PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Network Engineer – LAN/WAN role is to ensure the stability and integrity of IT and OT network services. This is achieved by planning, designing, and developing local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks and cellular data access across the organization. Additionally responsible for the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links. This individual will also analyze and resolve network hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide technician and end user training where required.Duties and Responsibilities:
Coordinates, installs, and tests operating systems, local area network, wide area network, and wireless equipment. Ensures the stable operation of the IT/OT as well as joint SOA/ARRC IP/MPLS networks. This includes planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links. Installs and configures software applications in support of network systems and services. Manages servers related to network monitoring and reporting, security, and system usage and trending and archival requirements. Manages all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, wireless access points, cellular data devices and UPS’s, including configurations. Provides on-call technical support. Ensures network connectivity of all remote communications sites, Signal waysides, IT/OT servers, workstations, voice systems, security cameras and other network appliances and endpoints.
Troubleshoots and resolves network problems. Initiates corrective action with Technology, ATCS, SOA or vendor representatives as appropriate, opening trouble-tickets, if required, to bring in support for resolution. This includes installing upgrades or patches and configuring and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links as part of resolution. The incumbent will also analyze and resolve end user hardware and software computer problems that have been escalated from the Technology or ATCS departments, in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end user training where required. Develops, implements and maintains policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery.
Collaborates with Network Architect and Network Engineer – Security as well as Technology cyber security staff to provide configuration and connection security for all networks (LAN, MAN, WAN, VLAN, WLAN), the company Web site, the company intranet, and other communications systems. Implements access policies and maintenance of systems that monitor and provide or restrict access to external systems and sites in accordance with ARRC policies and guidelines. Coordinates with end user community for system outages related to upgrades, planned maintenance, or unscheduled problem resolution.
Supports the deployments, management and maintenance of all security systems for end user and system security, and their corresponding or associated software. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, cryptography systems, and access control systems. Assists in design and implementation of disaster recovery plan, routines and schedules for networks, servers, and software applications. Assists in the development and execution of security plans for protection of corporate data from unauthorized internal or external access. Monitors server logs, firewall logs, intrusion detection logs, and network traffic flow for unusual or suspicious activity. Interprets activity and makes recommendations for resolution.
Advises management and users on software and hardware solutions, or upgrades that improve systems and operations effectiveness for all network systems. May serve as the project manager while providing technical analysis of systems alternatives to users. May negotiate with vendors on pricing and other terms and conditions. Reviews ARRC network initiatives and ensures that solutions follow ARRC standards and align with Corporate technology strategies. Conducts research on emerging products, services, protocols, and standards in support of systems software procurement and development efforts.
Collaborates with executive management and department leaders to assess near- and long-term IT and OT network capacity needs. Creates and maintains documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records. Conducts research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry. Practices network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information.
Provides schematics, documentation, procedures, and guidance on network issues to users and internal staff.
Develops information to support Authorization for Expenditures (AFEs) for acquisition of computer equipment and software.
Performs other duties as assigned.
May be required to drive an ARRC vehicle. May participate in Incident Command activities.
FACTOR 1: Technical and Operational Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of methods, practices and techniques that enable the incumbent to function as the ARRC’s technical authority on programs, systems, local area network, and wide area network is required.
A working technical knowledge of hardware, network, PC and Server operating systems, including Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, HP Servers, Active Directory, Exchange Servers, wireless access points and cellular data devices is required. Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards, including Ethernet, IP Addressing, IP/MPLS and Wireless 802.11x communications protocols is required. Must have extensive, recent hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience. Certifications in Cisco Networking (CCNA, CCNE), Nokia Service Routing Certification or equivalent experience is preferred. Voice and IP Telephony experience is a plus.
Must have a good understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives. Must also have a thorough understanding of the functions of the Information Technology and Telecommunications Departments and a general knowledge of the functions of other ARRC departments for the purpose of responding to systems/network problems and providing guidance in the acquisition of hardware and software.
Must have knowledge of applicable data privacy laws and practices. Must have strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to present ideas in user-friendly language.
FACTOR 2: Analytical Skills & Impact
Uses judgment in resolving specific issues or problems and in the development and execution of network service delivery for corporate data. Must possess the ability to conduct research into network issues and resolutions as required. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
Must be able to analyze the software/hardware needs of all ARRC employees and determine the most effective approaches to improve systems and optimize hardware and software utilization. Must have the skills and ability to develop schematics, documentation, procedures, and provide guidance to ARRC users and internal staff. Must have the skills and ability to provide assistance in the development and execution of security plans for protection of corporate data from unauthorized internal or external access. Knowledge and skill required to review, evaluate, and recommend selection and acquisition of hardware and software for LAN, WAN, wireless and cellular data systems.
The work affects daily IT and OT network operations throughout the ARRC.
Performs a variety of tasks, often simultaneously. A wide degree of creativity and autonomy is expected. Must have the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment. Must have strong interpersonal skills and a strong customer service orientation. The incumbent must be highly self-motivated and directed with a keen attention to detail.
FACTOR 3: Supervision and Control
The incumbent is an individual contributor, and works under the supervision of the Manager, Communications & Signals Engineering.
FACTOR 4: Communication
Communicates with the Technology and ATCS Departments as well as ARRC employees and SOA engineers for the purpose of coordinating and managing programs, systems and network operating software, resolution of system problems, providing documentation, schematics, flow charts, and training to staff and users on software solutions, system improvements, and operations effectiveness. Contacts are made with vendor representatives in the research and acquisition of solutions, software, hardware and the resolution of problems. Interacts and negotiates with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.
FACTOR 5: Working Conditions
Work is performed in a corporate office environment however; some travel may be required to locations throughout the rail belt. Work entails sitting for extended periods of time. Dexterity of hands and fingers is required to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components. Work requires on-call availability for 7 days on a rotating basis with other C&S staff.
Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), such as computers and peripherals, is required occasionally.
Bachelor’s degree in math or computer science is required. Five (5) years of equivalent work experience in an increasingly responsible network or systems administration position with a working technical knowledge of network hardware including Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, Active Directory, Exchange Servers, wireless access points, IP/MPLS networks may substitute for the degree requirement. Two years of recent experience as a Network Engineer or a Network Analyst with Cisco hardware and software experience is required. Certified Cisco Network Engineer or Nokia Service Routing Architect certification is preferred.
Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards, including Ethernet, IP Addressing, IP/MPLS and Wireless 802.11x communications protocols is required. Must have extensive recent hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience. Certifications in Cisco Networking (CCNA, CCNE) and/or Nokia routing certifications. Voice and IP Telephony experience is a plus.
IFyou are select for an interview, then you MUSTbe able to submit a copy of a current drivers record thatreflects the pastthree (3) years of driving history.