IT Network & Telecommunications – Senior/Specialist

State of Washington • King County - Shoreline, WA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a senior-level Operational Technology (OT) Network and Telecommunications specialist to support critical transportation infrastructure systems that keep Washington moving safely and efficiently. This position will provide advanced technical support, administration, security, and lifecycle management of the Northwest Region’s (NWR) OT network infrastructure, including fiber optic, copper, and wireless communication systems that connect Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and roadway operations throughout the region. In a 24/7 operational environment, this role will ensure the reliability, availability, and resilience of communications systems supporting traffic signals, dynamic message signs, ramp meters, tolling corridors, and tunnel life safety systems, including ventilation, fire detection, incident response, and emergency communications. The Network and Telecommunications Senior/Specialist also plays a key role in safeguarding OT environments through proactive network monitoring, vulnerability identification, incident response, and collaboration with regional and statewide technology teams to maintain secure, dependable, and resilient transportation operations.

Requirements

• Extensive experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and supporting enterprise network and telecommunications systems, including network infrastructure, wireless networks, and voice/data communication platforms within transportation or critical infrastructure environments.
• Experience supporting Transportation Systems Management and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), including traffic signals, ramp metering, CCTV and video systems, dynamic message signs, highway advisory radio, and associated communications technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to administer, troubleshoot, document, and support network and telecommunications systems, exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing work demands, and independently resolve complex technical issues.
• Knowledge of network architecture, wireless technologies, communications systems, and security best practices related to the design, operation, monitoring, and protection of critical network infrastructure.
• Experience providing technical consultation and performing installation, configuration, and support of network hardware, telecommunications equipment, and related software systems.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and implementing large-scale network or telecommunications upgrades, migrations, and infrastructure improvements with minimal operational disruption.
• Takes action to meet the needs of others. Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel to and from sites, long and short distances, in day and night conditions with varying weather conditions.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation, including the ability to respond 24 hours a day 7 days a week while on-call.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto networking equipment, telecommunications technologies, and WSDOT ITS network design principles and infrastructure standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical teams, stakeholders, partner agencies, and operational staff.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and research emerging technologies, product trends, system compatibilities, and industry best practices to support operational goals and compliance with applicable standards.

Responsibilities

• Procure, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network equipment and communication infrastructure.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement physical and network connectivity for field-based OT environments, including structured cabling and device deployment, in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and vendor partners.
• Provide technical support for telecommunications and network systems supporting the NWR.
• Troubleshoot and investigate reported issues within OT and ITS networks.
• Support network and communications infrastructure and collaborate with infrastructure teams and partners to address technical challenges and provide operational support, as needed.
• Travel to field work sites, including ITS hub locations, tunnels, and other facilities, to support the maintenance and repair of NWR network and telecommunications infrastructure, transporting necessary tools and equipment to perform troubleshooting and repair of networking systems.
• Support inventory management for maintenance and traffic divisions, including tracking, maintenance, and lifecycle oversight of assets.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed