Principal Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer

Do you have the skills to fill this role Read the complete details below, and make your application today.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), System Administration and System Computing Services. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
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Job Description

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Principal Network Engineer. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Director of Infrastructure Services. The position may be located in Reno, Nevada.

The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state college, four community colleges and a research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant challenges and opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.

The Principal Network Engineer is responsible for the architecture, ongoing development, troubleshooting, and maintenance of SCS's highly available and secure state-wide network, known as Nevada Net. This network supports academic research at Nevada's leading research universities as well as statewide connectivity for community anchors and other state or public institutions.

Incumbents perform a wide range of work at the highest level of complexity utilizing sophisticated economic and technical analysis, design, installation, testing, maintenance and troubleshooting connectivity hardware and software associated with the SCS Nevada Net network, including routers, switches, fiber optic long haul transport and distribution equipment, firewalls, servers, racks, cabling and power. The incumbent also provides the highest-level data and video network engineering, operations and security support services to Nevada Net constituents as required.

Successful performance of the work requires thorough knowledge of data and video communication network design and maintenance in a large-scale networking environment and must exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.

SALARY:
* This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the candidate's education, experience, and certification/training. In addition to base salary, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Comprehensive Health Insurance: includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, an employer paid long term disability plan is included.
Outstanding Retirement Plan: professional employees are required to participate in the 401(a) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA). Employee contributions of 19.25% are matched 100% by the employer and employees experience an immediate vesting in the plan. Employees who currently or previously participated in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada may be eligible to continue in the PERS plan.
Paid Leave: generous annual leave (accrual of 2 days per month), sick leave (granted 30 days at time of hire), 12 paid holidays, and paid family leave.
Education Benefit: employees and their qualified dependents may take advantage of a tuition savings benefit. Faculty may take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate and their dependents may access an unlimited number of credits, if they meet specific criteria.
Additional Perks:
Employee assistance programs and professional development opportunities.

* Pursuant NSHE Policy: "Initial placement must fall between the minimum salary and Q2/median/mid-range on the applicable salary schedule." To view the salary range for this position, please visit:
Salary Schedules and select Administrative Faculty, Grade

D.

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE:
March 1, 2026

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors degree in computer science or related field with eight (8) years of relevant experience is preferred. Alternatively, twelve (12) or more years of direct experience in the position's primary areas of expertise for a multi-user, complex enterprise may be substituted.

PREFERANCE:
Experience in higher education is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities. It is recommended that applicants for this position address each of the following items in the letter of application:
Expertise in communicating information on standards, security, protocols and other issues related to network functioning to technical staff and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience leading individuals and teams,…