Sr Network Systems Engineer

Job Description

Operates and supports enterprise network, wireless, telecommunications, and data communications systems. Plans, designs, implements, and maintains networked systems, including routing, switching, wireless, network access control, monitoring, and security technologies. Supports complex network troubleshooting and coordinates with vendors for the installation and support of network infrastructure. This position is expected to stay current on emerging networking technologies, cybersecurity best practices, and infrastructure management. Serves as a technical expert in the design, implementation, and support of large-scale enterprise networks. Requires advanced knowledge of Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switching, Nexus data center platforms, ASR routing platforms, wireless controllers, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst Center, and SolarWinds. Must possess strong routing and switching skills, including OSPF and BGP, and have experience supporting large, complex network environments. Preferred experience includes firewalls, VPN technologies, cloud networking, VoIP systems, and network automation. Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Supports and designs networks in a modern enterprise environment while collaborating with vendors and technical experts. Use of this job family outside of centralized IT requires approval from the Chief Technology Information Officer

1. Designs, implements, and supports enterprise network infrastructure, including routing, switching, wireless, and network access control systems.
2. Monitors, maintains, and optimizes network performance, availability, and security; recommends and implements hardware and software enhancements to improve reliability and scalability.
3. Administers and supports Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switches, Nexus platforms, ASR routers, wireless controllers, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst Center, and SolarWinds.
4. Plans and executes network upgrades, infrastructure projects, and technology refresh initiatives; performs technical evaluations, cost analysis, and vendor coordination to support implementation efforts.
5. Provides advanced troubleshooting and technical leadership for complex network issues while maintaining network documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
6. Other duties as assigned.
   

EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, relevant work experience of four years in addition to the minimum experience requirement of 7 years. Master's Degree graduate coursework preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE
7+ years

TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Possesses advanced knowledge of enterprise networking technologies and applies professional concepts and organizational objectives to resolve complex technical issues. Demonstrates expertise in routing, switching, wireless networking, network access control, monitoring, and infrastructure management within large-scale enterprise environments. Experienced with Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switching, Nexus platforms, ASR routing platforms, wireless controllers, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst Center, and SolarWinds. Strong understanding of OSPF and BGP routing protocols, network design, troubleshooting, and performance optimization. Maintains current knowledge of emerging networking technologies, cybersecurity best practices, and automation. Industry certifications such as CCNP Enterprise, CCIE, or equivalent certifications are preferred. Formal network and systems engineering skills acquired.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. Senior level positions are expected to provide work guidance, technical advice, training, and mentoring to other employees. These positions are expected to share information with less senior positions as they help them develop their skills.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.

BUDGET AUTHORITY
Compiles and organizes data and figures.

PROBLEM SOLVING
Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS
Decisions have significant impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS
Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, vendors, and managers.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
2. Repetitive motion: Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, fingers, and/or upper body for sustained periods of time, including using extremities to drag, push, pull or grasp.
3. Employee is expected to be able to commute to multiple work sites in a day and perform dispatched resolution.
4. Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time. May have to lift up to 50 pounds. Work is normally set to specified shifts.
5. This position is expected to be goal and customer service focused. During times of emergencies, outages and project planned work; employees are expected to be on call and available until the event is addressed. During system conversions, extra effort may be required in order to ensure the roll out of the system is successful.