Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer

Position Summary:

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise wireless and wired network infrastructure across the university. The role serves as a technical expert in wireless networking, ensuring high availability, performance, and security while supporting academic, research, and administrative operations. The position also plays a key role in automation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of network services in a dynamic campus environment.

• Network Design & Management:
  Design, implement, and manage secure, high-performance wireless, LAN, and WAN network infrastructure, including RF design, site surveys, and capacity planning. Deploy Wi‑Fi, cellular, microwave systems, routers, switches, firewalls, and automation platforms for configuration management, monitoring, and incident response.
• Orchestration, Automation, and Network Engineering:
  Develop and maintain network automation and orchestration solutions using Python, Ansible, APIs, and Infrastructure‑as‑Code frameworks. Integrate automation platforms with network management and security systems.
• Metrics, Monitoring, and Performance Optimization:
  Create and manage network metrics, telemetry, and monitoring solutions. Design dashboards and KPIs; collaborate with cross‑functional teams to analyze data, set benchmarks, and drive continuous improvements.
• Tier 3 Network, Security, and Automation Support:
  Provide Tier 3 support for complex network and security issues. Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve advanced problems related to performance, configuration, interoperability, automation workflows, and cybersecurity across technologies such as Wi‑Fi, cellular, microwave, and wired Ethernet systems.

• Five (5) or more years of experience supporting enterprise wireless and wired network infrastructure in a higher‑education or large‑campus environment.
• Strong knowledge of networking technologies (routing, switching, wireless, firewalling, 802.1X, RADIUS, NAC, automation, monitoring, metrics and telemetry, and security architectures).
• Hands‑on experience with Aruba, Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Clearpass, Libre
  
  NMS, Grafana, Netbox, Ansible, Python, Ekahau, and Air Magnet.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues, automate processes, create detailed documentation, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

• Work on large‑scale, complex network environments that support a major research university.
• Play a key role in shaping and advancing wireless networking strategy and innovation across a dynamic campus.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team with opportunities to mentor others and expand your leadership influence.
• Work hands‑on with cutting-edge technologies, including network automation, telemetry, and advanced security design.

• Downtown COLA
  
  Location:
  
  Enjoy working in the heart of Columbia, SC.
• Energetic Leadership:
  Thrive under an innovative leadership team dedicated to transforming IT at USC.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  Competitive salary, state retirement plan, and generous health benefits.
• Work-Life Balance:
  Paid time off, university holidays, and flexible work opportunities.
• Professional Growth:
  Access to training, certifications, and career development resources.

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job-related field and 4 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field and 5 years of professional network engineering experience; or equivalent.
• Professional certifications such as Cisco CCNP Enterprise/CCNA, Aruba ACMP/ACSP, Juniper JNCIS/JNCIP, CWNA/CWNP, or Fortinet Certified Professional with NSE4 (Forti
  
  OS Administrator) and NSE5 (Secure Networking).
• Experience with Aruba networking, Juniper, wireless systems, wireless controllers, and RF design tools (Ekahau, Air Magnet) at an enterprise level.
• Ex…