Lead Network Engineer

$130,000 - $140,000/Yr

Columbia University - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Lead Network Engineer at Columbia University is responsible for overseeing the technical design, implementation, and project coordination for multiple network infrastructure projects. This role requires expertise in both wired and wireless network systems and involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of network-related activities. The position reports to the Director of Network Engineering and requires a commitment to staying current with evolving networking technologies and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for day-to-day activities in support of the development of network architecture (wired and wireless).
• Tests new technologies in support of University objectives.
• Specifies technology for specific applications.
• Responsible for the development of budgets for specific network infrastructure projects.
• Manages and coordinates vendor-provided technical resources.
• Leads, directs, and coordinates all network-related activities for complex projects.
• Develops full life-cycle project plans for medium to large projects.
• Creates comprehensive documents for multiple applications and/or subsystems.
• Develops new implementation guidelines and standards.
• Determines deployment, access, utilization, or decommissioning of specific technologies.
• Ensures coherent system designs using effective methods and tools.
• Performs network engineering tasks for multiple projects supporting University initiatives.
• Develops original and creative technical solutions to ongoing network engineering efforts.
• Documents network designs, including as-built network drawings and configuration details.
• Works with business sponsors on change requests to determine priorities and impacts.
• Generates work orders with detailed procedures for network installations and changes.
• Provides project management oversight of complex, cross-technology projects.
• Drafts, presents, and assesses team members' change requests for the Change Advisory Board.
• Maintains open and collaborative relationships with clients on ongoing projects.
• Collaborates with customer groups to define user requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Works independently and adapts to changing priorities.
• Stays current with evolving networking technologies, architectures, and best practices.
• Interfaces with senior faculty and staff, representing CUIT in various venues.
• Participates in a periodic after-hours on-call rotation.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree desirable.
• Minimum 5-7 years of related experience.
• 5+ years of experience in IT with data and wireless network systems.
• Knowledge of structured cabling systems and 802.11 wireless systems.
• Familiarity with network technology components and IP network protocols.
• Ability to perform advanced packet/protocol analysis throughout the OSI model.
• Knowledge of data center network infrastructure design best practices.
• Working knowledge of Cisco switches, routers, and Operating Systems (IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS, ASA OS).
• Proficiency in routing protocols, including EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP.
• Proficiency in Layer 2 network technologies, including Spanning Tree and DHCP Snooping.
• Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in working with and generating spreadsheets.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong teamwork, analytical thinking, communication, and technical expertise.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work weekends and off-hour work on occasion.

Nice-to-haves

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) certification or equivalent experience.
• Project management experience.
• Understanding of cooling and electrical requirements for data closets and data centers.
• Familiarity with NYC building and electrical codes.
• Familiarity with BICSI recommended best practices.
• Hands-on experience with physical installation and certification of structured cabling systems.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu software for construction drawing mark-ups and take-offs.
• Experience interpreting construction drawings and documents.
• Familiarity with the ITIL framework.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and PCI compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with Aruba wireless solutions.
• Experience designing and implementing Cloud Networking solutions in AWS/Azure.
• Familiarity with remote access and site-to-site VPNs.
• Familiarity with Software Defined Networking (SDN).
• Working knowledge of MP-BGP, MPLS VPN, VRF/VRF-Lite.
• Experience designing, configuring, and operating DNS and DHCP services, Aruba Enterprise WLAN systems, Cisco ASA Firewalls/VPN, and Cisco UCS infrastructure.

Benefits

• Open salary range based on qualifications and experience.
• Regular full-time position with a standard work schedule of 35 hours per week.