Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to join our Information Technology team! The Senior Network Engineer is a strategic technical role responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced network infrastructure to support the organization's connectivity, performance, and scalability needs. This role requires deep technical expertise in networking technologies, a proactive approach to system reliability and performance, and the ability to influence network architecture and policy.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership in network troubleshooting, network design, and cross-functional collaboration, while mentoring junior team members and driving continuous improvement in network operations. This position requires coming into the office as work demands and providing a timely on-site response to network outages at our Madison, WI office.

Essential Functions

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of network infrastructure, ensuring scalable, resilient, and high-performance systems.
• Ensure secure and efficient configuration and integration of network hardware, software, and services across LAN, WAN, WLAN, and private cloud environments.
• Drive and develop automation and scripting to streamline network operations and reduce manual overhead.
• Maintain and update technical documentation for network configurations, procedures, and system baselines.
• Generate and present technical network reports to stakeholders, including performance metrics, capacity planning insights, and risk assessments.
• Apply and validate network hardening techniques across routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
• Support third-party connectivity and vendor management by reviewing and maintaining network requirements and SLAs for integrated systems and services.
• Leads internal technical projects using project management methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define infrastructure requirements and deliver solutions that meet business needs.

Network Administration

• Lead the triage and resolution of complex network incidents using monitoring tools, packet analyzers, and diagnostic utilities.
• Monitor and respond to network alerts, escalating issues based on severity and business impact.
• Lead and participate in technical investigations of network outages and degradations, including root cause analysis, containment, and remediation.
• Collaborate with IT and Security teams to coordinate incident response and recovery efforts.
• Conduct post-incident reviews and contribute actionable recommendations to improve network resilience.
• Drive and develop network disaster recovery plans and failover mechanisms to ensure business continuity.
• Drive and contribute to the development and refinement of network monitoring rules, alerting logic, and performance baselines.
• Work with third-party partners (e.g., ISPs, hardware vendors) to escalate issues and coordinate resolution activities.
• Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation and provide support for network events and projects outside regular working hours.

Network Security

• Manage network security patches, vulnerability remediation, and software updates.
• Enforce access controls and secure connectivity across LAN, WAN, and WLAN environments.
• Configure and maintain RADIUS and TACACS+ integrations and authentication workflows.
• Identify and deploy tools and processes to strengthen network security, configuration baselines, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with security teams to address vulnerabilities and enhance risk posture.
• Contribute to incident response planning and execution for network-related events.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science or related experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, or abilities.
• 7 + years of experience in network design and support, including architecture and services.
• 5 + years of experience managing Cisco network routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, network access controls (ISE), network management (DNAC), and enterprise security.
• 5 + years of experience working with and supporting Managed Service Providers and/or Internet Service Providers.

Other Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of networking principles, protocols, and best practices.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance standards.
• Ability to lead complex projects and mentor junior engineers.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning new technologies.
• Ability to design, document, and maintain effective procedures, processes and automations.
• Capable of maintaining a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to WFAA and any affiliate organizations.
• Energetic, motivated, service-oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple competing priorities.
• Flexible to new situations and challenges, and an advocate for change.
• Certifications in network technologies, network design, security technologies, security design, AWS or Azure network environments.
• Experience in scripting, automation, or Infrastructure-as-Code.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being.

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer