Network Engineer

About the Role

This role supports the university’s campus‑wide network infrastructure, ensuring reliable wired and wireless connectivity for thousands of users. The Network Engineer will work onsite in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment, partnering with security, infrastructure, and vendor teams. As a Project Lead, you will drive network upgrades, troubleshoot complex incidents, and mentor junior staff, directly impacting the university’s ability to deliver critical academic and research services.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, maintain, and support enterprise wired and wireless network infrastructure across campus environments.
• Perform field installation, configuration, racking, stacking, cabling, and testing of switches, routers, and wireless access points.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve network incidents through remote analysis and on‑site investigation, escalating when necessary.
• Execute routine maintenance activities, including system upgrades, patching, configuration changes, and performance optimization while minimizing downtime.
• Develop and maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, runbooks, and incident records.
• Collaborate with network architecture, security, infrastructure teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure cohesive service delivery.
• Provide on‑call support and participate in after‑hours incident response to maintain continuous network availability.
• Lead small project teams, coordinate tasks, and ensure project milestones are met on schedule.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network environments (wired and wireless).
• Strong proficiency in configuring Cisco (or equivalent) switches, routers, and wireless controllers.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex network issues using tools such as Wireshark, NetFlow, and packet captures.
• Experience with network monitoring platforms (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG) and performance tuning.
• Solid understanding of VLANs, routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), VPN technologies, and firewall integration.
• Excellent documentation skills and the ability to produce clear network diagrams and runbooks.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross‑functional teams and external vendors.
• U.S. citizenship or legal residency; must be a South Carolina resident or willing to relocate at personal expense.

Tools & Technologies

• Cisco IOS/IOS‑XE, NX‑OS, or equivalent network operating systems.
• Juniper, Aruba, or other vendor equipment as applicable.
• Network monitoring and management tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios).
• Packet analysis tools (Wireshark, tcpdump).
• Configuration management and documentation tools (Visio, NetBox, Confluence).
• Standard OS environments: Windows Server, Linux/Unix for network services.

Work Schedule & Duration

• 6‑month contract with the possibility of extension.
• Fully onsite at 514 Main Street, Columbia, SC.
• Standard business hours with on‑call rotation for after‑hours support.
• Candidate must be a South Carolina resident or relocate prior to start date.

Interview Process

The interview process consists of two virtual rounds: an initial screening interview followed by a technical interview focused on network design, troubleshooting, and project leadership.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Contract
• Duration: Approximately 12 months (with potential for extension)
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States