Senior Network Engineer

GreatAmerica Financial Services•Cedar Rapids, IA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Network Engineer role provides superior customer service while being primarily responsible for the planning, design and development of the networking and firewall Infrastructure in support of core organizational needs. This individual is responsible for the daily operations and design of GreatAmerica’s networking and firewall infrastructure ensuring the stability, integrity and effectiveness of in-house and cloud-based information systems. This position will serve as an escalation target for complex issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in the field of computer science/MIS or equivalent experience.
5+ years supporting network infrastructure and firewall components.
Demonstrated experience supporting a Cisco based switched network infrastructure including Catalyst and Nexus platforms.
Demonstrated experience supporting Cisco VPNs including site-to-site and client VPNs.
Demonstrated experience managing and configuring Check Point, Fortinet or Cisco firewalls.
Demonstrated experience with routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP.
Strong knowledge of networking protocols and services, including TCP/IP, VLANs, STP, routing, NAT, DHCP, and DNS.
Experience in supporting cloud networking (Microsoft Azure preferred).
Experience in developing systems architecture plans.
Hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience.
Proven project planning and management experience.
Able to read and understand technical manuals and procedural documentation.
Ability to conduct research into emerging technologies and trends, standards, and products as required.
Ability to operate tools, components, and peripheral accessories.
Ability to provide technical leadership without direct authority.
Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Strong written communication skills, including technical and procedural documentation.
High level of customer service orientation and professionalism.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Industry-recognized certifications such as CCNA, CCSA or Network+ preferred.

Responsibilities

Configure and troubleshoot advanced networking equipment such as Cisco switches, Cisco routers, Cisco ASA firewalls, Meraki wireless devices, Check Point firewalls and other enterprise-grade hardware.
Implement and manage secure VPN configurations using IPsec, SSL/TLS protocols, and VPN management tools to facilitate remote access while maintaining robust security standards.
Design, deploy and maintain a scalable network infrastructure including LAN, WAN, cloud-based networking in Azure and firewall infrastructure.
Monitor network performance using tools like SolarWinds and PRTG to identify bottlenecks or vulnerabilities; perform capacity planning for high availability and load balancing solutions.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex equipment issues involving Cisco switches, Cisco routers, Cisco ASA firewalls, Meraki wireless devices, Check Point firewalls and other IT infrastructure components.
Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, configurations, policies, and procedures; support disaster recovery planning and high availability configurations.
Collaborate with other IT staff to ensure smooth and reliable operations of GreatAmerica’s network and firewall infrastructure.
Work with executive team members, decision makers, and stakeholders to define business requirements and to identify and resolve system issues.
Plan, design, and deliver new networks and enhancements to existing systems.
Conduct research on emerging technologies and recommend technologies.
Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing network and firewall infrastructure systems.
Develop a roadmap for improving and further leveraging GreatAmerica’s network including capacity planning.
Ensure transparency by developing KPI that measures the effectiveness of network and firewall systems.
Develop and maintain a personal development plan.
Actively participate in the budgeting process.
Cultivate relationships with vendors, GreatAmerica employees and all key stakeholders.
Create system design proposals.
Conduct research on software and systems to justify recommendations.
Interact with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure system-related products and services and ensure timely delivery of services.
Review new and existing systems design projects for compliance with standards and architectural plans.
Deliver required service levels and provide exceptional customer service.
Develop, recommend, follow and implement processes and procedures for the management and support of infrastructure services in accordance with ITIL standards.
Respond to and resolve alerts and issues identified.
Mentor and/or provide support to team members.
Design and perform security audits, system backup procedures, and other recovery processes in accordance with the company’s disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
Develop and maintain documentation as it relates to system configuration, mapping, processes, service records, policies, procedures and associated training and support documentation.
Monitor and track the effectiveness and efficiency of existing network and firewall systems.
Ensure stable and efficient connectivity of all infrastructure equipment.
Anticipate, identify, troubleshoot, and resolve network and firewall hardware and software problems.
Schedule and perform improvements, upgrades, patches and reconfigurations.
Provide orientation and training to stakeholders for all modified and new systems.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation
Monthly Bonuses for Eligible Employees
401(k) and Company Match
Annual Profit Sharing
Paid Vacation - starting at 80 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.
Paid Sick Days - Ten (10) per year with a conversion option for unused time.
Ten (10) Paid Holidays per year
Gym Reimbursement
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short-Term and Long Term Disability
Company Paid Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Employee Assistance Program
Parental Leave
Tuition Assistance
Networking Opportunities
Leadership Development Opportunities
Paid Parking
Service Awards
Hybrid work arrangements
Business casual environment