Lead Network Engineer

About the role

The Lead Network Engineer works closely with other teams in the Office of Information Technology to plan, design, and implement all network-related services at the University. This includes supporting all wired, wireless, and data center networks as well as internet and cloud connectivity. Related network services include DNS/DHCP, load balancing, network authentication, client and p2p VPN, WiFi and management/monitoring tools. This position maintains the Brown community's network through a rotating on-call schedule, leading service restoration efforts, handling outages and supporting operational requests. It requires flexibility to perform after-hours work or critical network changes. Leveraging strong technical expertise and communication skills, the Lead Network Engineer develops project proposals and plans, collaborates across teams, and manages initiatives with minimal supervision while effectively communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. In addition, the Lead Network Engineer independently researches new technologies, services, and products through a variety of methods, including correspondence with peers, vendor meetings, classes, conferences, and online forums. As opportunities are recognized, the Lead Network Engineer would develop content and present information to the team, management or others to assist in developing a technology roadmap and budget. Serving as a technical leader, this role represents the network team across all levels of the organization and mentors junior staff to foster professional growth and strengthen the team’s collective technical proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and implement network-related services (wired, wireless, data center, internet, cloud)
• Support DNS/DHCP, load balancing, network authentication, client and p2p VPN, WiFi, and management/monitoring tools
• Maintain the network via a rotating on-call schedule; lead service restoration and handle outages
• Support operational requests and perform after‑hours work for critical network changes
• Develop project proposals and plans; collaborate across teams and manage initiatives with minimal supervision
• Communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Research new technologies, services, and products; develop content and present findings to inform technology roadmap and budget
• Represent the network team across the organization and mentor junior staff

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Training/certifications (e.g., CCNP, CWNA) preferred
• 7+ years of experience designing, supporting, and maintaining complex enterprise or campus networks
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically focused on the design, support, and troubleshooting of complex wireless networks
• Experience with or working knowledge of network‑focused programming and scripting tools/languages (Python, Ansible, Perl)