IT Network and Telecommunications Manager

Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority•Grand Rapids, MI

7h•$121,067 - $133,173•Onsite

About The Position

Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Airport's enterprise network and telecommunications environment. This role is responsible for supporting the organization's wired and wireless network infrastructure, telecommunications systems, network security, remote connectivity, and operational technology (OT) communications that enable critical airport operations. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring both network architecture knowledge and deep technical implementation capability, with a strong focus on enterprise networking, wireless infrastructure, telecommunications, secure connectivity, network segmentation, and operational resilience. Plays a critical role in ensuring the Airport's network and telecommunications environment is secure, reliable, scalable, and aligned with operational, regulatory, and business requirements.

Requirements

Enterprise Networking – Working knowledge of enterprise LAN, WAN, wireless networking, routing, switching, network segmentation, software-defined networking, and high-availability network design.
Telecommunications – Working knowledge of voice systems, SIP, VoIP, carrier services, distributed antenna systems (DAS), wireless technologies, fiber infrastructure, and telecommunications architecture.
Network Security – Working knowledge of firewalls, VPN technologies, network access control (NAC), Zero Trust networking, secure remote access, segmentation, and intrusion prevention technologies.
Cloud & Connectivity – Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking, hybrid connectivity, VPN gateways, ExpressRoute, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise cloud networking concepts.
Monitoring & Performance – Working knowledge of enterprise network monitoring, performance optimization, traffic analysis, troubleshooting, capacity planning, and operational support.
Strong hands-on network engineering capability.
Ability to design and implement secure, scalable, and resilient network environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to operate independently and lead network initiatives.
Strong communication skills with both technical and executive audiences.
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise networking and telecommunications.
Proven experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructure.
Demonstrated experience supporting large-scale wired, wireless, telecommunications, and secure network environments.
Candidate must be able to pass required FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience supporting Microsoft Azure networking and hybrid connectivity solutions is preferred.
Experience supporting mission-critical or regulated environments including aviation, transportation, government, or healthcare is preferred.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) (preferred)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)

Responsibilities

Designs, implements, and maintains enterprise network and telecommunications infrastructure.
Designs, implements, and supports wired, wireless, and remote connectivity solutions across airport facilities.
Configures and manages core switching, routing, firewalls, VPNs, network access control, and secure communications.
Implements and maintains network segmentation, zoning, and secure connectivity strategies supporting enterprise and operational technology (OT) environments.
Designs and supports high-availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery solutions for critical network infrastructure.
Monitors network performance, capacity, availability, and operational health.
Supports telecommunications systems, including voice, wireless, carrier services, DAS, and related communications technologies.
Collaborates with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure network architecture and implementation.
Implements Zero Trust networking principles in coordination with cybersecurity initiatives.
Supports connectivity for enterprise applications, cloud services, operational technologies, airline systems, and third-party vendors.
Ensures alignment with regulatory requirements (TSA, FAA, NIST).
Supports audits, assessments, vulnerability remediation, and network risk management activities.
Develops and maintains network standards, documentation, and operational procedures.
Evaluates networking technologies, telecommunications services, and vendor solutions.
Provides technical leadership and guidance for network and telecommunications initiatives.
Performs other related duties as assigned.