Network Engineer, Sr. - McMurdo, Antarctica (Austral Summer 2026)

Note: If you would like to be considered for more than one position or position tier, please individually apply for all positions that you are interested in.  One application submitted for a specific position does not automatically include you to be considered for all positions that you may be qualified to perform.

Job purpose

Responsible for the daily management of the network infrastructure and operations. Ensures network connectivity on station and off-continent. Effectively troubleshoots connectivity and performance issues independently. Capable of requirements analysis and preparing designs and plans for network systems, expansions, and upgrades in order to provide connectivity as needs arise. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, switches, firewalls, etc. Provides leadership and technical mentoring to junior group members as needed.

 

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage tasking as directed by IT management to ensure timely implementation or delivery of critical United States Antarctic Program (USAP) network infrastructure.
• Install, configure, maintain, monitor, and document network hardware and applications at multiple sites. Identify and diagnose problems to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor network performance and reliability to proactively identify potential problems.
• Establish and maintain secure networking environments based on security standards in conjunction with USAP policies.
• Provide engineering support for new deployments, enhancements, or modifications to networking infrastructure.

• Ensure daily operations, configuration, and maintenance of Layer 2 and Layer 3 infrastructure.

• Create complete end-to-end project plans including designs and/or upgrades for Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks within the USAP.
• Assist in providing system, resource, and funding requirements for IT projects.
• Coordinate any modifications to the USAP network environment with other departments, clients, and affected users.

• Develop life-cycle replacement criteria and detailed replacement plans for critical infrastructure components.

• Provide verbal, written and diagrammed inputs as requested by IT Management.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place.
• Required to provide 24x7 support and participate in on-call duty rotation.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.

• BS/BA degree in Engineering or Computer Science or related field with emphasis in computer networking preferred.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or higher Cisco certification is required. Equivalent technical networking certifications acceptable in lieu of or in addition to.
• Six years of directly relevant experience in network engineering is required.
• Expertise in primary network topologies, LAN/WAN, TCP/IP (IPv4, IPv6) and advanced knowledge in standard networking concepts including Spanning Tree, HSRP, Port-Channels, MAB, 802.1x etc. required.
• Experience with configuring routing protocols, such as OSPF, EIGRP, and/or BGP is required.
• Configuration management expertise with Cisco IOS and hardware. Prior experience installing, configuring and maintaining Cisco routers and switches is required.
• Experience with network management appliances such as Cisco ISE, CUCM, WLC, etc.
• Experience with the configuration and management of network firewalls is required.
• Experience with VoIP infrastructure, implementation, and configuration is required.
• Experience with Virtual Private Networks and the various protocols and implementations is required.
• Understanding of and experience applying Information Security concepts to core network infrastructure and data transport is required.

Candidates receive additional consideration with the following in addition to the basic requirements:

• Cisco certifications including CCNP, CCDE, and CCIE or equivalent certifications.
• Project management with cost estimation, cost analysis, scheduling, tasking, staffing, and reporting.
• Experience with Ansible, SDN, high-latency/low-bandwidth satellite and radio communications.
• Experience with traffic shaping devices, WAN protocol accelerators and bandwidth management.

Competencies

• Communication Proficiency.
• Organizational Skills.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Technical Capacity.
• Time Management.

Physical requirements

• Deployment will be required in this position. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position Expectations

• This is a full-time, seasonal position located in Antarctica.
• Position requires both a GHG initial employment background screening as well as a National Science Foundation coordinated Personnel Adjudication / Employment Background Investigation (EBI) screening.
• All expenses paid while on-ice meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.
• Performance Period: Oct 2026 - Feb 2027

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer as defined by the EEOC