Manager, Network Operations Technology

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AES Clean Energy is looking for a Network Manager to join our Operations Technology team that directly supports all US Renewables operations. These renewables sites have requirements under the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards and AES Global Standards for architecture and design. The Network Operations Manager will be responsible for supervising the network infrastructure to ensure efficient performance and security.

The Operations Technology Network Manager will be responsible for crafting, implementing, and maintaining the network infrastructure. This role includes leading a team of network engineers, collaborating with other IT professionals to ensure the integrity of network security, and SIP compliance requirements, and optimizing our network for future scalability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in network administration and management, with a proven track record of leading a team in a fast-paced environment.

This position is a North American Electric Reliability Corporation-regulated position. As such, a background check in the form of a Transport Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), is required for this position.
The candidate must have advanced knowledge of network project design, implementation, network security, cyber protection mechanisms, and the use of fiber topologies. An understanding of the NERC CIP Standards would be beneficial.

Key Responsibilities:

• OT design and planning: Supervise the design, implementation, and management of the OT network infrastructure; including, the layout of routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking equipment, while considering performance, cost, and scalability including renewables fiber, network design, and installation/troubleshooting.

• Team management: Lead, mentor, and develop the team of network engineers, providing mentorship and support in their day-to-day activities.

• OT Network implementation & maintenance: Supervise the installation, configuration, and integration of network hardware and software components to ensure seamless connectivity and functionality. Optimize network performance and upgrades, as vital.

• OT Security Management: Develop and carry out policies for network security, ensuring compliance with AES Standards and regulations, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats. Maintain proper change management documentation for all hardware and software modifications.

• Network performance and monitoring: Monitor network usage and capacity, forecasting future needs, and planning for network expansions or upgrades accordingly. Develop and implement disaster recovery plans and backup procedures to ensure network resilience and minimize downtime in case of a failure or security breach.

• Vendor management: Coordinate with vendors and service providers to obtain network equipment, software, and services, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery.

• Budgeting and cost control: Develop and handle network-related budgets, track expenses, and implement cost-saving measures when possible.

• Policy and compliance

• Documentation and reporting: Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration files, and performance reports, for both internal and external partners.

• Change Management:Participate in the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT)and conduct routine hardware and software audits of all supported security devices to ensure compliance with established standards, policies, procedures, and requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in network administration or management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Solid understanding of network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, VPNs, TCP/IP, and other networking protocols. Firewalls, IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems), network switches, network routers, network design, VPN (Virtual Private Network) implementation, TCP/IP communication, writing information security policies, performing network security assessments, patch evaluation, virtual environments, and network analysis

• Experience with network security practices, tools, and technologies.

• Proficient in handling and configuring network hardware, including routers, switches, and firewalls.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and empower team members.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to resolving issues.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to optimally communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, CISSP) are highly desirable.

Preferred: An ideal candidate would have experience in the Energy or Utility industry, experience supporting a secure network infrastructure, experience supporting networking systems subject to regulatory compliance requirements.