Senior Network Engineer - Information Technology Services

The department of Information Technology Services at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Senior Network Engineer.

About the Opportunity

As a Senior Network Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our organization's network infrastructure. Your expertise will ensure the availability, performance, and security of our network systems while aligning with business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of networking technologies, excellent problem-solving abilities, and strong leadership skills.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Network Design and Planning: Design and develop network architecture, including LAN/WAN infrastructure, routing protocols, and IP addressing schemes. Evaluate and recommend network equipment, software, and tools to meet business requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand network needs and develop network upgrade strategies.
• Network Implementation and Configuration: Install, configure, and maintain network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless access points. Implement network protocols, VLANs, VPNs, and network security measures. Ensure seamless integration of network solutions with existing systems and applications.
• Network Monitoring and Optimization: Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and proactively optimize network infrastructure. Conduct regular network capacity planning and recommend necessary upgrades. Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams as required.
• Network Security and Compliance: Implement and maintain network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls. Conduct security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations (e.g., PCI DSS, GDPR, FERPA, HIPPA) related to network security.
• Network Documentation and Reporting: Create and maintain detailed network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and standard operating procedures. Generate regular reports on network performance, availability, and security incidents. Provide comprehensive documentation and knowledge transfer to support teams and end-users.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Lead and mentor junior network engineers, providing guidance and technical expertise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including system administrators, application developers, and security analysts, to ensure effective network operations. Participate in project planning and provide network engineering expertise to support organizational initiatives.
• Research and Professional Development: Stay updated with the latest networking technologies, industry trends, and best practices. Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential benefits for the organization. Participate in professional development activities, certifications, and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Undergraduate degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience involving:
  
  
  
  • Configuration and installation of Routers, Switches, Unified Communications, Wireless Access Points, and Firewalls
  • Experience in Internet TCP/IP protocols such as DHCP, DNS, SNMP, TELNET, FTP, WWW, SSH
  • Design and implementation of complex and secure LANs/WANs.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proven experience as an Advanced Network Engineer or similar role, demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities and complexity.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, SNMP, SMTP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, and VPNs.
• Strong experience with network security technologies, such as NGFW (Next Generation Firewall), IDS/IPS, NAC (Network Access Control), IPSec VPN, VPNs, and secure remote access solutions.
• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting network devices from leading vendors (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto. Fortinet).
• Hands-on experience with network monitoring and management tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex network issues.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring and guiding junior team members.

Preferred Certifications

• Cisco (CCNP or higher), Juniper (JNCIS or higher), Palo Alto (PCNSA or higher), Fortigate certifications.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and received an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.