Network Engineer

Join Our Team at Nueces Electric Cooperative!

At Nueces Electric Cooperative, we take pride in fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and excited to grow. We are a member-focused organization committed to serving our community with care, accuracy, and respect. Our mission is to create positive experiences by putting people first and ensuring every interaction reflects our values.

We're currently seeking a Network Engineer to join our IT Department in Robstown/Calallen, TX. This role is ideal for a skilled and detail-oriented professional with experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure and reliable network infrastructure. This position is a 100% on-site role based in our headquarters office. Candidates must be able to work in person during all scheduled work hours. If you have experience in IT environments, we encourage you to apply.

At NEC, we believe in taking care of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and life insurance.

Job Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Classification: Exempt
• Reports to: Information Technology Supervisor
• Industry: Electric Utility

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree
• IT Related certifications
• 3-5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications
• Advanced skills in computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook, networking, and general computer support services.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Server Software, Linux, and various networking equipment
• Technical knowledge of the techniques and procedures of software and network support for multiple users
• Must understand installation, configuration and troubleshooting processes for software, hardware, networking, and accessory equipment.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• CompTIA Network+, Security+, CCT/CCNA, VMWare, preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

Architectures, designs, implements, monitors, and manages the local and wide area networks of NEC and its contracts to ensure maximum uptime for business units, SCADA environment, and users. Designs and configures systems, documents, and manages the installation of a new network(s), and maintains and upgrades existing systems and appliances as necessary. Provides reliable and current knowledge and application of various technical systems, strong proficiency in cybersecurity as it relates to configuring and maintaining security controls within NEC's network enterprise. Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the architecting of virtual environments, on premises and in the cloud (VMWare / Azure / AWS).

Essential Job Functions

• Design and implement new network communication & solutions to improve the efficiency of NEC enterprise network. Enables peak performance of the customer and management information and communications systems of the Cooperative by troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, installing, and performing testing activities on the Cooperative's network infrastructure.
• Customizes the Cooperative's network backbone technology resources by configuring, assembling, installing, and testing networking equipment and the interfacing of LANs (VLANS), WANs, DNS and DHCP requiring use of standard interface protocols. Maximize network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting to include security controls, patching and schedule upgrades.
• Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors' involvements with network maintenance and/or installation. Optimizes the fiscal and physical efficiencies of the Cooperative by completing work orders (Jira tickets).
• Elevates the Cooperative's use of information technology by configuring and managing NEC Network Enterprise Backbone, its components and appliances in support of all critical & non- critical business processes and systems; visibility, availability and monitoring of the SCADA environment and OT Operations; as well as serve as subject matter expert (SME) in assisting all information systems integrations & troubleshooting.
• Implement, configure and maintain firewalls, routing and switching to maximize network communication and data transmission confidentiality, integrity and availability, as well as security control implementation and maintenance in accordance with CMMC 2.0. Lead the installation of VMWare virtual servers, Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS and ensuring the oversight of server backups and networked user backups are performed on a scheduled basis.

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Class C Texas Driver's License
• Additional relevant IT certifications are highly desirable.

*Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot provide status updates by phone. Rest assured that all candidates will be contacted via email if selected for next steps.

Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) is more than a non-profit, customer-owned, at-cost electric utility. Founded in 1938, NEC serves over 19,000 electric meters across eight South Texas counties near the beautiful Texas Gulf Coast. NEC is a pioneering cooperative in the industry, becoming the first electric cooperative to voluntarily deregulate in 2005. Today, NEC Retail serves over 32,000 consumers across Texas, offering competitive electric service.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.