Senior Network Architect (18646)

Summary/Objective

This position is responsible for the technical architecture and recommendations relating to the University’s network infrastructure, and has a key responsibility for resolving highly complex hardware and software problems related to routers, switches, wireless access points (Wi-Fi), firewall devices, network load balancers, VoIP infrastructure, network management tools and servers, the University’s Internet connections, public/private Cloud and WAN, in addition to management, analysis, bandwidth studies, and optimization and tuning of a complex network with hundreds of LAN and wireless LAN electronics located at multiple data centers and throughout all AU campuses and off-campus facilities. This position requires minimal supervision.

Essential Functions

1. Operates University network infrastructure and incorporate state-of-the-art advances in network engineering, including the addition of new protocols and technologies and the development and deployment of new architectures to enhance the network’s robustness, resilience, and flexibility. Installs, configures, monitors, maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots, and resolves highly complex network problems and technology issues as they relate to routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, in building distributed antenna system (DAS), and campus wireless voice infrastructure electronics in response to new network setups or problems. Builds and maintains network documentation in order to facilitate training and troubleshooting. Conducts research on network products, services, protocols and standards for future converged data, voice, and video applications. Evaluates and recommends specific network technology infrastructure products to provide cost-effective solutions that meet the 
2. Administers University wireless network infrastructure. Provides RF engineering and optimization, coverage, and mapping, as well as managing wireless IPS and other security protocols. Installs, configures monitors, maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots, and resolves highly complex wireless network problems and technology issues. Conducts research and architects wireless products, services, protocols and standards for future converged data, voice, and video applications.
3. Reviews the routers, switches, and other network infrastructure electronics software versions, and ensures timely upgrades in order to provide an uninterrupted computing environment and secure access to computing resources for staff, faculty, and students. 
4. Trains other network engineers in order to meet performance objectives, enhance employee skills, and maximize performance and retention. Provides onsite assistance and mentoring to Network Engineers during the implementation of new network installations and upgrade projects on campus buildings.
5. Participates in OIT management meetings and assist in planning for major OIT-wide service offerings and revisions to ensure University technology needs are met. Accomplishes other tasks as assigned by the Director of Network Operations in order to achieve the department’s goals.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Network Operations and works closely with the Director, Network Design and Engineering and their team of network engineers. This position plays a large role in the implementation of network-related projects and activities and coordination with other divisions within the Network Operations group, as well as with all other departments on campus to ensure the complex technological needs of the University are met.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time, 35 hours/week.
• Function Leader B.
• Exempt. 
• Must be willing to experience interrupted nights and weekends.

Salary Range

• Commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a technically related field and a minimum of 4 years’ experience is required. Ten years or more network experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in infrastructure/network engineering, hands on hardware and software design, planning, deployment, and administration of LANs, WLANs, and VoIP using the latest technology and security solutions required. Quick and concise written and oral communication skills are essential to maintain coordination with elements of the department, the University, and vendors.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• One or more networking certificates such as CCNA, CWNP, CCNP, CCDP, or CCIE.
• In-depth knowledge of Cisco router and switch technologies and configurations including Layers 3 routing protocols such as, BGP and OSPF; load balancing, firewall and VPN technologies is required; additional familiarity with Juniper routers,
• Palo Alto firewalls, F5 load balancers and InfoBlox DNS/DHCP is desirable. Cisco wireless network expertise would be a plus. 10+ years of relevant experience

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.