Network Engineer IV

UCF IT Telecommunications:

UCF IT Telecommunications serves as the technological backbone for one of the largest universities in the United States. Our dedicated team is responsible for the design, installation, support, and security of the telecommunications and network infrastructure that underpins the entire UCF community. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, cost-effective, and innovative communication solutions at an enterprise level. Our specialized teams, including Network Services, Network Security, Cellular/Radio/DAS, and Installation Maintenance & Repair, work collaboratively to meet these objectives.

With strong leadership spanning from the Chief Information Officer (CIO) down, we ensure that UCF's technology strategies are well-defined and effectively communicated at all organizational levels. This clear vision and direction to success guide our efforts as we continue to empower and support the university's academic and operational excellence.

The Opportunity:

The Network Engineer IV at UCF plays a pivotal role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of research infrastructure. The responsibilities of this position encompass the creation of robust and scalable research network solutions, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security.

Responsibilities:

Research Network LAN Design and Implementation:

• Develop a comprehensive research network architecture and design plans aligned with business requirements.

• Evaluate and implement network hardware and software solutions to improve research network performance and reliability.

• Assist with the optimization of the network to insure fast reliable data transfers to and from data transfer nodes.

Research Network Data Center / Cloud Connectivity Implementation & Security:

• Collaborate with the Infrastructure Team to implement necessary connections in the data center and to the cloud for the Office of Research.

• Stay informed about evolving NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) requirements and ensure that the network remains fully compliant.

Research Network Wireless:

• Collaborate with wireless engineers to design and implement wireless networks that meet the specific needs of the Office of Research.

Research Network Needs Planning:

• Analyze research network traffic and usage patterns to forecast future research needs and locations.

• Support the Office of Research in gathering necessary information and documentation required for applying for research grants.

Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Establish and uphold research-specific network monitoring processes to promptly identify and address issues.

• Diagnose and resolve complex network problems, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining optimal network performance.

• Ensure the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of PerfSonar and additional research monitoring tools.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate documentation of research architecture, configurations, and changes.

• Generate reports and performance metrics to evaluate network performance and recommend improvements.

• Maintain meticulous records of tasks and timekeeping, ensuring a high level of detail and accuracy.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Collaborate closely with researchers to grasp their unique requirements and develop tailored solutions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including system administrators, network engineers, and IT support, to ensure the seamless integration of research requirements with other systems.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network professionals as assigned, contributing to the attainment of departmental goals.

• Participate in other non-research specific network projects and operational duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma (or equivalent) and 9 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Data Center Implementation:

• Strong understanding of data center networking concepts such as VLANs, VXLANs, FabricPath, ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), and other technologies specific to data center environments.

• Solid grasp of networking protocols and technologies including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, Ethernet, and others relevant to data center networking.

• Strong foundational knowledge of data transfer nodes and high-performance computing.

• Knowledge of virtualization technologies such as VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, and how they integrate with network infrastructure.

• Experience implementing data center technology.

2. Local Area Network Implementation:

• Strong LAN skill set to help prepare for design implementation.

• Project management experience to oversee vendor assisted deployments.

• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, along with knowledge of automation frameworks like Ansible to automate network tasks and streamline operations.

• Experience operating within NIST-regulated environments.

3. Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Advanced Data Center and LAN troubleshooting skill sets to address and resolve issues promptly.

4. Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional.

• TIA Sec + or other relevant security certifications.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This position must be available 24/7 in case of an emergency and maybe asked to work during emergency situations including early, late, weekend, holiday hours and/or University closures such as during a hurricane. Since UCF IT Telecommunications is considered a Mission Essential component of UCF's operational capability. Additionally, a person in this position maybe asked to work a flexible schedule that includes non-traditional hours to perform essential job functions that cannot be performed during normal business hours.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions

• Education assistance

• Flexible work environment

• And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets. Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President's Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.