Network Systems Engineer

Job Summary: Ensures the stability and integrity of in-house VoIP telephone, data, video, and wireless network services. This is achieved by planning, designing, and developing local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) across the organization. In addition, participates with the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links. This individual will also analyze and resolve network hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end user training where required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Strategy and Planning Collaborate with executive management and department leaders to assess near- and long-term network capacity needs. Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records. Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery. Acquisition and Deployment Design and deploy company LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, hubs, switches, UPSs, and other hardware. Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry. Oversee new and existing equipment, hardware, and software upgrades. Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services. Operational Management Configure networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes. Integrate IP telephony systems with enterprise LANs, WANs, wireless LANs, and other Internet-based services and protocols. Monitor and analyze network performance across the organizations LANs, WANs, and wireless deployments. Troubleshoot problem areas as needed. Oversee installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end user workstation hardware, software, and peripheral devices. Ensure network connectivity of all servers, workstations, telephony equipment, fax machines, and other network appliances. Monitor and identify capacity and performance issues for VoIP traffic to ensure continued, uninterrupted operation of telephony systems. Manage servers, including database, e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software. Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information. Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports. Participate in managing all network security solutions. Perform server and security audits, and system backups and recovery. Manage and/or provide guidance to junior members of the team. Required Skills To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Proven experience and success with LAN, WAN, WLAN, and WWAN design and implementation. Proven experience with network capacity planning, network security principles, and general network management best practices. Strong proven working knowledge of Linux/Ubuntu OS administration Strong hands-on knowledge of SIP, H.323, TCP/IP Strong, hands-on technical knowledge of network and PC operating systems, including windows server 2003, 2008, XP, WIN7. Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and Internet standards, including Cisco devices, VMware, and firewalls. Excellent hardware troubleshooting experience. Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws. Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail. Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities. Able to effectively prioritize t sks in a high-pressure environment. Required Experience Education and/or Experience Bachelors degree in computer science or Information Systems and/or 10 years equivalent work experience. A thorough knowledge of Linux/Ubuntu operating system administration required Familiarity with open source technologies and managing firewalls/network switches preferred Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Microsoft or Cisco certifications preferred