Network Engineer I

Help Build and Support Maine's Research and Education Networks The University of Maine System is seeking three Network Engineers I to join our Infrastructure team: Two positions based at the University of Maine campus in Orono One position based at the University of Southern Maine Portland campus Applicants should indicate their preferred campus location in their cover letter, however, placement will be based on organizational needs and candidate qualifications. These positions are eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Because the roles require regular on-campus presence and the ability to respond to operational needs, applicants must live, or be willing to relocate, within approximately one hour of their assigned campus. As a Network Engineer, you’ll work with enterprise-class networking technologies to design, implement, maintain, and secure wired, wireless, voice, video, and data communications systems. You’ll collaborate with experienced engineers and IT professionals to support a reliable, secure, and high-performing network environment serving students, faculty, researchers, staff, and communities throughout Maine. What You'll Do As a member of our Infrastructure team, you will: Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure. Support wired, wireless, voice, video, and data communications systems. Monitor network performance and resolve complex connectivity issues. Implement networking technologies that improve reliability, security, and scalability. Collaborate with campus IT teams, vendors, and service providers on infrastructure projects. Support enterprise network operations, including participation in an on-call rotation. Contribute to automation and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency. Maintain a strong commitment to cybersecurity, system reliability, and outstanding customer service. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure. Experience supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. Knowledge of enterprise Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and telecommunication technologies. Knowledge of network routing, switching, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and related protocols. Understanding of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), unified communications, and video technologies. Working knowledge of network security principles, firewalls, authentication, and access controls. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate technical information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to climb up and down a 10 foot ladder. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications We're especially interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following: Enterprise routing, switching, wireless, and telecommunications technologies. Network automation or scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash, etc.). Cloud networking environments. Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or Palo Alto networking technologies. Higher education or other large, distributed enterprise environments. Industry certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA), CompTIA Network+, or equivalent. For more information, please view the full job description. Why Join the University of Maine System? At the University of Maine System, technology powers education, research, and innovation across seven universities and numerous statewide locations. As a member of our IT team, you'll have the opportunity to work with modern enterprise technologies while making a meaningful impact on higher education throughout Maine. We Offer: Our comprehensive benefits package can be worth up to 53% of your annual salary and is designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Benefits include: Competitive salary: $55,000–$65,000 commensurate with education and experience. This is a fixed range set within a predefined wage band, so we're not able to negotiate a starting salary above it. Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA) options Employer-paid benefits, including basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage, with additional voluntary coverage options available Retirement plan through TIAA with 10% employer contribution and opportunities for additional tax-deferred retirement savings Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, plus 13 paid holidays each year Tuition waiver program for employees, including graduate courses and Maine Law, plus substantial tuition discounts for eligible spouses and dependent children Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness programs supporting your health and well-being Professional development and opportunities to grow your career within Maine's public university system Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance discounts, and supplemental disability and life insurance options Make an Impact Across Maine If you're passionate about enterprise networking, continuous learning, and supporting technology that enables education and research across the state, we'd love to hear from you. Apply Today Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following: A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position. Please indicate your preferred campus, Orono or Portland, in your Cover letter. A resume/curriculum vitae. Important items to know about the recruitment process: Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, applications need to be submitted on or before August 16, 2026. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references. The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings. ⚠️ Work authorization: This position requires U.S. work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship now or in the future. We are unable to consider applicants who require visa sponsorship or OPT extensions at any point. EEO Statement The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at About the University of Maine System The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS and the state of Maine. Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website.