Lead Network Engineer - Washington DC, Phila, Wilmington, Chicago
Job Summary
The Digital Lead Engineer is a senior-level technical expert who plays a critical role in shaping solution design, guiding engineering execution, and ensuring architectural compliance across multiple teams or domains. As a Lead Digital Engineer, the individual serves as a key technical leader who blends deep domain expertise with the ability to influence engineering direction, align cross-functional teams, and ensure high-quality operational outcomes. The position will be responsible for supporting daily Network IT operations, including end-user and customer support in a 24/7 operational environment. Works with Project managers to support the process flow, delivery and execution of all Network Services projects. Support the resolution of all issues related to these systems.
Essential Functions
- Troubleshoot and evaluate existing systems, applications, and networks, proposing solutions against decision criteria.
- Coordinate and resolve escalated support issues from senior personnel or service providers, providing technical guidance.
- Offer technical expertise across business functions, identifying opportunities for process improvement through technology.
- Provides project/program managers, product owners, and stakeholders with technical consultation and advice, enabling quick responses to inquiries related to work assignments.
- Provides technical analysis to help define, assess, and monitor key technical aspects of programs, projects, or services.
- Reviews proposed designs at key milestones and approves additional efforts.
- Lead efforts to troubleshoot networks to identify errors or deficiencies.
- Leads the resolution of support issues escalated by senior operations, development personnel or service provider personnel.
- Identifies opportunities to improve network resiliency and redundancy via new technologies.
- Evaluates, tests, recommends, and implements specific network solutions (e.g., Software-Defined Networking).
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 6+ years of engineering experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise networking platforms (e.g., Cisco).
- Demonstrated technical knowledge in the areas of Network Performance Optimization, Network Access and IP Management, Wireless and Mobile Technologies.
- Hands-on experience with routing and switching protocols including OSPF, BGP, VLANs, and STP.
- Experience configuring and supporting enterprise Wi‑Fi networks.
- Ability to troubleshoot wireless client and performance issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or advanced study in engineering or architecture.
- Plus 9 years of relevant work experience in Network Infrastructure & other related IT areas.
- Experience with Cisco Meraki Dashboard, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of wireless and network infrastructure.
- Cisco Certifications (e.g., CCNA).
- Experience using Git-based version control systems (e.g., GitHub) for managing network configurations, scripts, and documentation.
- Experience writing and maintaining scripts using Python or PowerShell to automate network tasks and operational workflows.
- Hands-on use of Wi‑Fi assessment/survey tools (e.g., Ekahau, NetAlly/AirMagnet, Hamina).
- Understanding of RF fundamentals (RSSI, SNR, interference, channel planning).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative team player; self-motivated.
- Advanced knowledge of relevant technologies, systems, and methodologies; stays updated on emerging trends.
- Skilled in analyzing complex technical issues, making sound decisions, and implementing effective problem resolution strategies.
Pay
The salary/hourly range is $103,700.00 – $134,460.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee's assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee's base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K with Employer Match
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Wellness Programs
- Railroad Retirement Benefits
- Paid Caregiving Days and Backup Care
- Health Savings Account
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
- Fertility and Family Building Benefits
- No-cost Personal Health Advocate
- Student Loan Assistance
- Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance
- Medical Plan Opt-out Credit
- Tuition and Education Reimbursement
- Paid Family Leave
- Life Insurance
- Rail Pass Privileges
- Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- No-cost Financial Advisor Sessions
- Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts
Schedule & Travel
- Work Arrangement: Onsite 4/5 days
- Travel Requirements: Up to 25%