Senior Network Architect

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Network Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)

Union:

Job Description:

Summary:

This position is responsible for the technical architecture and recommendations relating to the University's network infrastructure, and has a key responsibility for resolving highly complex hardware and software problems related to routers, switches, wireless access points (Wi-Fi), firewall devices, network load balancers, VoIP infrastructure, network management tools and servers, the University's Internet connections, public/private Cloud and WAN, in addition to management, analysis, bandwidth studies, and optimization and tuning of a complex network with hundreds of LAN and wireless LAN electronics located at multiple data centers and throughout all AU campuses and off-campus facilities. This position requires minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Operates University network infrastructure and incorporate state-of-the-art advances in network engineering, including the addition of new protocols and technologies and the development and deployment of new architectures to enhance the network's robustness, resilience, and flexibility. Installs, configures, monitors, maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots, and resolves highly complex network problems and technology issues as they relate to routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, in building distributed antenna system (DAS), and campus wireless voice infrastructure electronics in response to new network setups or problems. Builds and maintains network documentation in order to facilitate training and troubleshooting. Conducts research on network products, services, protocols and standards for future converged data, voice, and video applications. Evaluates and recommends specific network technology infrastructure products to provide cost-effective solutions that meet the University technology requirements and initiatives. Performs capacity planning and network analysis for performance and sizing.

• Administers University wireless network infrastructure. Provides RF engineering and optimization, coverage, and mapping, as well as managing wireless IPS and other security protocols. Installs, configures monitors, maintains, analyzes, troubleshoots, and resolves highly complex wireless network problems and technology issues. Conducts research and architects wireless products, services, protocols and standards for future converged data, voice, and video applications.

• Reviews the routers, switches, and other network infrastructure electronics software versions, and ensures timely upgrades in order to provide an uninterrupted computing environment and secure access to computing resources for staff, faculty, and students. Configures and updates routing protocols, ACLs, GLBP, VRFs, VLANs, VPNs, firewalls, policy-based routing, spanning tree protocol, L2/L3 switching, switch virtual interfaces, Aggregate Ethernet, QoS, Application Load Balancing using Global Load Balancers, etc.

• Trains other network engineers in order to meet performance objectives, enhance employee skills, and maximize performance and retention. Provides onsite assistance and mentoring to Network Engineers during the implementation of new network installations and upgrade projects on campus buildings.

• Participates in OIT management meetings and assist in planning for major OIT-wide service offerings and revisions to ensure University technology needs are met. Accomplishes other tasks as assigned by the Director of Network Operations in order to achieve the department's goals.

Competencies:

• Displaying Creativity.

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Driving Continuous Improvement.

• Acting Strategically.

• Thinking Broadly.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• 35 Hours/week.

• Exempt.

• This position requires flexibility in the employee's work schedule as this position is designated as an "essential employee," requiring frequent after hours and weekend support. Candidate must be willing to experience interrupted nights and weekends.

• Essential personnel designation: OIT staff are expected to work remotely to support the University community, during unplanned closures or emergencies.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a technically related field and a minimum of 4 years' experience is required.

• Ten years or more network experience can be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience in infrastructure/network engineering, hands on hardware and software design, planning, deployment, and administration of LANs, WLANs, and VoIP using the latest technology and security solutions required.

• Quick and concise written and oral communication skills are essential to maintain coordination with elements of the department, the University, and vendors.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• One or more networking certificates such as CCNA, CWNP, CCNP, CCDP, or CCIE.

• In-depth knowledge of Cisco router and switch technologies and configurations including Layers 3 routing protocols such as, BGP and OSPF; load balancing, firewall and VPN technologies is required; additional familiarity with Juniper routers, Palo Alto firewalls, F5 load balancers and InfoBlox DNS/DHCP is desirable. Cisco wireless network expertise would be a plus.

• 10+ years of relevant experience.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, Network Operations and works closely with the Director, Network Design and Engineering and their team of network engineers. This position plays a large role in the implementation of network-related projects and activities and coordination with other divisions within the Network Operations group, as well as with all other departments on campus to ensure the complex technological needs of the University are met.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.