Lead Network Engineer

About the role

The Lead Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, security, operation, and continuous improvement of the school system's enterprise network and server infrastructure. This role provides technical leadership for LAN/WAN, wireless, Windows Server, Active Directory, cloud-integrated, and security systems while coordinating the work of Network Engineers and supporting staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the work of Network Engineers and technical staff, providing technical leadership, mentoring, workload prioritization, and escalation support.
• Design, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise network, server, cloud, and infrastructure systems to ensure reliability, performance, scalability, and availability.
• Serve as the technical lead for infrastructure projects, overseeing planning, implementation, resource coordination, and successful delivery of project objectives.
• Establish and maintain technology standards, configurations, documentation, policies, and procedures that support operational efficiency, security, and compliance.
• Ensure the security, monitoring, maintenance, and lifecycle management of network and infrastructure systems through collaboration with cybersecurity initiatives and the use of enterprise management tools.
• Diagnose and resolve complex network, server, systems, and connectivity issues while providing advanced support for critical operational needs.
• Partner with IT leadership to develop long-range technology strategies, infrastructure roadmaps, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technologies, systems, and infrastructure solutions that support instructional and business operations.
• Collaborate with district leadership, departments, vendors, and stakeholders to align technology services with organizational goals and operational requirements.
• Aid in budgeting, procurement, vendor evaluations, bid specifications, and technology acquisition processes.
• Support training, knowledge transfer, and professional development of technical staff.
• Perform supervisory support functions as assigned, including providing input on employee performance, training, and operational planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned associated with effective operation of the Technology Services Department.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field; bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in network engineering, systems infrastructure, or related enterprise technology environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise networking, including LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, routing, switching, wireless infrastructure, network security, and firewall technologies.
• Experience supporting multi-site enterprise environments and mission-critical infrastructure systems.
• Experience administering Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and related services.
• Experience with hybrid on-premises and cloud technologies, including Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune, Entra ID, or comparable platforms.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, coordinate projects, and mentor technical staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field.
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, Aruba, Palo Alto, Microsoft, or equivalent credentials.
• Experience leading large-scale network, infrastructure, or technology modernization projects.
• Experience in K–12 education, government, or other public-sector environments.
• Outstanding references relating to professional and technical competence.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills; Expertise in IT systems, networks, and cybersecurity; Knowledge of and practical experience with implementing customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards; Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse environment; Ability to lead, train, and motivate teams in a manner that effectively ensures the availability of technically competent, responsive, customer-oriented staff; Ability to work collaboratively with educators, administrators, and vendors.

Physical Demands

Sedentary Work: Exerting minimal but not constant physical effort to perform sedentary work, typically involving some combination of balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking and may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (5 to 10 pounds), visual perception and discrimination, the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, perceive and discriminate color, perceive odors, and require oral communications.

Working Conditions

Employees in this position work in an environment that requires them to regularly make decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if they fail to make the appropriate decision at the time.

Benefits

• Leave - Sick and Personal (all employees); Vacation (12-month employees)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Single and Family)
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• MD State Pension, 403(b), credit union membership

Salary Table

ATSP Exempt
Carroll County Public Schools has the right to revise this position description at any time and ensuing acknowledgement of understanding does not represent in any way a contract of employment.