Senior Network Specialist Research Infrastructure

Position Overview

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is a national scientific user facility and a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. SSRL operates an electron accelerator servicing approximately 30 x‑ray and ultraviolet beamlines to support research in microelectronics, energy storage, biological and medical sciences, Earth science, and materials science. Each beamline is tailored to specific experimental techniques that probe the structure and function of matter from atomic to millimeter scales and across time scales spanning many orders of magnitude.

This diversity requires a wide range of instrumentation, sample environment controls, and data acquisition approaches.

The SSRL Computer Operations team seeks a highly motivated Network Specialist to maintain and enhance network infrastructure across the user facility. The team provides comprehensive support for operational technology and information technology systems. SSRL mission‑critical networks enable accelerator operations and scientific data acquisition.

• Under general direction, implement routing, switching and firewall configurations.
• Develop and implement automated IT networking solutions.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
• Monitor network performance and promptly respond to infrastructure alerts to ensure optimal network stability and uptime.
• Create and maintain catalog of network scripts.
• Maintain and manage IP addresses and subnet allocations.
• Assist with maintaining and creating network documentation that includes procedures, as well as logical and physical diagrams.
• Maintain and enhance cybersecurity posture of network infrastructure while ensuring minimal impact to day‑to‑day operations.
• Collaborate directly with accelerator and beamline staff to achieve network objectives.
• Aid in managing the lifecycle of networking equipment.
• Provide network‑related input and guidance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and make recommendations for improvements.
• Interface with the DCAA group to deliver and maintain a high‑speed, robust, and secure network infrastructure.
• Work closely with network and cybersecurity teams to ensure that data paths between SSRL, the SLAC Shared Science Data Facility (S3DF), and external HPC resources have the required bandwidth, latency, monitoring, and policy compliance.

• A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field along with 5 years of relevant work experience as a network administrator.
• Ability to troubleshoot and identify issues across the OSI layers.
• Strong understanding of IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, including IP addressing, subnetting, and routing fundamentals.
• Practical experience in supporting LAN and WAN protocols.
• Experience configuring and managing DHCP servers to support client network connectivity.
• Hands‑on experience with Linux administration.
• Proficiency in SSH management.
• Experience in writing scripts to automate routine network configuration, system checks, and system backups.
• Capabilities using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools to automate networking tasks.
• Knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot fiber optic infrastructure, including cabling, transceivers, connectors, patch panels, and related components.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to communicate complex technical issues to non‑technical users.
• Experience implementing and maintaining NIST SP 800-53 security controls for information systems security compliance.

• Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• Cisco CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• Fortinet NSE 4-7 (Network Security Expert)
• RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)

• Effective Decisions:
  Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self‑Development:
  Pursues a variety of avenues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability:
  Demonstrates dependability by consistently delivering results and taking personal responsibility for outcomes.
• Initiative:
  Pursues work and interactions…