Network Engineer I

Job Description

The Network Engineer is responsible for the design, development, optimization, security, performance, reliability, and ongoing support of Wentworth Institute of Technology’s wired and wireless network infrastructure. This role manages the full lifecycle of network devices and systems, including routers, switches, firewalls, cabling, wireless access points, and controllers. Key responsibilities include planning, designing, and implementing network infrastructure projects, working both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams. This involves engaging stakeholders to gather requirements, coordinating internal and external resources, developing and presenting network designs, overseeing project implementation, and maintaining comprehensive network documentation.

Reporting to the Director of IT Infrastructure and Security, the Network Engineer works closely with the Information Security Officer and IT Security team to ensure compliance with security best practices. This includes utilizing tools such as Network Access Control (NAC) to develop, implement, and enforce security policies and controls across the wired and wireless network environment.

Essential Functions

• Design, implement, and optimize wired and wireless network infrastructure for the Wentworth campus, including all residential, academic, and service buildings, including both new network installations and the refresh of existing network installations with new technology.

• Serve as a technical point of contact for any university projects that include a networking component.

• Ensure that the design implemented optimizes the network experience of students, faculty, and staff while providing a highly redundant, secure, and reliable network infrastructure.

• Respond to, troubleshoot, and resolve any network related issues or problem.

• Proactively identify potential network problems using the network monitoring and analysis tools available and develop and implement plans to remediate issues.

• Review incident tickets and respond to client requests and issues in a timely fashion and with a high level of customer service.

• Develop documentation and training for both the Tech Spot and for end users to provide faster resolution of common issues and to optimize the use of the network.

• Implement, optimize, and maintain network monitoring and alerting applications and tools.

• Monitor the usage, capacity, and reliability of various network related systems and plan steps needed to resolve issues and sustain the network infrastructure for current and future applications.

• Identify utilization patterns and their effects on Internet traffic and plan effective ways to maintain the highest quality of service possible.

• Maintain network monitoring and management system and ensure reporting is accurate.

• Create, update, and maintain design documentation of all network systems, including but not limited to structured cabling, wiring closets, network switches and routers, wireless APs and controllers.

• Create knowledge base documentation for common network related issues or procedures, as well as training documentation for first level Tech Spot support staff and for other network support staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field, or a combination of education, relevant work experience, and professional certifications—such as industry-recognized credentials or international degree equivalencies—may be accepted in place of a bachelor’s degree.

• Minimum 3-5 years of relative experience implementing and supporting critical network infrastructure and technology.

• In depth understanding of Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies and protocols.

• In depth understanding of wireless networking protocols and standards (802.11).

• Experience implementing, optimizing, and maintaining network monitoring and alerting applications and tools.

• Experience working on a technical team, collaborating with other teams and departments, and providing guidance and leadership to other technical team members.

• Demonstrated record of providing a high level of customer service for end users and responding to any interruption of service with an appropriate sense of urgency.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Internet of Things (IOT) devices and terminology. Experience supporting and implementing them on an enterprise network.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of relative experience implementing and supporting critical network infrastructure and technology.

• Experience deploying and supporting HP/Aruba routers and switches.

• Experience deploying and supporting HP/Aruba wireless access points, mobility controllers, and network access control (Clearpass).

• Experience in developing implementation plans and network designs for refreshing network hardware and incorporating new technologies.

• Experience designing, analyzing, optimizing, and troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks.

• Ability to present technical information clearly and understandably to a diverse set of individuals and groups on campus.

• Experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls.

• Familiarity with higher education-specific networking needs (dense residential deployments, IoT support, research networks).

• Knowledge of multi-ISP environments and hybrid cloud connectivity.

• Certifications such as Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP), Aruba ClearPass Certified, Palo Alto PCNSA/PCNSE, CCNA, or equivalent.

Work Environment

While this position is often office-based and sedentary, the Network Engineer must regularly move throughout buildings, offices, data center space, and telecommunication closet to install, inspect, troubleshoot and maintain network equipment.  The role may often require lifting or carrying equipment or tools weighing up to 20 pounds.

Position Details

The job grade for this position is Grade 8. 

The expected salary for this position is between $78,000 - $98,000 which reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role.

At this time, the university is unable to sponsor applicants for H-1B visas for this position.

This position is a 37.5-hour work week schedule. This is an in-person position that requires the incumbent to be on site daily. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Compensation and Benefits

Wentworth Institute of Technology is committed to fair, transparent, and legally compliant compensation practices. We believe that clarity about pay structures and ranges supports equity, fosters trust, and ensures a positive workplace for all employees.

Please visit here to see the comprehensive benefits package offered to support the best experience for our employees. https://wit.edu/careers/work-wentworth

Inclusive Excellence at Wentworth

Inclusive Excellence is one of the four pillars of the Strategic Plan. Actively and intentionally cultivating a diverse and culturally competent institution where each member has the opportunity and support to reach their full potential and make contributions to our campus community and beyond is Inclusive Excellence at Wentworth.

To find out more about the Wentworth’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence, please visit the website https://wit.edu/about/inclusive-excellence.

All applicants have the right to accessibility support and accommodations. To request accessibility support or accommodations, contact the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance, Catlin Wells, at [email protected].

E-Verify for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)

Wentworth participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.