Network Engineer

About the role

The City of Durham Technology Solutions Network Infrastructure And Operations Center Team is seeking an experienced and self-motivated Network Engineer. This position is responsible for the life cycle management of the network environment, including designing, building, and supporting secure and scalable network systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in network problem-solving, performance optimization, and security protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine checks and apply necessary updates and patches to all networking equipment.
• Respond to, fix, or escalate issues related to network outages to minimize user downtime.
• Work with the Managed Services Network Operations Center to review, update, and resolve tickets; communicate with stakeholders.
• Update all network-related documentation, including configurations, modifications, troubleshooting, and standard operating procedures.
• Design and implement LAN/MAN/WAN, cloud, and wireless network solutions.
• Design, install, and configure switches, wireless access points, SD-WAN/firewall devices, and load balancers from Cisco and Fortinet.
• Analyze network traffic using Wireshark and performance monitoring tools like LiveNX/Netflow.
• Implement network security policies on access control systems, such as SD-WAN devices, to ensure secure connections.
• Collaborate with other departments for smooth system integrations.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a directly related field.
• Five years of experience in advanced engineering and administration of multiprotocol routers, multilayer switches, network security devices, network management systems, network design, and documentation and implementation.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred certifications: CCNA/CCNP, Fortinet NSE-3/4, CompTIA Network+, or ITIL foundation.
• Sound knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, OSPF, BGP, and subnetting.
• Hands-on network troubleshooting experience for layers 1–3.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience with Cisco switches and Fortinet equipment (FortiGate/FortiOS/FortiManager).
• Experience with Wi-Fi systems from Meraki Wi-Fi and/or other vendors; CWNA/CWNP certification is desirable.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Professional and fluent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Desirable: network automation using Python, Ansible, or Terraform.

Benefits

• 12–13 paid holidays per year.
• 13 standard work days of vacation per year.
• 13 standard work days of sick leave per year, which accumulates indefinitely; may be used toward early retirement.
• 2 weeks paid military leave per year.
• Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental life insurance plans.
• State and City retirement plans.
• Short- and long-term disability plans.
• Paid temporary disability leave for specified conditions.
• City contribution of 13.6% into the N.C. State Retirement System.
• Paid funeral leave.
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and family counseling.
• Paid life insurance equal to annual salary.
• 48 hours of volunteer work each year.
• 4 hours of parental leave each year.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.