Network Design Engineer

Job Description

Provides authoritative subject matter expertise in all aspects of network services and related infrastructure components. Participates in developing new solutions and services to meet evolving business requirements and assists in determining technology solutions that support design, development, integration, and operation of critical and complex components in the infrastructure. Provides technical oversight of all network hardware, software, and operating system implementations and operation.

Performs problem determination and problem resolution activities for complex network systems, and ensures network engineering services are provided in accordance with industry standards, policies, and procedures. Recommends standards and develops procedures. Provides authoritative technical support and expertise for network hardware, software, and operating systems for routers, switches, and other network connected devices. Directs network activities related to quality assurance, change control, problem management, testing, contingency and cost analysis. Defines policies/procedures for network operations, and administrative activities that result in optimal delivery of network services.

Tests new hardware and software for feature performance as well as for compatibility with existing systems, to include hardware, firmware, operating systems, and software. Develops test scripts and documents results of tests. Recommends hardware, software, and operating system acquisitions to management. Provides technical direction to other network support engineers, operations and vendor staff during problem identification, diagnosis, and resolution activities. Conducts vendor reviews to determine timeliness and accuracy of services and support. Serves as senior technical liaison to all levels of the organization within the enterprise to ensure internetworking solutions will function as needed and are consistent with support and SLA requirements. Reviews customer requirements and develops solutions that address those requirements, to include equipment, configuration, and operation. Tests designed solutions for performance; provides all necessary test documentation. Prepares and submits status reports as requested. Leads multi-disciplinary ad hoc work groups for special projects. Authors White Papers or Position Papers when required. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Requires superior knowledge of all aspects of modern telecommunications systems, services, and operations, as well as state-of-the-art internetworking technologies, LAN-networked PC and server based systems and multi-protocol LAN/WAN networks. Also requires substantial knowledge of networking protocols and implementations, including specific expertise with Cisco environments. Knowledge of and experience with other network connected hardware and software components such as load balancers, extended content verification, wide-area application services, LDAPs, content distirbution, and network management systems is essential. Demonstrated knowledge of and expertise with routing protocols (e.g. BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), layer 2 and layer 3 switching, plus their implementation. Thorough knowledge of network environmental software interfaces, hardware installation, testing and certification activities. Understanding of problem, change, performance, and service level management, from both an operations as well as a requirements perspective. Expert knowledge of network system software, network protocols, network test tools and other network technology [Internet, SONET, MPLS, Private IP, Frame Relay, etc.]. Expert problem determination, identification, isolation, and resolution skills. Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, superior analytical abilities, and be able to negotiate, make good decisions, and have strong organizational skills.

Advanced knowledge of engineering, design, development and support of hardware and software systems, and architectures of communication systems in a multi-faceted environment is needed. Specific experience with Cisco Systems equipment (e.g. routers and switches) in a large organization is required. Experience with other related equipment (e.g., DSU’s, Encryptors, M1-3 multiplexers, IBM 3745 communications controllers, ATM switches, and typical LAN/WAN/Server equipment is highly desirable. Familiarity with wide area network facilities (e.g. Frame Relay, ATM, MPLS, Sonet, ISDN) and network protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS) is required. Specific software and operating experience with Unix, AIX, Linux, and Windows platforms would be useful additional skill sets. CANDIDATES ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES.

Supervision/Leadership:

Performs and completes work with high degree of independence. Provides expert level technical leadership and may assign work and related activity to network engineering and operations staff, to include training and technical development of both engineering and operations staff members. May supervise one or more staff members.

Maintains regular contacts all levels of management, technical staff, and various System product offices, System groups, System Operations personnel and vendors to discuss problems/issues, configurations, implementations, etc. Contacts require tact, expertise, and the ability to reach consensus on matters essential to providing network connectivity.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and 10 years of progressively responsible technical experience.

Professional certification (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or equivalent is essential.

To apply go to www.rich.frb.org and search for position #1476 & #1493

Richmond and/or Dallas location. Paid relocation pkg.

EOE