Network Systems Analyst/Engineer (Butte, MT preferred, other Montana service locations may be considered)

Network Systems Analyst/Engineer

Work Location: Butte, MT preferred, other Montana service locations may be considered

Pay range: $54,000 to $121,800 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

A Network Systems position is an integral part of the Business Technology Team and plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of the organization's network infrastructure. The responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks related to managing and maintaining the network that supports the utility's critical services.

The successful candidate will work in a matrixed team environment (networking, technical support, security, applications, and enterprise architecture) in designing, implementing, troubleshooting, and supporting IP Networks for NorthWestern Energy. A Network Systems position plays a vital role in maintaining a robust and reliable network infrastructure, which is essential for delivering critical services to customers and supporting the efficient operations of the organization.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,500 amazing people and serve 775,300 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

Network Design Installation, Configuration, Security and Planning:

• Design, develop, and implement network architecture to support utility operations.
• Plan for network expansion and scalability to accommodate future growth and technology advancements
• Ensure network redundancy and disaster recovery measures to maintain service continuity.
• Install, configure, and maintain network hardware, including routers, switches, and other network devices
• Set up and optimize network protocols, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VPLS and VOIP
• Implement and maintain network security measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data

Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Continuously monitor network performance, availability, and reliability
• Identify and resolve network issues, including connectivity problems, bandwidth constraints, and packet loss
• Implement network monitoring tools to proactively address potential problems

Network Maintenance and Upgrades, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity and Documentation:

• Conduct routine maintenance tasks to ensure the network's optimal performance
• Plan and execute network hardware and software upgrades as necessary
• Keep network equipment and software up to date with security patches and firmware updates
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime in case of network failures or disasters
• Conduct regular backup and recovery tests to validate the effectiveness of recovery strategies
• Create and update network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and inventory records
• Maintain records of network changes, configurations, and historical performance data.

Vendor and Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with vendors and service providers to ensure the utility's network requirements are met.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal stakeholders to align network solutions with business goals

Compliance and Regulations:

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards related to network security and data protection
• Participate in audits and assessments to verify adherence to regulatory requirements.

Training and Support:

• Provide training and support to end-users and technology staff regarding network-related issues and best practices
• Troubleshoot and resolve user-reported network problems promptly

Performance Optimization and Capacity Planning:

• Continuously assess and optimize network performance, identifying and implementing enhancements to meet utility needs and performance goals
• Analyze network traffic patterns and usage to plan for capacity upgrades and improvements as required

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Work closely with other teams and departments to ensure seamless integration of network services with other utility systems
• Work on-call rotations as defined
• Travel required up to 10% of time
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety, physical security, and cyber security standards
• Must adhere to the NorthWestern Energy's Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.
• Preferred (not Required) Certifications include: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA),CompTIA Network , Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP),Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM)
• Communicates well both orally and in writing
  • Communicates highly technical information to non-technical people
  • Corresponds with colleagues, managers, and business partners at a professional level
• Applies mathematical concepts to calculate percentages, financials, and predictions
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers and business partners

Requisition #4231

Posting Dates: January 21, 2025 through February 4, 2025

Department/Division: Business Technology

Employment Physical: Not Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: Part-time within NorthWestern energy service territory negotiable

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com.

Salary : $54,000 - $121,800