Network Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

Harris-Stowe State University seeks an experienced Network Engineer to design, implement, maintain, and optimize the University's network infrastructure. The Network Engineer ensures high availability, security, and scalability across campus and cloud environments and serves as the subject matter expert for all network systems, including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless controllers, and network monitoring platforms.

The Network Engineer provides technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance on infrastructure initiatives, supporting reliable connectivity for students, faculty, and staff across the University's academic, administrative, and residential facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Network Architecture and Implementation

• Design, configure, and maintain LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPN environments to provide secure and efficient connectivity.
• Deploy and manage network equipment, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points (e.g., Meraki, Cisco, Fortinet).
• Develop and maintain network topology diagrams, IP addressing schemes, and configuration documentation.
• Plan and lead network upgrades and infrastructure expansion projects in partnership with the Director of IT.

Network Operations and Monitoring

• Monitor network performance, latency, and utilization using tools such as Meraki Dashboard, SolarWinds, or PRTG.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues and serve as the escalation point for critical incidents.
• Implement redundancy and failover strategies to minimize downtime and support business continuity.
• Maintain accurate documentation of configurations, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures.

Security and Compliance

• Collaborate with the IT Security Manager to enforce firewall policies, network segmentation, and intrusion prevention measures.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity insurance requirements and industry frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27001.
• Conduct network security reviews, vulnerability scans, and remediation activities.
• Assist in implementing Network Access Control (NAC) and endpoint authentication standards.

Collaboration and Support

• Partner with systems, applications, and security teams to ensure seamless network integration.
• Support IT projects involving cloud services, VoIP, and building automation systems.
• Coordinate with external vendors and service providers on network services, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance during project planning and execution.

Lifecycle Management and Planning

• Plan and execute network equipment refresh cycles in alignment with institutional standards and budgets.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to network performance and reliability.
• Assist in developing network roadmaps and multi-year upgrade plans that support the University's IT modernization goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, Management Information Systems, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, relevant industry certifications, and progressively responsible professional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience supporting and administering enterprise network environments.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco, Meraki, Fortinet, or comparable enterprise networking technologies.

Preferred

• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Fortinet certifications, or equivalent.
• Experience in higher education or a comparable multi-site environment.
• Familiarity with network automation tools such as Ansible, Python, or PowerShell.
• Knowledge of cloud networking platforms such as Azure, AWS, or Oracle Cloud.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• The University network operates reliably, with minimal downtime and measurable performance improvements.
• Wired and wireless connectivity across campus meets academic, administrative, and residential needs.
• Network security and compliance standards are consistently maintained.
• Documentation, diagrams, and monitoring tools remain current and accurate.
• IT staff benefit from mentorship, knowledge sharing, and improved infrastructure stability.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.