Network Engineer
About The Position
Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators. Van Andel Institute is seeking a motivated and curious Network Engineer to join our collaborative IT infrastructure team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career network professional who wants to build hands-on experience in a mission-driven research environment supporting world-class biomedical science and education. In this role, you will help maintain and support a primarily Cisco-based network architecture that enables cutting-edge research in cancer, Parkinson’s disease, epigenetics, and structural biology. Your work will directly support laboratories, high-performance computing, scientific instrumentation, and global research collaboration. If you are someone who enjoys solving technical problems, learning from experienced engineers, and contributing to a team that values reliability and innovation, we encourage you to apply.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- 0–2 years of IT or networking experience (internships and lab experience welcome)
- Foundational knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs)
- Familiarity with Cisco networking equipment or Cisco coursework (CCNA coursework a plus)
- Strong troubleshooting mindset and willingness to learn
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to Cisco IOS or Cisco Meraki environments
- Experience in a research, healthcare, or higher education environment
- Basic understanding of network security concepts
Responsibilities
- Monitor and maintain campus LAN/WAN, wireless, voice and data center network systems
- Support Cisco switches, routers, firewalls, voice and wireless infrastructure
- Assist with network provisioning for lab spaces, research instruments, and office environments
- Troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues affecting scientists, staff, and students
- Perform configuration updates, patching, and hardware deployments
- Document network diagrams, configurations, and standard operating procedures
- Participate in change management and incident response processes
- Collaborate closely with systems, cybersecurity, and research computing teammates
Benefits
- All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One!
- VAI offers a competitive benefits package.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
