Associate Wide Area Network (WAN) Engineer

Application Instructions: Please combine your cover letter and into one PDF or Microsoft Word document. Please note: submissions without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Purpose of Position

The Associate Wide Area Network (WAN) Engineer is under the supervision of the Executive Director of MDREN and plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of MDREN's intricate and diverse statewide data communications systems. This engineer assists in the day-to-day operation of the network and actively contributes to the creation of technical solutions for data, video, and voice system convergence, aligning with MDREN's goals and objectives. Working closely with MDREN’s Senior Engineers and technical contacts within educational institutions, this position provides valuable support to the MDREN network.

Responsibilities

Assists in the maintenance of the MDREN WAN:

• Provides maintenance and support for routers, switches, OSPF, BGP, VPLS and VPN connections.
• Vigilantly monitors network activity to identify and promptly address security incidents, events, and intrusions.
• Acts as a consultant for other network and application technologies, while also serving as a liaison on committees, task forces, evaluation groups, and negotiations related to associated projects. Demonstrates effective communication and interaction skills with users, staff, faculty, management, executive-level personnel, and external vendors.
• Proactively monitors all enterprise communication systems to ensure their stability and proper functioning and taking corrective measures as necessary.
• Coordinates networking maintenance and upgrades with relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborates with network equipment vendors to find effective solutions for network issues and upgrades.
• Creates implementation plans and schedules for network improvements.

Provides customer service and support to members of MDREN:

• Delivers exceptional customer support while conducting research and resolving technical issues.
• Actively engages in monthly MDREN technical committee meetings through participation and contribution.

Remains current with best practices pertaining to enterprise-wide communication systems:

• Keeps abreast of the latest trends in WAN technologies by leveraging internet resources such as reading blog posts, attending webinars, and watching instructional videos.
• Actively participates in training and professional development classes to enhance skills and knowledge.

Develops and maintains documentation, policies, procedures, and methods for the operation of the MDREN network:

• Generates comprehensive documentation for projects and equipment configurations.
• Develops user-friendly documentation for MDREN services targeted toward end-users.
• Maintains operational documents, standards, and guidelines as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education Level/Certifications:

High School Diploma or GED.

Required Experience:

2 years’ experience in the field of local Area Networking or 1 year of experience in the field of Wide Area Networking.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to establish goals, priorities, structures, and processes necessary to implement complex network infrastructure projects.
• Strong teambuilding skills, with the ability to cultivate relationships both internally and externally with institutions.
• Exceptional networking and interpersonal skills, enabling effective partnerships with key stakeholders within and outside the University System of Maryland (USM).
• Proficiency in adapting to changing and evolving network environments, displaying the ability to effectively navigate and implement network changes to meet evolving business needs.
• Proficiency in prioritizing ongoing and new projects, conducting research, and gathering relevant information to inform decision-making.
• Expertise as a technical troubleshooter, demonstrating logical thinking and problem-solving abilities to define and resolve complex network issues. Skilled in collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex network issues and strategies to individuals with varying levels of network knowledge and experience.
• Understanding of various networking technologies, services, and protocols typical of a large enterprise network, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, SNMP, SMTP, DHCP/BootP, DNS, OSPF, ARP/RARP, VPNs, VLANs, BGP, Subnets, and Routing.
• Familiarity with network management tools and command languages, as well as proficiency in graphical analysis tools.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following enterprise switches or routers: Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Extreme, Force 10, or Brocade.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and Foster a culture where individuals feel comfortable seeking assistance and offering support when needed.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to identify and propose solutions to problems, including potential issues that may arise.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education Level/Certifications:

Enterprise networking certifications

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Working knowledge of Unix system administration, Polycom/Tandberg/Cisco video systems, VMware, and/or Linux.

Benefits: Includes full medical, dental and vision benefits, tuition remission at any of the 12 USM institutions, a generous leave plan, and the option to telework for part of the week. For more details, see here: https://www.usmd.edu/usm/adminfinance/USMExemptStaffBenefitSummary2022.pdf

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Adelphi, MD 20783 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Adelphi, MD 20783: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Adelphi, MD 20783