Network Administrator

Network Administrator

The Oklahoma City Thunder is seeking a Network Administrator to maintain and improve the reliability, security, and performance of network infrastructure across Thunder facilities. In this role, you will design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, firewalls, WAN and internet connectivity, secure remote access, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). You will also support network projects, resiliency initiatives, and operational readiness for corporate and basketball operations, designated Thunder and Blue home games, special events, and critical incidents.

In this role you will:

Network Engineering & Connectivity

• Own the operational health, performance, security, and availability of wired and wireless networks across all locations
• Design, configure, administer, and troubleshoot firewalls, switches, wireless infrastructure, VPNs, Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), internet connectivity, and related network services
• Manage firewall policies, NAT, network objects, security profiles, VLANs, IP addressing, routing, DHCP and DNS dependencies, network segmentation, and site-to-site connectivity
• Diagnose complex Layer 2 through Layer 7 connectivity and performance issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement solutions to help prevent recurrence
• Monitor network availability, performance, capacity, and security trends and recommend improvements to architecture, standardization, automation, resiliency, and lifecycle planning
• Plan and implement approved network changes, projects, firmware upgrades, hardware replacements, and infrastructure improvements with appropriate testing, communication, documentation, and rollback planning
• Maintain network standards, configuration backups, baseline configurations, diagrams, rack elevations, circuit and IP address records, equipment inventories, operating procedures, and recovery documentation

Zero Trust & Network Security

• Support the design, implementation, and continued expansion of the organization's Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategy
• Administer ZTNA application access, identity- and device-based policies, segmentation, device posture requirements, and related security controls
• Monitor authentication, device posture, policy effectiveness, availability, and user connectivity and troubleshoot recurring access issues
• Partner with identity, endpoint, application, and support teams to transition appropriate services from network-level access to application-specific Zero Trust access
• Review firewall, VPN, ZTNA, segmentation, and privileged administrative access for continued business need and alignment with security standards
• Identify opportunities to reduce broad network access and reliance on traditional remote-access VPN technologies
• Escalate significant cybersecurity risks and architectural decisions to IT leadership

Network Operations & Event Support

• Perform infrastructure readiness checks and provide real-time network support for designated Thunder and Blue home games and special events
• Coordinate WAN and internet circuits, network cabling, carrier services, vendor work, infrastructure installations, outages, escalations, and service changes
• Participate in resiliency and recovery testing involving firewalls, WAN and internet connectivity, VPN and ZTNA, network services, monitoring, and disaster-recovery procedures
• Serve as an escalation resource for complex network and connectivity issues and provide troubleshooting guidance to other IT personnel
• Perform preventive maintenance, network security reviews, capacity analysis, documentation improvements, and approved infrastructure projects

Technology Environment

• The technology environment includes Fortinet firewalls and ZTNA, enterprise switching and wireless infrastructure, SD-WAN, VPNs, and network monitoring platforms. Experience with FortiGate, FortiManager, and FortiClient EMS is helpful but not required.

What you'll bring to the role:

• Minimum three years of experience supporting business network infrastructure
• Associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience preferred
• Relevant certification in networking, cybersecurity, firewalls, switching, wireless, or related network technologies preferred
• Experience administering firewalls, switches, wireless networks, VPNs, and related monitoring tools
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, NAT, DHCP, DNS, routing, switching, and network segmentation
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting Layer 2 through Layer 7 wired, wireless, firewall, VPN, and internet connectivity issues
• Experience independently managing network infrastructure projects from requirements and design through implementation, documentation, and operational handoff
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate diagrams, inventories, operating procedures, configuration records, and technical change documentation
• Experience coordinating technical work with internal departments, carriers, service providers, and vendors
• Clear written and verbal communication during outages, live events, and other time-sensitive situations
• Experience handling network configurations, authentication records, security logs, and other sensitive technical information confidentially
• Experience supporting multiple physical locations or event-driven, venue, hospitality, entertainment, or other availability-sensitive operations preferred
• Experience with high-availability firewalls, SD-WAN, dynamic routing, site-to-site connectivity, high-density wireless networks, ZTNA, network access control, identity-based access, device posture, or secure application access preferred

Additional details:

This is a full-time position reporting to the Director, Information Technology. The schedule requires flexibility, including availability for designated events, game nights, and scheduled maintenance during evenings, weekends, and holidays. The primary work location is the Thunder Corporate Office at Paycom Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Some responsibilities require travel throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. A valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation are required. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to bend, crouch, climb ladders or stairs, and work in network rooms, equipment racks, arena spaces, and other designated technology areas as needed.

We offer a positive office environment and a robust benefits package, including excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) with matching funds; paid downtown parking; tuition reimbursement; employee ticket options; a family gym membership subsidy; parental leave; a team shop discount; and much more!

The Thunder recognizes that teams with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills make a stronger company. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Thunder organization considers applicants fairly on the basis of qualifications, experience and business needs and provides equal opportunity regardless of race, color, age, sex, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, religion, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Applicants are considered regardless of past legal system involvement, based upon the needs of the role, nature of and recency of legal history. The Thunder is committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees through its RAVE culture – Respect and Value Everyone.