Lead Network & Telecommunications Engineer

Position Summary: 

Alamance-Burlington School System is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Network & Telecommunications Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing and optimizing complex network infrastructures, including firewalls, WAN, IP address management, wireless, network monitoring, remote access solutions, and telecommunication systems. The Lead Network Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the security, reliability, and performance of our organization's network systems, as well as overseeing the management and optimization of critical services such as VoIP, cell phones, hotspots, and IP intercom systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Firewall Management: Oversee the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of firewall solutions to ensure a secure network environment.
• WAN / Spectrum / MCNC Management: Manage and troubleshoot wide-area network (WAN) configurations, including MetroEthernet and MCNC networks, ensuring seamless connectivity across multiple locations.
• Networking: Design, implement, and maintain network architecture for optimal performance and reliability across local and wide-area networks.
• IP Address Management and Subnets: Manage IP address allocation, subnetting, and overall IP address management strategy to support organizational needs.
• Network Management and Monitoring Software/Hardware: Utilize network management tools to monitor network health, identify performance bottlenecks, and proactively resolve issues.
• Filtering: Assist in supporting content and traffic filtering solutions to ensure secure network usage and prevent unauthorized access.
• DNS Management: Support the optimization of DNS services to ensure reliable domain name resolution and smooth access to internal and external services.
• DHCP Management: Support the implementation and configuration of DHCP services, ensuring proper IP address allocation and management across the network.
• Wireless Access: Ensure the deployment, management, and optimization of wireless access points and related technologies to provide seamless connectivity across the organization.
• Switches - Access Layer: Oversee and manage access layer switches, ensuring efficient traffic flow and high availability of network resources.
• Remote Access to Internal Systems (VPNs): Design and maintain secure remote access solutions such as VPNs, enabling safe access to internal systems and resources for remote workers.
• Core Switching and Routing: Administer and optimize core switching and routing infrastructure to ensure network scalability and high-performance routing for internal and external traffic.
• UPS Management and Maintenance: Oversee the installation, maintenance, and testing of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to ensure continuous network operation during power disruptions.
• Erate Compliance: Support and ensure compliance with the Erate program requirements for network-related projects, including funding and documentation processes.
• Certificate Management (DigiCert): Manage and oversee the deployment, renewal, and overall administration of digital certificates (DigiCert) for securing network communications.
• Cell Phones: Manage the organization’s mobile phone network, including device provisioning, network integration, and troubleshooting mobile connectivity issues.
• VoIP Phones / Voicemail: Oversee the configuration, management, and maintenance of VoIP phone systems, voicemail solutions, and related telecommunication services to ensure optimal voice quality and reliability.
• ENA SmartFAX: Administer the ENA SmartFAX solution, ensuring seamless fax integration, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• ENA SmartVoice: Manage the ENA SmartVoice platform, optimizing VoIP solutions, ensuring proper configuration and integration with internal communication systems.
• Hotspots: Configure, maintain, and optimize mobile hotspot solutions to ensure reliable internet access for students or staff in remote locations.
• IP Intercom (Algo): Oversee the deployment and maintenance of IP intercom systems (Algo), ensuring they function smoothly and integrate with existing network infrastructure.
• Networked AV Support:  Provide assistance to support the delivery of audio and video solutions across network systems
• Related IT Support: Provide collaborative support for other telecommunications and network functions as well as other workgroups and responsibilities in the Technology Department, as needed. 

Required Qualifications:

• Industry Certification, 2 - Yr Related Technical Degree, or equivalent successful work experience
• Proven experience (5 years) as a network engineer with at least 2 years in a district or company support and lead role.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPN.
• Experience managing firewalls, switches, and routing hardware and software.
• Proficiency with network management tools and monitoring software (e.g., SolarWinds, Meraki).
• Strong understanding of IP address management, subnetting, and Cisco switch and router configuration.
• Experience with mobile phone networks and management of mobile devices.
• Extensive experience with VoIP systems, voicemail configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with ENA SmartFAX, ENA SmartVoice, and related telecommunication platforms.
• Experience configuring and maintaining wireless networks, including hotspots and mobile solutions.
• Knowledge of IP intercom systems, particularly Algo products.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network , or similar.
• Experience with Transport MetroEthernet topologies and service providers and MCNC WAN management.
• Advanced knowledge of network security principles and solutions.

Work Environment:

• This position may require occasional travel between office and school site locations.
• On-call or after-hours support may be required to resolve urgent network issues.