Network Administrator

Steel Dynamics•Columbus, MS

17d

About The Position

The Network Administrator owns the day-to-day operation, reliability, and growth of Cisco-based network infrastructure across the division’s offices, data center, and manufacturing plant. This is a hands-on role supporting networks in a manufacturing environment. The position administers and maintains network equipment and connectivity, monitors network performance, troubleshoots complex issues, supports plant-floor and OT networks, and plans maintenance and infrastructure projects. It also maintains accurate network documentation, applies security best practices, coordinates with internal and external partners, and mentors junior IT staff. Occasional night and weekend work is required.

Requirements

Strong, hands-on Cisco expertise, including IOS/IOS-XE CLI, Catalyst switching, routing, and wireless.
In-depth knowledge of TCP/IP, IPv4 addressing and subnetting, VLANs, trunking, spanning tree, DNS, and DHCP.
Experience configuring and supporting firewalls, VPNs, and network segmentation.
Proficiency with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools, and a structured, evidence-based approach to diagnosing problems.
Strong documentation habits and clear communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work in an active industrial environment, including heat, noise, required PPE, use of lifts, network closets, and walking long distances through active production areas.
Valid driver’s license.
Associate’s degree in an IT-related field.

Nice To Haves

Cisco CCNA certification is strongly preferred; CCNP is a plus.
6–8 years of progressive network administration or engineering experience, with significant time supporting networks in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
Experience with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM).
Experience with Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) switches.
Hands-on experience with fiber optics, SFP modules, and wireless site surveys.
Experience supporting network buildouts for new facilities or major plant expansions.
Bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field.

Responsibilities

Administer, configure, and maintain Cisco routers, Catalyst switches, wireless LAN controllers and access points, and firewalls across office, data center, and plant environments.
Manage Cisco firewall and VPN connectivity to remote sites.
Implement VLANs, trunking, spanning tree, and inter-VLAN routing according to change management procedures.
Monitor network health and performance; analyze logs and alerts; and lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex connectivity, latency, and outage issues.
Support plant-floor and OT networks, partnering with OT and controls engineers to keep production systems connected, segmented, and secure.
Plan and execute maintenance, IOS upgrades, hardware refreshes, and expansion projects.
Oversee installation of switches, access points, optics, and fiber and copper cabling.
Maintain network documentation, including device inventory, IP addressing, VLANs, switch-port records, uplinks, configuration backups, and diagrams.
Apply network security best practices, including ACLs, port security, segmentation, and configuration standards.
Coordinate with system administrators, vendors, service providers, and end users.
Mentor junior IT staff.