Network Engineering Manager

Description :

Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.

Whisker is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. At Whisker, we believe pet parenthood can always get better.

As leading innovators in pet tech and refined pet accessories, we work tirelessly to solve problems and deliver smarter insights for pet parents while enriching the lives of pets. Whether it’s a self-cleaning litter box that automates scooping, an automatic feeder that helps pets develop healthier eating habits, or a modern cat tree that delights both humans and felines, we strive to deliver better solutions for consumers while transforming pet care along the way. To us, having a pet is the best thing ever. At Whisker, life together just keeps getting better.

Whisker is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Juneau, Wisconsin with 600 passionate team members.

What You’ll Do :

The Network Engineering Manager is responsible for designing, purchasing, installing, configuring, and maintaining the network infrastructure, access control, and security appliances throughout our Juneau Wisconsin campus. They will work closely with production teams, office staff, and our Michigan-based headquartered IT team with the goal of 100% uptime by following best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Procures, installs and configures all network-connected equipment including, but not limited to : firewalls, switches, routers, WiFi access points, building access-control system, security camera system, and printers

Ensures that the networking components are up to date with patches and latest firmware updates

Evaluates security of third-party vendors with equipment on-site, configures and maintains VLANs to ensure segregation of networks

Maintains and monitors internet connectivity, troubleshoots issues with providers and maintains an active / passive failover system

Evaluates lifespan of components and make recommendations for expansion or replacement for out-of-date equipment

Adds and re-routes network drops throughout the facility as we expand or reorganize shipping and production areas

Creates and maintains network diagrams and documentation of Juneau infrastructure and a knowledge base of procedures

Implements and maintains multiple SSIDs including guest-wifi access system

Manages IoT devices connected to the network, particularly in our manufacturing or shipping environments

Collaborates with the Michigan IT team to ensure VPN connectivity between locations and consistency in processes

Monitors network performance and availability, taking a proactive approach to ensure a goal of 100% uptime for in-house and remotely connected endpoints

Acts as the main point of contact for any network performance or downtime :

Communicates and provides updates to stakeholders and end clients with a sense of urgency

Resolves or escalates issues promptly

Provides root-cause analysis and puts in place preventative measures to ensure we do not have repeat issues

Proactively communicates maintenance windows and documents all changes and procedures followed

Maintains warehouse radio system, IT inventory, and procedures

Partners with vendors on large-scale installations and maintains a professional working relationship with vendors

Partners with help-desk associates to ensure team members are always able to perform their job duties using IT-provided hardware

Acts as an administrator for GSuite and other applications used by the Juneau team, modifying permissions and roles as necessary for accounts

Assembles and maintains mobile computing systems and technologies throughout the Juneau campus

Provides support for the warehouse VOIP phone system and works with our provider to ensure availability and quality of service

Assists in the deployment of new devices to team members in collaboration with our IT helpdesk team members

Sets expectations and delivers projects on time and within budget

Escalates blockers and ensures constant communication with stakeholders and leadership

Identifies areas for improvement everywhere - not just in your “swim lane” - and suggests potential solutions, assisting with implementation, where applicable

Participates in on-call rotation, acting as primary point of contact for off-shift incidents, partnering with on-call team members in resolving issues

Will perform additional responsibilities when required

Requirements : What You’ll Bring :

BS in Computer Science or related field

5 years of experience with managing a network, including firewalls, switches, and wireless access points

5 years of experience with authorization and access management

5 years of experience managing Active Directory and GPOs

CompTIA or related certifications

Expert knowledge of LAN / WAN and Wireless infrastructure

Expert knowledge in installation, configuration, and maintenance of Palo Alto and Extreme Networks equipment

Knowledge of database management and SQL skills

Understanding of web technologies and protocols

Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with a full range of positions and experience, from a facilitator / specialist to the CEO

Extreme attention to detail and highly organized

Excellent problem solving and analytical skills

Adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment as the Juneau campus has dynamic operational needs

Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal

The desire to learn constantly and dive into new areas with unfamiliar technologies

Self-organized, highly motivated and able to operate effectively with a great amount of autonomy

Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information

Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions

A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleagues

Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs)

Not Required but Nice to Have!

Cybersecurity Certification

Experience in PHP development or other coding languages

Experience in a manufacturing or shipping environment

Benefits & Purrks :

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with :

Premium Medical / Dental / Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Whisker Parents Program

1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption

Pet Insurance Discount

401K match

Flexible spending accounts

Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Generous paid time off

14 Paid Holidays

Top of the line equipment

Pet-friendly office

Whisker products and swag

Continuing education Support

On-site gym with Peloton

Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity :

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.

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