Network Engineer - level 2, 3, or 4 (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is level II is $30.41 - $54.07; level III is 77,900 - $143,300; and level IV is 95,600 - 181,800. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position depends on education and experience and will fall in the approved ranges accordingly: for level II $37.46 - $46.82; for level III $89,200 - $111,500; for level IV $117,600 - $147,000.

This position is not approved for hybrid or remote work modalities. This position is approved for on-site location only.

Initial Applicant Review will be on or after 1/09/2025. Posting will close upon selection.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

(Description from level III Engineer): You may request the full job description for Analyst Levels II and IV through rmckinney2@ucmerced.edu

As a member of the Network and Voice services team, this position provides operational support for all aspects of the large, multi-location UC Merced campus network, including switching and routing, LAN/WAN connections, wireless, and Voice over IP services. The incumbent will apply skills as a seasoned, experienced communications professional with a full understanding of industry practices and relevant policies and procedures; resolve a wide range of complex issues; demonstrate competency in selecting methods and techniques to obtain solutions; monitor, detect, and respond to issues impacting network availability and service.

Key Responsibilities: (for a level III Engineer)

1. Uses personal knowledge, professional experience, and IT concepts to perform complex analysis and participate in the design, specification, installation, upgrading, and troubleshooting of wired and wireless network distribution and access electronics. Participates in the administration of the campus's wired and wireless data systems. Serves as network duty engineer responsible for general network problem determination and resolution. Participates in the development and testing of complex network diagnostic tools and documentation.
2. Implements complex communications and network system changes. Participates in the configuration and testing of complex network diagnostic tools and software.
3. Responsible for general network issue diagnosis and resolution. Troubleshoots complex issues in network systems software and distribution and access electronics for medium and large network installations. Works directly with vendor/manufacturer technical support to isolate and resolve complex hardware and software issues. Configures and troubleshoots systems that support network services.
4. Participates in cross-functional group discussions, activities, and efforts. Documents steps for common troubleshooting practices, diagnostic procedures, and issue resolution to be followed by service desk staff.

Qualifications for level II Junior Network Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS), Computer Science, Engineering or related area from an accredited institution; and
• Minimum of one year of Information Technology or Network experience supporting large multi-vendor campus or similar networks preferred (required); and
• Certifications such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) (preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in order of importance; direct efforts of other specialists; work independently and as a team member; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental peers, departmental technicians and specialists, and all customers serve.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of professional communications and network concepts necessary to resolve issues using established parameters, creativity, and independent judgment, escalating as necessary.
• Demonstrable understanding of various network hardware platforms, network related protocols including DHCP and DNS and the OSI Model (preferred).
• Knowledge of computer network characteristics, network operating system software, and all network components (i.e.: network servers, switches, hubs, routers, bridges, cabling, etc.) (preferred).
• Working knowledge of common switching and routing protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, spanning tree, etc. (preferred).
• Thorough understanding of various network hardware platforms, network related protocols and software including understanding of OSI layer 3 protocols at a basic level and layer 2 and related technical standards. Demonstrated experience and knowledge with physical cabling including CAT 5/6/6A, single/multi-mode fiber (preferred).
• Experience with network diagnostic and performance management tools and software. Possess knowledge and experience working with network monitoring and management systems (preferred).
• Working knowledge of network security fundamentals including packet capture/filtering, stateful firewalls, network segmentation, and access control systems (preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge of 802.11 wireless network management and support including controllers, access points, signal strength, heat maps, etc. (preferred).
• Knowledge of network authentication protocols including RADIUS, 802,1x, ACACS.

Qualifications for level III Network Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS), Computer Science, Engineering or related area; and
• Three years of progressively responsible related experience or equivalent experience / training (required); and/or
• Three to five years Information Technology or Network experience supporting large multi-vendor campus or similar networks preferred.
• Certification(s) such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), or Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) (preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in order of importance; direct efforts of other specialists; work independently and as a team member; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental peers, departmental technicians and specialists, and all customers serve.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of professional communications and network concepts necessary to resolve issues using established parameters, creativity, and independent judgment, escalating as necessary.
• Thorough understanding of various network hardware platforms, network-related protocols, and software including an understanding of OSI layer 3 protocols at a basic level and layer 2 protocols at a complex level and related technical standards.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge with physical cabling including CAT 5/6/6A, single/multi-mode fiber, etc.
• In-depth experience with network diagnostic and performance management tools and software.
• Thorough and broad knowledge and experience working with network monitoring and management systems.
• Working knowledge of network security fundamentals including packet capture/filtering, stateful firewalls, network segmentation, and access control systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of 802.11 wireless network management and support including controllers, access points, signal strength, heat maps, etc.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of network authentication protocols including RADIUS, 802,1x, TACACS.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of common switching and routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, spanning tree, etc.

Qualifications for level IV Senior Network Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS), Computer Science, Engineering or related area; and
• Five years of progressively responsible related experience or equivalent experience / training; and
• Certifications - Cisco certifications including but not limited to CCNA, CCNP, or similar, Aruba Networks Mobility and Clearpass certifications including but not limited to ACMP, ACCP, or similar (Required).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks in order of importance; direct efforts of other specialists; work independently and as a team member; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with campus clients, departmental peers, and departmental technicians and specialists.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in the management of large-scale campus wireless networks.
• Demonstrated understanding of network security principles including segmentation, inspection, encryption, and access control.
• Advanced knowledge of professional communications and network systems.
• Advanced knowledge of the practices and techniques of the voice and data field and the ability to determine a course of action based on guidelines.
• Understands implications of work in other areas and has highly developed problem-solving skills to independently resolve issues using defined parameters and technical expertise.
• Clearly understands the communications and network needs of the organization and has skills needed to address those needs.
• Advanced understanding of various network hardware platforms, network related protocols and software including understanding of OSI layer 2 and 3 protocols at a complex level and related technical standards critical to the operation of interconnected networks.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze highly complex communication hardware and software systems for maintaining a real-time resource that impacts campus network users.
• Advanced knowledge and experience working with network management systems.
• Demonstrated experience with RF spectrum analysis and signal optimization, particularly in high-density environments such as classrooms and/or outdoor spaces (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to gather, organize and analyze data in the completion of a variety of functional assignments.
• Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of IT Service Management principles and ITIL Framework.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.