Network Engineer II

SUMMARY: The Network Systems Engineer II is a critical member of the IT team, responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the company's network and security infrastructure. This role provides advanced technical expertise in network engineering, systems administration, and cybersecurity, ensuring the infrastructure is secure, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals. The engineer will work closely with the CIO and other key stakeholders to deliver reliable, high-performing technology solutions that support business operations and innovation.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned IT professional with strong experience in enterprise networking, Microsoft and Cisco technologies, cloud infrastructure (especially Azure), and virtualization platforms. They possess a deep understanding of network architecture and security best practices, along with a proactive approach to monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing system performance. This individual demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills, a commitment to documentation and process, and the ability to communicate effectively across technical and business teams. A collaborative mindset, attention to detail, and a drive for continuous improvement are key attributes for success in this role.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Network Infrastructure & System Administration

• Design, implement, test, and document solutions for small to large-scale network infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical input on physical and logical network design and configuration.
• Analyze business requirements and translate them into effective network solutions.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, application owners, vendors, and industry experts to align technology solutions with organizational goals.

Systems Administration & Maintenance

• Perform daily system and network health checks to ensure infrastructure integrity and availability.
• Apply OS and firmware patches, perform upgrades, and maintain administrative tools and utilities.
• Conduct regular performance reporting and support capacity planning and system optimization.
  

Network Monitoring, Performance & Support

• Monitor network performance, proactively identify issues, and ensure high availability and reliability.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide Tier 2/3 escalation support and mentorship to service desk and systems administration staff.
• Review and manage incident tickets, ensuring timely resolution in compliance with SLAs.

Security & Risk Management

• Support ongoing network security monitoring and compliance efforts.
• Identify and mitigate risks and vulnerabilities across network and system infrastructure.
• Manage and respond to incidents related to the email security platform and other security tools.
• Develop and maintain contingency and disaster recovery strategies for critical systems and infrastructure.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Research and recommend innovative or automated solutions for network provisioning and management.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to support infrastructure modernization and business goals.

Documentation & Governance

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and system checklists.
• Ensure adherence to change management processes and compliance with IT policies and standards.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and in team settings
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Customer service mindset
  

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of IT and business objectives.
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• CompTIA Security+ CE, CISSP, or comparable security certifications
• 5+ years of relevant experience in network engineering, systems administration, or infrastructure support roles.
• 5+ years of experience in network design, configuration, and administration of enterprise systems.
• 5+ years of experience managing and supporting Microsoft and Cisco core technologies.
• 5+ years of experience with Windows Server operating systems and virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
• 3+ years of experience managing Palo Alto firewalls.
• Hands-on experience designing and implementing secure, scalable, and high-performing network environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure Cloud infrastructure and services.
  

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Cisco and/or Microsoft certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, MCSA, MCSE).
• Familiarity with disaster recovery planning and business continuity methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of network architecture, protocols, and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VLANs, ACLs, RADIUS, QoS, SNMP).
• Expertise in configuring, upgrading, and maintaining Cisco enterprise infrastructure and mobility solutions.
• Experience with automation or scripting tools such as PowerShell, Python, or Ansible.
• Experience with SAN/NAS storage systems, server hardware, and enterprise data center environments.
• Experience managing Active Directory, file shares, print services, and network applications.
• Working knowledge of security compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO, CIS, SOC 2).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Full-time, on-site position based at our corporate headquarters in Somerset, PA.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required, up to one week at a time.
• On-call availability may be required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Mobile phone available to support business and on-call responsibilities.

• Somerset, PA 15501, USA