Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer Senior Network EngineerWork Arrangement: 100% OnsiteRequired Qualifications and Must-Have SkillsAt least 5 years of experience in planning, designing, and maintaining large-scale networks. At least 5 years of experience configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Cisco IOS and Cisco Nexus devices. At least 5 years of experience configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and Panorama. Experience with routing protocols, including BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP. Experience with point-to-point VPNs, IPsec, and NAT. Experience implementing Quality of Service (QoS). Experience coordinating copper and fiber premise cabling installation and troubleshooting. Experience supervising and directing a small team of full-time and contract employees. Experience supporting 24/7 critical operations, preferably in a public safety environment. Experience with Splunk, ServiceNow, Jira, and SolarWinds Orion. CCNP, Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall Engineer certification, or equivalent industry certifications. Position OverviewThe Senior Network Engineer provides network architecture and design support for the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) network, which serves as the backbone for connectivity at the Phoenix Fire Regional Dispatch Center (PFDRDC) and supports the dispatch of emergency fire and medical calls for service.The Fire Networking Team is responsible for ensuring the security, availability, reliability, and resiliency of network services supporting PFDRDC and first responders throughout the region.This role oversees day-to-day CAD network operations, including routine upgrades, patching, and break-fix activities, while helping define and implement strategic initiatives to improve network performance, security, and reliability.Current Network Improvement ProjectsDeploy Palo Alto firewalls at fire stations throughout the region. Configure OSPF and BGP routing changes to reduce failover times. Improve the resiliency and security of the CAD network. Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and manage Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Nexus, and Palo Alto Networks infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls supporting the Fire Department's CAD network. Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues to ensure high availability and optimal network performance. Perform network configurations, upgrades, and patch management on network devices. Monitor network performance and conduct routine health checks to identify and mitigate issues proactively. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to network engineers and other team members. Collaborate with departments on network projects, new service deployments, and emerging technologies, including coordination with third-party vendors. Conduct capacity planning and performance analysis and assist in developing network scalability strategies. Use network monitoring tools to track and analyze network traffic and performance metrics. Ensure network security best practices are followed and recommend enhancements to protect against vulnerabilities and threats. Work onsite at fire stations and partner facilities throughout the metro area to perform or coordinate equipment installation and repairs, and assess copper and fiber premise cabling, access control, and CCTV system requirements. Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, configurations, and troubleshooting procedures. Provide excellent customer service by communicating effectively and managing expectations with Fire Department staff, vendors, stakeholders, and partners. Assist the IT Manager in developing the annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan for network infrastructure components. Perform other duties related to information technology systems as assigned. Work EnvironmentThis is a 100% onsite position supporting critical public safety network infrastructure. The role requires collaboration with fire departments, regional partners, vendors, and technical teams to maintain secure, reliable, and resilient network operations.