Senior Network Engineer
About the role
Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals: Advance Airport Development, Transform the Customer Experience, Optimize Ongoing Business, Cultivate Our Culture.
Responsibilities
Network Design & Implementation: Design, configure, implement, and maintain enterprise routing, switching, wireless, firewall, VOIP, and VPN technologies within a Cisco-based environment.
Infrastructure Modernization: Lead and perform hands-on network design, configuration, and buildout work for wireless upgrades in Terminal 2, Terminal 1 Phase 1B, and other airport construction projects.
Cisco Catalyst Center Operations: Configure and manage wired and wireless network infrastructure through Cisco Catalyst Center, formerly DNAC, supporting network policy, access control, and operational monitoring within a Software Defined Access environment.
Data Center & Security Systems: Design, configure, and support Cisco ACI, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Secure Firewall technologies, and related monitoring and analytics platforms.
Network Performance & Reliability: Monitor network health and availability; analyze capacity and performance; recommend and implement patches, firmware updates, and configuration improvements to maintain uptime.
Advanced Troubleshooting & Incident Resolution: Diagnose and resolve routine to highly complex network issues; perform root cause analysis and collaborate with stakeholders to restore service and prevent recurring incidents.
Enterprise Systems Analysis: Develop a comprehensive understanding of current and legacy network environments, including system dependencies, integrations, and data flows, to support effective troubleshooting, project transition, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Documentation & Standards: Develop and maintain detailed network diagrams, as-built designs, architecture documentation, and standard operating procedures to support operational continuity and knowledge sharing.
Project Leadership: Serve as a hands-on technical lead on complex network projects; coordinate with vendors, senior engineers, internal teams, and stakeholders to review designs, implement changes, and support infrastructure lifecycle initiatives.
Disaster Recovery & Compliance: Develop and support contingency planning, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security audits to ensure resilient and secure infrastructure. Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support critical network operations.
Operational Driving: Frequently drives an Airport Authority vehicle on the airfield to access sterile areas and other secure facilities across the airport campus.
Requirements
Five years of progressively responsible experience in information Technology and associated systems, networking, or security systems of which one year of experience was serving in a project lead or supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in computer science, management information systems, or a closely related field.
Completion of the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification may substitute for 2-years of the educational requirement.
Qualifications
Maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.
Skills
Analytical Problem Solving—Evaluates complex technical issues, researches root causes, and applies sound judgment to implement effective, sustainable solutions.
Communication—Clearly documents technical designs and procedures and communicates effectively with engineers, stakeholders, and vendors.
Technical Judgment—Exercises discretion in change management, system configuration, and security practices within a high-availability environment.
Collaboration—Works effectively with cross-functional teams while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and deliverables.
Project Leadership — Leads or coordinates complex network infrastructure projects by prioritizing work, aligning stakeholders, managing technical deliverables, and supporting successful implementation.
Technical Proficiency— Demonstrates advanced knowledge of enterprise networking principles across wired, wireless, wide-area, security, and data center environments.
Benefits
14 paid holidays, 18 - 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan.
Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
Pay
The hiring salary for Senior ITS Engineer is $139,081-$159,943. The full pay range for Senior ITS Engineer is $106,985-$171,177.
Schedule
This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.