Lead Network Engineer

Lead Network Engineer The Lead Network Engineer serves as the senior, hands‑on technical leader for network engineering and design at Villanova University. This role is responsible for day‑to‑day network operations and for guiding the ongoing evolution of the University’s network infrastructure to ensure reliability, scalability, and resiliency across distributed campus environments. Responsibilities Establishes and evolves network design direction and engineering approaches for routing, switching, wireless, and connectivity services. Leads major network engineering initiatives while remaining directly involved in hands‑on design and implementation work. Develops and refines network design patterns that balance current operational realities with forward‑looking technical solutions. Applies hands‑on engineering experience and awareness of emerging technologies to evolve network design approaches in response to operational needs. Leads complex solutioning efforts that address immediate technical challenges while supporting long‑term network sustainability. Designs and evolves network architectures that support current enterprise and campus operations while enabling future hybrid and cloud connectivity needs. Independently leads hands‑on resolution of complex and high‑impact network issues affecting service availability. Guides lifecycle strategy, reliability improvements, and continuity planning to ensure consistent connectivity and service resilience across campuses. Applies deep operational knowledge to reduce technical risk and strengthen reliability across network services. Leads root‑cause analysis and implements corrective actions for complex issues to improve long‑term network resilience. Leverages automation and AI‑enabled operational tools to support monitoring, diagnostics, and routine network administration tasks, improving response time and operational consistency. Acts as a senior technical partner across IT domains to align network engineering efforts with institutional priorities and emerging needs. Collaborates closely with peers to ensure network solutions support broader enterprise capabilities. Partners across application, security, and infrastructure teams to align network engineering decisions while remaining directly engaged in technical work. Performs other duties and assists with projects as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Networking, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten or more years of progressive experience in network engineering roles supporting enterprise network environments. Demonstrated experience leading complex network engineering initiatives, including design, implementation, modernization, and sustained operational support. Experience applying network engineering practices to improve scalability, resiliency, security, and long‑term sustainability of network services in large or distributed environments. Strong technical leadership skills, including the ability to guide complex engineering efforts while remaining hands‑on in day‑to‑day work. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex technical challenges and determine effective solutions. Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, security, and infrastructure teams. Ability to balance immediate operational needs with longer‑term engineering considerations and design direction. Ability to apply emerging technologies, including AI‑enabled tools, ethically and responsibly to improve efficiency, reliability, and decision‑making in network engineering work. Deep expertise in enterprise network engineering and design, including routing, switching, wireless networking, and network resiliency strategies. Advanced knowledge of network protocols and services such as TCP/IP, VLANs, dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, QoS, NAT, and traffic management. Strong understanding of network security design considerations, including access controls, segmentation, firewalling, and risk reduction practices. Advanced understanding of network monitoring, diagnostics, and performance analysis techniques used to inform engineering and lifecycle decisions. Knowledge of how to evolve network design approaches based on hands‑on operational experience, emerging technologies, and changing requirements. Working understanding of cloud and hybrid networking concepts as they relate to enterprise network design, connectivity, and long‑term infrastructure planning. Knowledge of enterprise network infrastructure components, network monitoring platforms, and diagnostic and troubleshooting tools. Understanding of physical network infrastructure concepts, including fiber and copper cabling considerations, installation standards, and associated support impacts. Provides flexibility to support critical network operations, including participation in off‑hours maintenance windows and incident response, to ensure continued availability and reliability of network services. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in Information Technology, Networking, Computer Science, or a related technical field. Relevant professional certifications, for example CCNP, JNCIS, or equivalent enterprise networking certifications. Experience in environments where networking supports business‑critical or institutional operations. Experience working in higher education or similarly complex institutional environments. Experience designing or supporting networks spanning multiple buildings, sites, or locations, including core, distribution, and access layer architectures. Exposure to hybrid or cloud‑connected networking environments. Deeper knowledge of cloud and hybrid networking concepts, including how enterprise networks integrate with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure. Understanding of how network architecture must evolve to support future platform adoption, integrations, and service delivery models. Salary Range $130,500 – $145,000 per annum (Grade 18). Equal Employment Opportunity Villanova University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values. The University is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr