The Network Engineer - NetDevOps/Automation is responsible for the development and implementation of software to automate network operations tasks. This position will work closely with the network engineering and operations teams to integrate network automation and orchestration into network projects and IT projects. Provides support to IT groups and customers for complex technical communications networks.

About the Team:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.

The Network Design and Engineering unit is responsible for the design and health of the communications networks at Vanderbilt University. This unit works closely with other information technology teams and customers to meet the voice and data needs of the university. This group’s responsibilities include wired and wireless network connectivity, support of the high-performance research network, data center networking, Internet, I2 (research), and service provider services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Participate in network design and implementation (20%):

• Participate in the development and implementation of reliable, and secure network architectures.
• Assist in the analysis of network needs for projects, including costs and utilization.
• Recommend equipment and software configurations.
• Provide technical guidance to customers and departmental staff.
• Follow appropriate processes and change management.
• Document network designs, configurations, and automation processes.

Develop network automation and monitoring tools (60%):

• Assist in the development of network automation solutions based on best practices and a model driven approach.
• Design, develop, and maintain automation scripts, tools, and platforms to enhance network operations.
• Work with network engineers and operations to understand workflows, identify repetitive tasks, and provide automated solutions.
• Identify processes to be automated to monitor applications minimize failures or degraded performance, and alert operations to problems.
• Stay current with emerging networking technologies and DevOps practices.

Troubleshoot and resolve complex network problems (20%):

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automation tools and scripts.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and provide solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency. 
• Investigate software-related problems and resolve those within the scope of authority.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Network Services Associate Director.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, related experience is necessary
• Cisco CCNA certification is necessary
• DevNet Associate is necessary
• 1 or more of the following certifications preferred:
  • Cisco CCNP (Enterprise, Collaboration)
  • DevNet Professional
  • Aruba Mobility – ACMA
  • Aruba Campus Access – ACA
  • Aruba Clearpass – ACCA 
  • CompTIA Linux
  • Audiocodes Session Border Controller
  • Audiocodes Route Manager

Qualifications:

• 3 years of system configuration and network support experience is necessary
• Experience in programming/scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or Shell is necessary
• Linux knowledge is required, including shell scripting is necessary
• Database and SQL experience is preferred
• A solid understanding of software design principles is preferred
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) is preferred
• Knowledge of APIs and web services (REST, SOAP) is preferred
• Experience with network observability tools (e.g., Grafana, Telegraf, Nagios, etc) is preferred

Information Technology’s Guiding Principles:

• Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand. 
• Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity, accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.
• Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos. 
• Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive, self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.
• Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.
• Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university. 
• Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.
• Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.