Principal Network Engineer

Description

Central Coast Salary Range:  $145,743 - $218,614

Job Summary

The Principal Network Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing network systems that will fulfill CenCal Health’s performance, security, and compliance requirements meeting any regulatory standards required. This role involves designing network architecture, conducting feasibility studies, and analyzing costs. A Principal Network Engineer defines strategies for monitoring, maintenance, expansion, contingency, and recovery to ensure the network is adapts to changing demands. Additionally, they troubleshoot network issues and devise effective solutions, resources, and deployment processes. Staying updated on the latest technologies is essential to enhancing knowledge of networking hardware, software, and best practices. A strong depth of expertise in their specialization distinguishes this role. The Principal Network Engineer serves as an advisor on complex projects and initiatives, recognized for their technical acumen and innovative thinking, while providing thought leadership and guidance to both their functional area and the broader organization.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement strategic network and security designs while following industry best practices.
  Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to determine enterprise level network solutions that meets or exceeds business requirements.
• Maintain current network, making upgrades or improvements as needed.
• Training and mentoring network engineers.
  Advisor to IT Division Leaders on strategic improvement to organization wide network design and development, including technology and budget considerations.
• Overall design and implementation of access rights and policies.
  Independent decision making with consideration of the best interest for the organization.
  Authoring quality system configuration documents.
• Support for entire Organization Environment which encompasses Servers, Enterprise Applications, Networking Components, Data Centers, Data Warehouse, Storage Area Networks, Backup Networks, Wireless Networks, Security Technologies, Carrier Circuits, Wide Area and Local Area Networks.
• Research and ensure the use of high-quality, up-to-date technology and equipment for the network.
  Conduct tests, installations and maintenance on required equipment.
• Establish performance management metrics for the organization network ecosystem.
  Troubleshoot and resolve network bugs, performance issues and other challenges.
• Lead team members to develop and maintain accurate documentation.
• Prepare project plans, including schedules, resource allocation, and budget estimates for management presentation.
  Lead network and security infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate vendor product demonstrations, set up evaluation criteria, and provide development recommendations for purchase of new hardware/software.
• Perform assessments and remediation activities as needed.
  Build and maintain relationships with vendors.
• Develop security protocols for the operation and management of communications systems.
  Stay informed about emerging information technologies through professional publications, networking, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in administering and supporting Microsoft 365 (M365). 
• Familiarity with various operating systems, databases, and cloud technologies.
• Skilled in IT service management tools.
• Project management skills and experience preferred.
• Understanding of networking principles (e.g. TCP/IP, subnetting, IP Addressing, routing, switching).
• Knowledge of network protocols such as DNS, DHCP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SNMP, SSH, etc. 
• Proficiency in routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) and switching concepts (VLANs, trunking, port channels). 
• Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network security protocols. 
• Knowledge of network architecture design principles and strategies (network segmentation, redundancy, disaster recovery).
• In depth understanding of local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), including wireless networking. 
• Knowledge of networking hardware (routers, switches, load balancers) and networking software.
• Knowledge of network monitoring and management tools. 
• Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve network issues efficiently.
• Ability to configure and manage network devices (routers, switches, firewalls) to ensure proper operations and security.
• Ability to design scalable, reliable, and secure network infrastructures. 
• Familiarity with automation tools and scripting languages to automate network tasks. 
• Skills in identifying and optimizing network performance bottlenecks. 
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams, communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff.
• Ability to create and maintain network diagrams, documentation and manuals. 
• Experience in anticipating future network needs and planning for growth, including bandwidth, infrastructure upgrades, and hardware scaling. 
• Skills in coordinating third-party vendors for procurement, troubleshooting, and implementing networking solutions. 
• Experience in anticipating future network needs and planning for growth, including bandwidth, infrastructure upgrades, and hardware scaling.  
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop logical, effective solutions. 
• Quickly adapt to new technologies, industry stands and emerging networking trends. 
• Manage detailed configurations and changes while minimizing risk to network stability.
• Contribute to large scale network projects from planning to implementation. 
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-demand environment. 
• Design networks that can scale and evolve with the needs of the organization
• Plan, implement, and test disaster recovery strategies and ensure high availability of network services. 
• Support users and stakeholders by addressing networking issues with a focus on customer satisfaction. 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, business or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in networking infrastructure, specifically in designing and managing multiple vendor technologies (Cisco, Fortigate, CheckPoint, Palo Alto, F5) including switches, routers, wireless devices, firewalls and load balancers. 
• Ten (10) years of experience securing network infrastructure using best practice guidelines, including, CIS or NIST or other industry benchmarks.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience collaborating with value-added resellers and service providers.
• Five (5) years of managerial or supervisory experience.
• Relevant Experience with Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery (BCP/DR).

Salary : $145,743 - $218,614