Lead Network Service Optimization Engineer

Overview

Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.

The Lead Network Service Optimization Engineer is a key member of Princeton University's network services team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Network Assurance Services, this role is responsible for optimizing the University's building aggregation, core and access layer routing, and switching operations. Additionally, the Engineer is also responsible for continuous improvement of products and services associated with firewalls, load balancers and IP address management (IPAM) solutions.

The goal of the Lead Network Service Optimization Engineer is to continually improve network configurations, proactively monitor for potential issues, and provide recommendations for enhancements and improvements. To achieve this, the Lead Network Service Optimization Engineer works closely with the Associate Director to establish and monitor Service Level Agreements. This involves measuring and tracking performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and providing regular updates to the Associate Director.

The Lead Network Service Optimization Engineer collaborates with key colleagues in the Office of Information Technology (OIT), academic and administrative departments, and students to understand their IT needs and translate them into effective network solutions. The Service Optimization Engineer is instrumental in enabling the continuous improvement of network operations. Together with the Associate Director, the Service Optimization Engineer works closely with teams in OIT, Facilities, the Department of Public Safety, and other areas to design and maintain secure and reliable network services including network services for the University's critical infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Audits and Assessment

• Lead the technical assessment of the campus network to identify and prioritize areas for continuous optimization and redundancy in support of the University mission.
• Review and enhance existing operational network and network security solutions to ensure hosted / on-premises system security and high availability.
• Perform regular network audits on the entire stack and work with vendors to assess current hardware and software configurations and identify areas of improvement.
• After areas of improvement have been addressed, test and validate the best practice configurations in the lab and implement subsequent changes in the production environment following OIT’s change management process.
• Ensure compliance with network security policies, procedures, and standards through routine security assessments and updates.
• Monitor network performance and proactively identify potential issues, developing and implementing solutions to maintain a high level of network stability and uptime.
• Develop and maintain network documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Provide training and support to IT staff to ensure consistency and continuity in network operations.
• Continuously assess and improve network resilience and redundancy plans, prepare and conduct disaster recovery exercises to ensure preparedness in the event of a network failure.
• Maintain relationships with external network service providers and monitor service level agreements, escalating and resolving issues as needed.
• Implement best practice recommendations.

Operations and Support

Technical and Project Leadership

Administrative

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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