Information Technology Specialist II - Network & Communications Engineer

Network & Communications Engineer

The City of Irvine seeks an experienced Network & Communications Engineer to be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team. The selected individual must have a strong learning aptitude and willingness to learn new technologies. The successful candidate will need to pass a Public Safety polygraph exam as part of the recruitment process.

Your Impact

• Design and architect complex network solutions based on business requirements and industry best practices.
• Lead the implementation and deployment of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAPs, and VPN concentrators.
• Configure, optimize, and maintain network components to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance.
• Continuously monitor network performance, proactively identifying and resolving issues to minimize downtime and optimize efficiency.
• Utilize network monitoring tools and traffic analysis techniques to troubleshoot and enhance network traffic flow and bandwidth utilization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for troubleshooting complex network issues escalated from junior engineers and support teams.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve network-related incidents and problems.
• Perform capacity planning exercises to forecast network growth and ensure scalability for future business needs.
• Recommend, plan, and implement network upgrades and enhancements to support increased bandwidth and new technologies.
• Manage relationships with vendors, service providers, and contractors, ensuring optimal service delivery.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement of network hardware and services.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers and support staff, fostering professional development.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Ensure network infrastructure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., CLETS, CJIS).
• Implement and enforce network security policies, procedures, and controls to safeguard sensitive data and ensure data integrity.
• Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management on network performance, project status, and improvement recommendations.
• Participate in on-call rotation and promptly respond to critical incidents during non-business hours including nights and during weekends.
• Ensure highly available internet connectivity at all City sites.
• Find additional information in the Information Technology Specialist II job description.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field and five (5) years of information technology experience, with one of those years acting in a lead or expert capacity performing a variety of progressively responsible technical or analytical tasks for computer systems or services in one or more functional areas, or a closely related or emerging information technology field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Best Fit

• Advanced knowledge of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.
• Expertise in network hardware including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and proxy servers.
• Experience in designing and implementing complex network architectures that align with business needs.
• Experience planning and implementing SD-WAN.
• Strong understanding of scalable network design principles for high availability and performance.
• Proficiency in implementing and maintaining network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and access control policies.
• Familiarity with security best practices and compliance requirements (e.g., CLETS, CJIS).
• Familiarity with wireless networking standards (e.g., 802.11ac, 802.11ax) and technologies and experience in designing and securing wireless networks for optimal performance and coverage.
• Strong understanding of access control models and network security frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., Logic Monitor, Solar Winds).
• Solid expertise in network operating systems (e.g., Cisco IOS).
• Advanced troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues efficiently.
• Able to mentor junior engineers and teach advanced troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Experience in implementing QoS policies to prioritize network traffic and optimize performance for critical applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Proficiency in creating and maintaining detailed network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Ability…