Network Infrastructure Engineer / Senior/Staff Engineer
Position Purpose & Summary:
The job purpose of a Network Infrastructure Engineer is to design, implement, maintain, and optimize an organization’s network infrastructure. This role is essential for ensuring the efficient and secure flow of data within an organization’s IT environment.
The Network Infrastructure Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining a robust and reliable network that supports the organization’s business objectives while meeting security and performance standards. The scope of responsibilities may vary based on the organization’s size, industry, and specific IT requirements.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Network Design:
Collaborate with stakeholders to design and plan network architectures that meet the organization’s requirements for performance,
scalability, and security.
Implementation and Deployment:
Deploy and configure network hardware and software components, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and other networking devices.
Network Security:
Implement security measures to safeguard the organization’s network, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and VPN solutions.
Performance Optimization:
Monitor and optimize network performance to ensure efficient data transmission and minimal downtime.
Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution:
Identify and resolve network issues promptly, conducting thorough troubleshooting and collaborating with other IT teams as needed.
Network Upgrades and Expansions:
Plan and execute network upgrades and expansions to accommodate the organization’s growing needs and technological advancements.
Documentation:
Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, changes, and procedures to ensure a comprehensive and up-to-date reference.
Capacity Planning:
Conduct capacity planning to anticipate future network requirements and ensure that the infrastructure can support organizational growth.
Academic Qualification:
- Degree in Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Network Engineering, or a related field.
- Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or certifications
Professional Qualification and/or Regulatory, Licensing requirements:
- Relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA),
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA)
- Juniper Networks Certified Specialist (JNCIS)
- CompTIA Network+, or equivalent certifications
Technical Skills
Networking Protocols:
In-depth understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and others.
Router and Switch Configuration:
Proficiency in configuring and managing routers and switches for efficient data routing and switching.
Firewall Configuration and Management:
Experience in configuring and managing firewalls to control and monitor network traffic.
VPN Technologies:
Knowledge of Virtual Private Network (VPN) technologies for secure remote access and site-to-site connectivity.
Load Balancing:
Familiarity with load balancing technologies to distribute network traffic and optimize performance.
Wireless Networking:
Design and implementation skills for wireless networking, including access points and controllers.
Network Security:
Implementation and management of security measures such as intrusion detection/prevention systems, antivirus solutions, and security policies.
Quality of Service (QoS):
Knowledge of QoS principles to prioritize network traffic and ensure optimal performance.
Vendor Collaboration:c
Ability to collaborate with networking vendors for equipment selection, procurement, and troubleshooting.
Capacity Planning:
Skills in conducting capacity planning assessments to anticipate future network requirements.
Project Management:c
Basic project management skills to plan and execute network-related projects.
Soft Skills
Communication skills – Ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This includes written and verbal communication skills.
Collaboration – Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills – Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships within the team and with external partners.
Ethical Judgment – Adherence to ethical standards, particularly in handling sensitive information and making decisions that impact security and compliance.
Networking and Relationship Building – Building professional networks within the industry and staying connected with peers and experts in the field.
Experience:
Experience in designing and architecting network solutions based on organizational requirements, considering factors like scalability, performance, and security
Hands-on experience in implementing and deploying network hardware and software components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers
Practical skills in scripting (e.g., Python, Bash) for task automation, configuration management, and customization of network configurations
Experience in conducting capacity planning assessments to anticipate future network requirements and ensure scalability
Conducting periodic audits and assessments of the network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and areas for improvement
Experience with designing, implementing, and managing networking solutions in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure)
Knowledge of network virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware NSX) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles
