Job Description

The Network Engineer serves as a senior technical resource responsible for the design, architecture, integration, and advanced administration of the cooperative's network systems. This role leads complex network projects, designs scalable solutions, supports security efforts, and ensures high availability and performance across all network environments including corporate, field, AMI, and SCADA communications.

Essential Job Functions

• Network Architecture and Design
  • Design and implement network architecture, including LAN, WAN, wireless, SCADA, AMI, and cloud-integrated environments.
  • Develop detailed network diagrams, IP address plans, and configuration documentation.
  • Lead advanced network projects including system upgrades, migrations, and new deployments.
• Advanced Network Administration
  • Perform advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and optimization of network performance, scalability, and security.
  • Manage and maintain network devices such as switches, routers, load balancers, firewalls, wireless controllers, VPN appliances, and field network communication systems.
  • Conduct capacity planning and future network expansion strategies.

• Field Network, AMI, and SCADA Communications
  • Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of network components supporting advanced metering infrastructure (collectors, repeaters, modems, microwave) and SCADA field communications.
  • Coordinate with internal operational teams and vendors to ensure high availability and reliability for critical field systems.
• Security, Compliance, and Risk Management
  • Implement and manage security solutions including firewalls, web filters, spam filters, IDS/IPS, and other protections.
  • Maintain system documentation and compliance records.
  • Collaborate with IT Security personnel to ensure network security aligns with organizational standards.
• Strategic Leadership
  • Research emerging technologies and recommend network improvements.
  • Provide technical mentorship and support for junior network staff.
  • Align network strategy with organizational goals and long-term technology planning.

• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
  • Develop and maintain disaster recovery strategies for network infrastructure.
  • Lead recovery efforts during network outages or incidents.

Position Requirements

• Education Requirements-
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in network administration and design.
  • Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or equivalent.
• Abilities and Skills-
  • Expert-level knowledge of enterprise networking design, routing, switching, firewalls, wireless systems, and field network communications.
  • Deep expertise in protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, MPLS, QoS.
  • Strong leadership, project management, and documentation skills.
  • Proficiency with network monitoring, security, and performance tuning tools.
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Relationships

• Reports to IT Infrastructure Manager

Physical Demands

(Scale: Rarely = Less than 5%, Occasionally = 5% - 25%, Frequently = More than 25%)

• Heavy lifting or moving of materials: Rarely – Up to 50 pounds.
• Operates Office Machines: Frequently
• Standing: Frequently
• Walking: Frequently
• Awkward Position (stooping, bending etc.): Occasionally
• Climbing Maximum: Rarely 10' Maximum
• Eye-hand Coordination: Rarely
• Location: Indoor 90% of time, Outdoor 10%

Work Conditions: Occasional weekends and perform work as necessary.