Sr Network Systems Engineer

Houston ISD • Houston, TX

2d • $76,479 - $126,191 • Onsite

About The Position

Operates and supports enterprise network, wireless, telecommunications, and data communications systems. Plans, designs, implements, and maintains networked systems, including routing, switching, wireless, network access control, monitoring, and security technologies. Supports complex network troubleshooting and coordinates with vendors for the installation and support of network infrastructure. This position is expected to stay current on emerging networking technologies, cybersecurity best practices, and infrastructure management. Serves as a technical expert in the design, implementation, and support of large-scale enterprise networks. Requires advanced knowledge of Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switching, Nexus data center platforms, ASR routing platforms, wireless controllers, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst Center, and SolarWinds. Must possess strong routing and switching skills, including OSPF and BGP, and have experience supporting large, complex network environments. Preferred experience includes firewalls, VPN technologies, cloud networking, VoIP systems, and network automation. Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Supports and designs networks in a modern enterprise environment while collaborating with vendors and technical experts. Use of this job family outside of centralized IT requires approval from the Chief Technology Information Officer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, relevant work experience of four years in addition to the minimum experience requirement of 7 years.
• 7+ years of work experience.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of enterprise networking technologies and applies professional concepts and organizational objectives to resolve complex technical issues.
• Demonstrates expertise in routing, switching, wireless networking, network access control, monitoring, and infrastructure management within large-scale enterprise environments.
• Experienced with Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switching, Nexus platforms, ASR routing platforms, wireless controllers, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst Center, and SolarWinds.
• Strong understanding of OSPF and BGP routing protocols, network design, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging networking technologies, cybersecurity best practices, and automation.
• Formal network and systems engineering skills acquired.
• No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. Senior level positions are expected to provide work guidance, technical advice, training, and mentoring to other employees. These positions are expected to share information with less senior positions as they help them develop their skills.
• Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.
• Compiles and organizes data and figures.
• Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
• Decisions have significant impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials or equipment.
• Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, vendors, and managers.
• Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree graduate coursework preferred.
• Preferred experience includes firewalls, VPN technologies, cloud networking, VoIP systems, and network automation.
• Industry certifications such as CCNP Enterprise, CCIE, or equivalent certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and supports enterprise network infrastructure, including routing, switching, wireless, and network access control systems.
• Monitors, maintains, and optimizes network performance, availability, and security; recommends and implements hardware and software enhancements to improve reliability and scalability.
• Administers and supports Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switches, Nexus platforms, ASR routers, wireless controllers, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst Center, and SolarWinds.
• Plans and executes network upgrades, infrastructure projects, and technology refresh initiatives; performs technical evaluations, cost analysis, and vendor coordination to support implementation efforts.
• Provides advanced troubleshooting and technical leadership for complex network issues while maintaining network documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior