Network Engineer

 NRTC is Member Driven and Technology Focused – providing solutions that help our 1,500 electric and telephone members bring all the advantages of today’s evolving technology to rural America. NRTC’s solutions are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, and include integrated broadband, managed services, smart grid, mobile and video solutions. We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations.   We are looking to add experienced staff to our Managed Services team to help our utility cooperative members maintain and grow their ISP network. 

Job Summary 

 NRTC Network Engineers are responsible for continuity of service for NRTC member networks including core network routing and switching equipment and ISP access layer gear.  The network engineer works with a team of engineers to remotely administer member devices including Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Ciena, Calix and Adtran equipment.  As a cooperative, NRTC members and the network engineering team work in unison to support and grow member ISP networks. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and deploy customer L3 core and L2 access networks, including routers, firewalls, switches, and L2 access gear 

• Design and deploy NRTC’s LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including routers, firewalls, load balancers, hubs, switches, and other hardware 

• Configure, test, and maintain LAN/WAN equipment and related services 

• Provide advanced tier 2 and 3 technical supports for internal and external customers 

• Advise members on VLAN configuration and IP distribution / usage, 

• Balance BGP sessions for optimal traffic distribution 

• Review business intelligence information to identify trend 

• Review, suggest, and implement network improvements to enhance redundancy, stability, and performance 

• Create, review, change network maps using Visio or equivalent application 

• Provide formal corporate communications on directional changes or changes that will impact existing services 

• Select and implement security tools, policies, and procedures in conjunction with the NRTC security team 

• Monitor and maintain all levels of network security internally and externally 

• Support member change requests 

• Provide in-depth VPN troubleshooting and debugging 

• Provide support for engineering and professional services projects 

• Troubleshoot problems reported directly by customers and internal technical support teams 

• Perform change management activities, including performing firmware and code upgrades to production systems 

• Work closely with third-party vendors on the customer’s behalf to resolve problems or implement new services as they pertain to the customer’s network 

• Study information on new technology 

• Provide mentoring to junior level staff 

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned 

Qualifications 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Strong teamwork skills 

• Ability to learn and understand current and evolving technologies both at a high level and at a detailed level 

• Ability to communicate and problem solve efficiently and effectively with identified customers and IT personnel to ensure the implementation of accurate processes 

• Expert knowledge of all aspects of network including installation, management, application deployment, advanced routing protocols, and security 

• Advanced documentation and communication skills 

• Advanced ability to be proactive, detail-oriented, and self-motivated 

• Experience debugging bridged/DHCP-based networks (including Option 82 use) 

• Experience configuring Cisco, Juniper, or  Nokia routers and switches  

• Experience configuring and managing Layer 2 Access devices (Calix/Adtran/Nokia/Ciena) 

• Layer 2 network design and debugging (including 802.1q VLAN work)  

• Layer 3 network design and debugging 

• Experience configuring and debugging L3 VPN tunnels 

Minimum Education and Experience  

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field preferred. 

• Five (5) years of experience managing network  infrastructure, including troubleshooting, physical installations, modifications, replacements and configuration changes 

• Cisco CCNP (Routing and Switching),Juniper JNCIP or equivalent certification desired 

• Calix Ethernet Access Network Fundamentals, Adtran AOE Administrator, or equivalent certification 

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered 
 

Physical Demands 

• This position requires On-call support rotation – 24x7 support.  

• Minimum domestic travel possible, approximately 5%.