Network Engineer III

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology.

About the role

As a senior-level Network Engineer III, your primary responsibility is to lead the design, configuration, implementation, and ongoing support of the network infrastructure, ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of the HCHD network. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the network by integrating advanced technologies, such as software-defined networking (SDN), cloud networking, and next-gen security solutions. Additionally, you will be expected to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to customers, collaborate with cross-functional IT teams, and present strategic recommendations to upper management, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support large-scale enterprise networks.
• Lead network projects, including upgrades, migrations, and integrations with minimal supervision.
• Configure and manage Cisco hardware and software, including Catalyst, Nexus, Firepower, and ASA firewalls.
• Implement and troubleshoot routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and MPLS in large, complex environments.
• Deploy and manage SD-WAN solutions, SDN technologies, and network virtualization.
• Integrate cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) with on-premises infrastructure.
• Configure and manage IPv4/IPv6, TCP/IP, QoS, VLANs, Multicast, and advanced LAN/WAN technologies.
• Ensure network security through VPNs, firewalls, and network access control (NAC) solutions.
• Automate network tasks using tools such as Ansible, Python, or Terraform for configuration management and orchestration.
• Provide 24x7 on-call support for critical network outages or emergencies.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and analyze network performance using tools like SolarWinds, Thousand Eyes, or DNA Center.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional IT teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, or a related field, or High School Diploma or GED plus eight (8) years of work experience in network engineering, design, and implementation.
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or equivalent certification required; Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert or similar advanced certifications preferred.
• Azure Certified Advanced Networking or similar cloud networking certifications preferred.
• Certifications in network automation (e.g., Cisco DevNet, Ansible, Python) or cloud networking (e.g., Azure) are a plus.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco hardware, including Catalyst 9000, Nexus 9000 series, Cisco VPN, Firepower, and other next-gen networking solutions.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage workloads in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Skills

• Analytical, design, and research capabilities.
• Proficiency in mathematics, statistics, and PC applications (MS Word, MS Excel).
• Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to compose correspondence and reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.

Schedule

• Flexible work schedule.
• Availability for 24x7 on-call support to respond to critical network outages or emergencies.