Staff Sustaining Network Support Engineer

Unclassified - Andover, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Andover, MA

About the position

Walmart Advanced Systems & Robotics is a rapidly expanding initiative with the objective of revolutionizing the retail landscape through robotics. Our development and implementation of the cutting-edge Alphabot® technology are currently underway, with deployment in stores across North America. As a Staff Network Engineer, you will be integral to the product IT Network Team, where you will work with a variety of networking technologies and devices, ensuring successful customer installations and product development. This role requires a deep understanding of how devices communicate at all levels, from robot-level Ethernet switch ICs and radios to complete warehouse wireless networks and site-to-site solutions. In this position, you will act as a company-wide computer networking expert, responsible for the successful implementation of both wireless and wired networking solutions for Alert's automation systems. Your responsibilities will include architecting, designing, documenting, testing, and troubleshooting computer networks used in industrial automation products. You will enable successful installations at customer sites by performing WiFi site surveys, managing RF spectrum/channel use, and providing debugging support. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to develop product requirements, participate in design reviews, and drive issue resolution. You will also be tasked with driving networking component selection to meet product requirements while considering reliability, serviceability, and cost. Staying updated on the latest networking technology and evaluating them against product needs will be crucial for your success in this role. Your expertise will help ensure that the networking solutions implemented are robust and meet the high reliability standards required for large-scale industrial applications.

Responsibilities

• Act as a company-wide computer networking expert responsible for the successful implementation of networking solutions for Alert's automation systems.
• Architect, design, document, test, and troubleshoot computer networks used in Alert's industrial automation products.
• Enable successful wireless and wired network installations at customer sites by performing WiFi site surveys and simulation, WiFi antenna selection and placement, and tuning component configurations.
• Manage RF spectrum/channel use, implement monitoring and data collection solutions, and provide debugging support.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop product requirements, participate in design reviews, provide internal training, and drive issue resolution.
• Drive networking component selection at the system and component levels to meet product requirements for both general networking and human safety system networking.
• Work closely with Alert's Information Technology Team to ensure successful customer site rollout and support by developing networking statistics reporting, monitoring, and alerting that integrates with Alert's IT infrastructure.
• Stay apprised of the latest networking technology, protocol, and product advancements and evaluate them against Alert's product needs.

Requirements

• At least 5+ years of directly related work experience.
• A proven track record of implementing high reliability computer networks for large-scale industrial applications, preferably related to automation.
• Experience with industrial safety systems implemented over wireless networks that use PROFINET and PROFIsafe.
• Deep understanding of RF signal theory concepts as they relate to wireless communication such as attenuation, co-channel interference, electromagnetic interference, shadowing, and reflections.
• Strong channel management knowledge and experience working with DFS channels.
• Expertise with advanced networking technologies such as NAT, Port Forwarding, LLDP, SNMP, 802.1x, VLAN, 802.1q, 802.1p, 801.11a - 802.11ac, WiFi 6, and various network topologies such as ring and daisy-chain.
• Strong ability to debug complex network issues using industry standard tools such as tcpdump or Wireshark along with formal methodologies such as FMEAs, 8D, fishbones, 5 why analysis, etc.
• Understanding of security principles, protocols, and best practices; a strong background in security is a big plus.
• Some familiarity with network automation using Ansible, Python, and/or Bash.
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills.
• At least a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Networking, Information Technology, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, or the equivalent in relevant work experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with past and emerging standards such as WiFi 6 and CBRS.
• Experience with vendor-specific protocol solutions and module-level offerings.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Options: Choose from a range of health plans tailored for you, and extend those benefits to your dependents.
• Unlimited PTO: Salaried employees receive unlimited paid time off for vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Eye & Dental Care: Vision and dental insurance coverage for you and your family.
• Secure Your Future: Competitive 401(k) matching, stock purchase plans, and equity opportunities.
• Peace of Mind: Comprehensive life and disability insurance options.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of fully paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Exclusive Discounts: Special Walmart discounts, both in-store and online.
• Dine & Energize On Us: Daily complimentary lunches, beverages, and a variety of snacks.