Engineer (Core Networking)

Southern Company • Birmingham, AL

19h

About The Position

The Core Networking Engineer designs, implements, and operates the core IP network infrastructure in Southern Linc datacenters. The role combines IP networking and telecommunications engineering to design, plan, procure, install, document, and maintain mission-critical network systems supporting Southern Linc’s 4G LTE packet cores.

Working with the datacenter operations team, the engineer monitors, troubleshoots, and optimizes network equipment, including switches, routers, firewalls, and proprietary telecommunications systems. The role helps develop and enforce installation and operational standards in accordance with cybersecurity best practices and organizational policies.

The engineer also provides technical leadership to the IP Networking team as a subject matter expert and mentor, guiding network analysts, supporting knowledge sharing, improving processes, and promoting consistent, standards-aligned network operations.

Requirements

• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing IP routing, switching, VPNs, and firewalls.
• Minimum 2 years of experience collaborating with vendors to design solutions and install networking systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex network issues, including root-cause analysis and performance optimization.
• Experience maintaining and monitoring enterprise-level network infrastructure using Syslog, SNMP, or other network monitoring protocols and tools.
• Proficiency with network traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark.
• Organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills, including meeting facilitation.
• Ability to innovate, adapt to new challenges, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Leadership experience guiding technical teams, mentoring peers, and promoting continuous improvement.
• Thorough understanding of network fundamentals and protocols, including the OSI model, Ethernet and 802.1Q VLAN tagging, IP addressing and subnetting, TCP/UDP, OSPF, BGP, VPN and IPSec security protocols.
• In-depth knowledge of firewalls and stateful inspection concepts.
• Familiarity with network monitoring, logging, and performance management tools.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Visio.
• A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science is preferred; other engineering disciplines may be considered based on relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Cisco certification (CCNA, CCNP, or higher) or Arista certification (ACE-L3 or higher).
• Understanding of firewall policy management; Palo Alto experience is preferred.
• Experience with Arista Universal Cloud Network Architecture (L3LS).
• Experience with VMware and NSX-T technologies.
• Familiarity with LTE cellular technology, signaling, and best practices.
• Experience with carrier-grade network deployments or traffic engineering, especially MPLS.
• Understanding of intrusion prevention systems and cybersecurity best practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design future virtualized network and server infrastructure to support capacity, scalability, and lifecycle upgrades.
• Maintain and optimize installed core network infrastructure by keeping systems current, monitoring performance, projecting capacity needs, and troubleshooting issues.
• Manage assigned capital projects, ensuring timely execution, budget compliance, and alignment with business objectives.
• Research and evaluate emerging hardware and software technologies through proof-of-concept testing and recommend potential adoption.
• Partner with IT Security on security assessments and remediate identified vulnerabilities or compliance issues.
• Collaborate with Southern Linc departments to meet their network and server infrastructure needs.
• Develop and maintain documentation for technology architectures, operational processes, and configuration standards.
• Provide input to annual capital and operational budgets, including cost estimates and capacity-planning recommendations.
• Use Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, and Visio, for documentation, analysis, and presentations.
• Schedule and deliver presentations and update meetings for upper management on project progress, system performance, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the IP Networking team, set technical direction, review design and configuration work, and ensure alignment with organizational standards and security policies.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees.
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• Potential eligibility for additional compensation through an incentive program, subject to the applicable plan terms and conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level