Engineer (Core Networking)

Southern Company • Birmingham, AL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Core Networking Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and operating the core IP network infrastructure within Southern Linc datacenters. This position blends IP networking and telecommunications engineering expertise to design, plan, procure, install, document, and maintain mission-critical network systems supporting Southern Linc’s 4G LTE packet cores. The engineer works collaboratively with the datacenter operations team to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize network equipment, including switches, routers, firewalls, and proprietary telecommunications systems. The role also contributes to the development and enforcement of installation and operational standards, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity best practices and organizational policies. In addition, this position provides technical leadership and guidance to the IP Networking team, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adherence to engineering best practices. The engineer serves as a subject matter expert and mentor, helping network analysts develop skills, improve processes, and ensure consistent execution of network operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science preferred.
• Other engineering degree disciplines may be considered based on relevant experience.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing IP Routing, Switching, VPN, and Firewalls.
• Minimum 2 years of experience collaborating with vendors to design solutions and install networking systems.
• Proven 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 (e.g., Wireshark).
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills, including meeting facilitation.
• Ability to innovate, adapt quickly to new challenges, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership in guiding technical teams, mentoring peers, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Thorough understanding of network fundamentals and protocols, including: OSI model, Ethernet and 802.1Q VLAN tagging, IP addressing and subnetting, TCP/UDP transport protocols, Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), VPN and security protocols (IPSec).
• In-depth knowledge of firewalls and stateful inspection concepts.
• Familiarity with network monitoring, logging, and performance management tools.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications: Cisco (CCNA, CCNP, or higher), Arista (ACE-L3 or higher).
• Firewall Management: Understanding of firewall policy management (Palo Alto preferred).
• Experience with Arista Universal Cloud Network Architecture (L3LS).
• Virtualization: Experience with VMware and NSX-T technologies.
• Telecommunications: Familiarity with LTE cellular technology, signaling, and best practices.
• Carrier Networking: Experience with carrier-grade network deployments or traffic engineering, specifically MPLS.
• Security: Understanding of intrusion prevention systems and cybersecurity best practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design future virtualized network and server infrastructure to support additional 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 and oversee 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 to support security assessments and remediate identified vulnerabilities or compliance issues.
• Collaborate with other Southern Linc departments to ensure their network and server infrastructure needs are effectively met.
• Develop and maintain documentation for technology architectures, operational processes, and configuration standards.
• Provide input into annual capital and operational (O&M) budgets, including cost estimates and capacity planning recommendations.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Visio) for documentation, analysis, and presentations.
• Schedule and deliver presentations and update meetings for upper management to communicate project progress, system performance, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the IP Networking team, setting technical direction, reviewing design and configuration work, and ensuring 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
• additional compensation, such as an incentive program

What This Job Offers

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