IT Network and Telecommunications - Senior/Specialist

State of Washington•King County - Shoreline, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a senior-level Operational Technology (OT) Network and Telecommunications professional to support the reliability, security, and resilience of critical transportation infrastructure across the Northwest Region. This position plays a vital role in keeping the communications networks that connect traffic management, roadway, facility, and tunnel life-safety systems operating safely and reliably in a 24/7 environment. Through proactive network management, security, and incident response, this position helps ensure dependable connectivity for transportation systems and public safety stakeholders. The work directly supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for the traveling public. This position supports agency-wide, mission-critical network and telecommunications infrastructure that directly impacts agency staff, partner agencies, and the traveling public. Failure to effectively perform these duties could result in system disruptions, security incidents, data loss, or loss of critical IT and OT functionality affecting traffic operations, tunnel systems, tolling, and other essential transportation services. Such impacts could lead to roadway or facility closures, loss of revenue, legal and reputational consequences, and significant risks to public safety, including potential injury or loss of life. While this position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options it will require in-person work in Shoreline, WA at least 2 days a week.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and administering network and telecommunications systems, including network infrastructure, wireless networks, voice/data communication platforms, and fiber systems.
Ability to translate business requirements into network architecture solutions across legacy, current, and future environments.
Demonstrated experience troubleshooting, documenting, managing assets, and resolving complex network and telecommunications issues using sound judgment and independent decision-making.
Advanced knowledge of network protocols, routing and switching technologies, firewalls, and network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
Experience providing technical network consulting and installing, configuring, and supporting a wide range of IT hardware and software.
Experience planning and executing network and telecommunications upgrades or migrations with minimal operational disruption.
Experience with Transportation Systems Management and associated technologies, including traffic operations such as ramp metering, signal systems, and Active Traffic Management (ATM).
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with customers and peers across multiple lines of business and take action to meet the needs of others.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Knowledge of WSDOT ITS and tolling network architecture, components, and systems supporting the NWR TMC.
Knowledge of WSDOT fiber design standards and compliance requirements, data communications and protocols, including copper and fiber Ethernet and serial communications.
Knowledge of servers, workstations, networking systems, web applications, and wireless technologies, including network design, architecture, best practices, and security requirements.
Specialized knowledge of traffic and ITS systems, including ramp meters, traffic signals, CCTV/video systems, field data stations, detection systems, dynamic message signs, highway advisory radio, and satellite, cellular, microwave, and telephone communications.
Ability to plan, develop, analyze, and lead business and technical initiatives; coordinate with WSDOT organizations to support diverse business needs and integrate new technologies into existing systems.
Ability to analyze, diagnose, and resolve issues across workstation, server, network, hardware, and software systems; work independently to support operations.
Ability to assess technology risks and vulnerabilities, apply appropriate mitigation strategies and safeguards, conduct security testing, and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and compliance of IT and ITS systems.
Proficiency with remote access technologies, including SSH (PuTTY), VPN, and IPsec; ability to review ITS plans and specifications for fiber and wireless connectivity of IT and OT devices.
Ability to develop, review, and update technical procedures, documentation, system evaluations, and compliance records in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, standards, and security requirements.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally, lead discussions, facilitate collaboration, and represent and advocate for WSDOT business needs with peers, stakeholders, vendors, and diverse groups.
Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining composure and effectiveness under high-pressure situations.
Ability to research and evaluate technology trends, products, developments, and compatibility to support organizational goals and adherence to applicable standards.
Ability to provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to IT and ITS staff as needed.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto networking equipment.
Knowledge of WSDOT ITS design principles and network structure.
Experience applying project management principles and best practices to network and telecommunications implementations.
Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Strong organizational skills and a proactive, resourceful, efficient, and detail-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

Assess customer networking needs; conduct site surveys; evaluate topology, cabling, environmental requirements, and viable networking solutions.
Design, procure, install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and manage the full lifecycle of network and telecommunications equipment and infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls and fiber optic, copper, and wireless systems.
Plan, coordinate, and implement physical and network connectivity for field-based OT and ITS environments, including structured cabling, device deployment, and integration of new technologies in collaboration with operations, maintenance, project offices, vendors, and technical partners.
Monitor network and telecommunications service performance; provide advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of escalated OT/ITS connectivity issues, including restoration of core network services and damaged fiber optic networks during emergency events.
Support the health, performance, reliability, and security of regional ITS networks and communications infrastructure, coordinating with agency customers, circuit providers, TSD partners, and regional and statewide technical teams to ensure service continuity.
Maintain telecommunications standards, procedures, architecture, technical documentation, network diagrams, system mapping, and GIS-based records for copper, fiber optic, conduit, and associated infrastructure assets.
Manage multiple network and telecommunications projects, establishing priorities, developing schedules, monitoring progress, coordinating vendors and technical services, and participating in contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Manage network equipment inventory and asset lifecycle, including receiving, tracking, documenting, maintaining, and updating technology assets and IT service management (ITSM) records in support of maintenance, traffic, and tolling divisions.