1. Participation in at least one major cross-functional project per year.

12. Miscellaneous and General

    • Responsibilities: Complete any assigned work-related duties and responsibilities.
    • KPIs:
      1. Completion rate of assigned duties and responsibilities.
      2. Overall satisfaction rate in the performance of miscellaneous duties.

Working Conditions

• Office-based with travel to regional offices.
• Extended work hours where applicable to meet deliverables.
• Required to be on standby at times.

Disability Status

• This position is suitable for a person with a visual disability.

Competencies and Minimum Requirements

1. Knowledge

• Networking Concepts: Strong understanding of networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, routing, switching, and the OSI network model.
• Network Security: Knowledge of network security practices, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, authentication systems, log management, and content filtering.
• Network Protocols: Proficiency with network protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, SSL, BGP, and OSPF.
• Network Hardware: Familiarity with the function and setup of network hardware, including routers, switches, bridges, modems, and adapters.
• Network Performance Tuning: Knowledge of network performance tuning and capacity management techniques.
• Cloud Networking: Knowledge of cloud-based networking and managing network resources in cloud environments, such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.
• Networking Monitoring Tools: Experience with network monitoring and management software like SolarWinds, Nagios, or Zabbix.
• Wireless Networking: Understanding of wireless networking principles and protocols, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Network Troubleshooting: Proficiency in network troubleshooting, diagnostic, and repair techniques.
• IT Service Management Frameworks: Knowledge of IT service management frameworks and processes, such as ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library).

2. Qualification

• Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Certifications: Network certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), or CompTIA Network+ are highly desirable. Certification in cloud networking like AWS Certified Advanced Networking or Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer could be beneficial.
• Specialized Knowledge: Specific knowledge in certain areas (like IPv6, SDN, etc.) could be required depending on the organization's network infrastructure.
• Other Certifications: ITIL or Cobit.

3. Experience

• Network Engineering: Proven experience in managing and configuring enterprise-wide LANs, WANs, WLANs, VPNs, etc.
• Network Design and Implementation: Extensive experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex networks.
• Network Monitoring and Analysis: Experience in network monitoring, performance analysis, and system optimization.
• Vendor Management: Experience in managing relationships with vendors, service providers, and contractors.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage network-related projects, ensuring the efficient and effective completion of project objectives.
• Network Security: Experience with network security measures, including firewalls, anti-virus software, intrusion detection systems, etc.
• Cloud Networking: Experience with cloud-based networking and related technologies, particularly in a hybrid cloud environment.
• Industry Experience: Depending on the industry, specific network-related experience may be required (e.g., experience with healthcare or financial networks may be necessary for roles in those industries).

4. Technical Skills

• Networking Knowledge: Strong knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, etc.
• Network Hardware: Familiarity with network hardware like routers, switches, modems, access points, and firewalls from various vendors.
• Network Security: Skills in network security protocols and systems, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems, and network access controls.
• Troubleshooting: Ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve network-related problems quickly and effectively.
• Network Monitoring Tools: Experience with network monitoring and management tools like SolarWinds, Nagios, Wireshark, etc.
• Cloud Networking: Skills in cloud networking technologies, including Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), etc.
• Scripting: Basic scripting skills (Python, Bash) for network automation tasks.
• Virtualization: Familiarity with network virtualization and containerization technologies, such as VMware, Hyper-V, Docker, etc.
• IT Service Management Frameworks: Familiarity with IT service management frameworks like ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library).

5. Personal Attributes/Behavioral Competencies

• Problem-solving Skills: The ability to analyze and resolve complex networking issues quickly and effectively.
• Detail-oriented: Attention to detail in all aspects of work, including careful planning and execution of tasks, meticulous documentation, and diligent troubleshooting.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical details in a manner understandable to non-technical team members and stakeholders.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work well in a team, collaborate effectively, and contribute positively to a team-oriented environment.
• Continuous Learning: Strong desire and ability to continuously learn and improve skills, including obtaining relevant certifications and keeping up to date with industry trends.
• Customer Focus: Strong understanding of the importance of meeting customer needs and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, with the ability to interface effectively with end-users and manage their expectations.
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adapt to new technologies, systems, and practices as they emerge.
• Stress Management: Ability to work well under pressure, especially when dealing with network issues that can impact the entire organization.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively, especially when dealing with multiple incidents or projects.
• Ethics and Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards, demonstrating honesty and integrity in all actions.