Senior Network and Messaging Engineer

POSITON SUMMARYThe Senior Network and Messaging Engineer ( NME ) within the Grant Thornton International ( GTI ) Information Technology team configures, operates, and supports the infrastructure used by the member firm organization to deliver information to 25,000+ member employees worldwide. The Senior NME operates the network and server infrastructure supporting multiple websites, Intranets, and web-based application platforms; and manages and coordinates externally hosted vendor messaging technologies. This is a senior / team lead role and has both operational duties and project assignments which require excellent time management and some previous project management experience. This position requires a highly motivated self-starter with experience communicating issues on both social and technical levels to customers who are members of the GTI community. Interfacing with vendors, providers, other IT personnel, and members of management are part of the daily activities.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES-Configure, manage and monitor the infrastructure of 40+ assets in two data centers in two countries.-Design, configure, and manage all parts of the production environments ( switches, firewalls, servers ).-Configure and manage messaging platforms ( principally Exchange 2003 ) and related vendor communications tools used by GTI.-Administer GTI firewall assets and configure and maintain those to assure high availability, information security, and stability of all infrastructures.-Administer DNS for multiple member firms which could total over 100 zones.-Act as vendor contact and coordinator with other IT functions as it relates to the acquisition and configuration of GTI infrastructure.-Produce reports, maintain current documentation, and provide other ad hoc information as a function of the role.-Perform other job-related duties as necessary.QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS-Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field.-Current MCSE certification required. Cisco switching, routing certifications and hands-on experience a plus. Additional relevant technology certifications a plus.-Minimum of 8 years previous experience in a medium- to large-sized corporate environment with increasing levels of network management responsibility and complexity of projects and systems. Experience in the accounting or professional services industries a plus.-Minimum of 3 years previous network operations experience in multi-national network environment.-Minimum of 3 years experience in operating and supporting production and corporate websites using current Microsoft technologies.-Minimum of 3 years experience with DNS administration in a 100 zone+ configuration.-Minimum of 3 years experience with enterprise and corporate firewall technologies in production environments ( Checkpoint preferred ).-Minimum of 3 years experience with internet messaging platforms in the administration and configuration of such platforms. Microsoft Exchange ( v2003 or more current ) and Lotus Notes ( v6.5 or more current ) preferred.-Experience in the network infrastructure support of Microsoft SQL databases.-Experience with Microsoft Sharepoint 2007 server a plus.-Experience with backup technologies in support of data center normal operations.-Experience with Hewlett Packard ( HP ) server environments, Cisco routing and switching environments, and Checkpoint firewall technologies.-Experience in managing and monitoring assets in remote facilities and co-location.-Experience in working with third party telecommunications vendors ( data provisioning and access ).-Excellent written, verbal and inter-personal communications skills.-Strong attention to detail.-Team player and able to work in a flexible manner with limited supervision required.-Ability to integrate procedural steps and processes with technical requirements and system functions to assure successful delivery of work.-Multilingual communications experience a plus.-Overtime required in the course of network operations and maintenance activities ( evenings / weekends as necessary).-100% in-office work arrangement required; pager after hours.-Between 5% and 10% annual travel ( some international required ).-Reports directly to Manager of GTI Technology Services.KEY PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS-Uptime and stability of production infrastructure as a result of successful infrastructure design, management and maintenance.-Customer satisfaction in projects and tasks served during the course of the year.-Effective cost management of assets acquired and infrastructure designed and managed.-Positive contributions to the firm beyond the scope of individual or team duties.Additional Information: Travel Percentage: 10% Company:Grant Thornton LLPLocation:Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181Status:Full Time, EmployeeJob Category:Full Time, EmployeeEducation:Bachelor's Degree Company:Grant Thornton LLPReference Code:8229