Senior Lead Networking Specialist

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, troubleshoot, and document computer networks (such as Juniper and Cisco Systems) and infrastructure.
• Lead major network projects to support capacity growth, upgrades, new products/features, and integration.
• Maintain in-depth up-to-date knowledge of standards, guidelines, industry trends, etc., for the Networking discipline, including LAN, WAN, SD-Wan, Wireless, Data Center networking and firewalls.
• Execute comprehensive scopes of work in alignment with assigned implementation plans, including system architecture builds, testing protocols, technical documentation, and end-user training.
• Contribute to the development and analysis of network designs and protocols including prototyping and assessment.
• Lead end-to-end planning, engineering, forecasting, and implementation efforts for moderately complex network systems, proactively identifying and aligning resource requirements to ensure optimal performance and scalability.
• Recommend changes in maintenance and systems standards, training support personnel on the conversion and implementation of the system.
• Ensure compliance with change control processes and adherence to standards.
• Proactively identify potential issues in the production environment and help recommend potential solutions.
• Work cross-functionally to accomplish assignments.
• Interact with internal and external peers and managers to exchange complex information related to areas of specialization.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and on-the-job training to more junior engineers.
• Partner with the Information Security team to assess risk of threats to the network and ensure that appropriate actions are taken in a timely manner.
• Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with emphasis on Computer Science and Management Information Systems.
• Certifications in Cisco, Palo Alto, and/or Aruba are preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in IT infrastructure and networking, with a strong background in network design, planning, and implementing scalable, highly available, and mission-critical network environments.
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks required.
• Experience with a variety of routing protocols and IP Addressing (BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF) required.
• Demonstrated experience in project management—including planning, organization, and resource coordination—is required.
• Experience implementing WIFI and VOIP QOS policies in complex environments required.
• Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms.
• Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to relay technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to write technical documentation is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience supporting high-availability environments across data centers, campus networks, and branch locations, with a strong understanding of remote site operations and associated support methodologies.
• A functional understanding of network architectures designed for hybrid cloud environments, with practical knowledge of virtual platforms such as Citrix, Azure, VMware, and Hyper-V.
• Proven expertise in advanced networking technologies, including routing and switching, firewall configuration and management, wireless access points and controllers, and SD-WAN infrastructure.
• Proven experience managing and optimizing network-based monitoring systems and overseeing the performance, reliability, and scalability of the overall network infrastructure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• This position requires regular travel to corporate facilities and Bank locations throughout the Chicagoland and Wisconsin branch network on an as-needed basis.
• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.
• Rotational Saturday work and off-hours on-call availability.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank’s customer service standards.