Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer Position Summary: The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise wireless and wired network infrastructure across the university. The role serves as a technical expert in wireless networking, ensuring high availability, performance, and security while supporting academic, research, and administrative operations. The position also plays a key role in automation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of network services in a dynamic campus environment. Key Responsibilities Network Design & Management: Design, implement, and manage secure, high-performance wireless, LAN, and WAN network infrastructure, including RF design, site surveys, and capacity planning. Deploy Wi‑Fi, cellular, microwave systems, routers, switches, firewalls, and automation platforms for configuration management, monitoring, and incident response. Orchestration, Automation, and Network Engineering: Develop and maintain network automation and orchestration solutions using Python, Ansible, APIs, and Infrastructure‑as‑Code frameworks. Integrate automation platforms with network management and security systems. Metrics, Monitoring, and Performance Optimization: Create and manage network metrics, telemetry, and monitoring solutions. Design dashboards and KPIs; collaborate with cross‑functional teams to analyze data, set benchmarks, and drive continuous improvements. Tier3 Network, Security, and Automation Support: Provide Tier3 support for complex network and security issues. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve advanced problems related to performance, configuration, interoperability, automation workflows, and cybersecurity across technologies such as Wi‑Fi, cellular, microwave, and wired Ethernet systems. What We’re Looking For Five (5) or more years of experience supporting enterprise wireless and wired network infrastructure in a higher‑education or large‑campus environment. Strong knowledge of networking technologies (routing, switching, wireless, firewalling, 802.1X, RADIUS, NAC, automation, monitoring, metrics and telemetry, and security architectures). Hands‑on experience with Aruba, Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Clearpass, LibreNMS, Grafana, Netbox, Ansible, Python, Ekahau, and AirMagnet. Ability to troubleshoot complex issues, automate processes, create detailed documentation, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Why Join Us? Work on large‑scale, complex network environments that support a major research university. Play a key role in shaping and advancing wireless networking strategy and innovation across a dynamic campus. Join a collaborative, high-performing team with opportunities to mentor others and expand your leadership influence. Work hands‑on with cutting-edge technologies, including network automation, telemetry, and advanced security design. Perks of the University of South Carolina Downtown COLA Location: Enjoy working in the heart of Columbia, SC. Energetic Leadership: Thrive under an innovative leadership team dedicated to transforming IT at USC. Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, state retirement plan, and generous health benefits. Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, university holidays, and flexible work opportunities. Professional Growth: Access to training, certifications, and career development resources. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 4 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience. Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field and 5 years of professional network engineering experience; or equivalent. Professional certifications such as Cisco CCNP Enterprise/CCNA, Aruba ACMP/ACSP, Juniper JNCIS/JNCIP, CWNA/CWNP, or Fortinet Certified Professional with NSE4 (FortiOS Administrator) and NSE5 (Secure Networking). Experience with Aruba networking, Juniper, wireless systems, wireless controllers, and RF design tools (Ekahau, AirMagnet) at an enterprise level. Experience with Cisco access layer, 802.1X, RADIUS, NAC, and ClearPass. Experience with automation (Python, Ansible, APIs), monitoring (LibreNMS, Grafana, NetBox), and proficiency with Fortinet security architecture. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of networking standards, behavior, authentication systems, automation concepts, and network security best practices. Skill in designing and deploying enterprise environments, troubleshooting complex network issues, performing RCA, automating configuration tasks, analyzing performance data, and maintaining documentation. Ability to create and support campus infrastructure, develop documentation and topology maps, secure network systems, perform RF analysis, monitor networks via KPIs and telemetry, and mentor junior staff. Ability to present summary and detailed data to various audiences, and to write comprehensive reports and keep detailed records. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with users, vendors, and other employees. Employees must be able to self-train and maintain pace with rapidly changing technology as required. Benefits for FTE Positions Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr