Network Engineer IV

UCF IT Telecommunications:

UCF IT Telecommunications serves as the technological backbone for one of the largest universities in the United States. Our dedicated team is responsible for the design, installation, support, and security of the telecommunications and network infrastructure that underpins the entire UCF community. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, cost-effective, and innovative communication solutions at an enterprise level. Our specialized teams, including Network Services, Network Security, Cellular/Radio/DAS, and Installation Maintenance & Repair, work collaboratively to meet these objectives. With strong leadership spanning from the Chief Information Officer (CIO) down, we ensure that UCF's technology strategies are well-defined and effectively communicated at all organizational levels. This clear vision and direction to success guide our efforts as we continue to empower and support the university's academic and operational excellence.

The Opportunity:

Are you a seasoned Network Engineer ready to shape the digital backbone of a leading academic institution? The University of Central Florida (UCF) is seeking a Network Research Engineer IV to take a hands-on approach and play a pivotal role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of research infrastructure. The responsibilities of this position encompass the creation of robust and scalable research network solutions, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security across a dynamic university environment.

This is an Auxiliary funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

Responsibilities:

Research Network LAN Design and Implementation:

• Develop a comprehensive research network architecture and design plans aligned with business requirements.

• Evaluate and implement network hardware and software solutions to improve research network performance and reliability.

Research Network Data Center/Cloud Connectivity Implementation & Security:

• Collaborate with the Infrastructure Team to implement necessary connections in the data center and to the cloud for the Office of Research (OOR).

• Stay informed about evolving NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) requirements and ensure that the network remains fully compliant.

Research Network Wireless:

• Collaborate with wireless engineers to design and implement wireless networks that meet the specific needs of the Office of Research (OOR), university and department.

• Plan and recommend specific resource capacity and risks throughout each project assigned including materials, vendor support through Statements of Work, and UCF labor sources.

• Ensure customer communication and service levels are maintained throughout all phases of each project.

Research Network Needs Planning:

• Analyze research network traffic and usage patterns to forecast future research needs and locations.

• Support the Office of Research (OOR) in gathering necessary information and documentation required for applying for research grants.

Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Establish and uphold research-specific network monitoring processes to promptly identify and address issues.

• Diagnose and resolve complex network problems, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining optimal network performance.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate documentation of research architecture, configurations, and changes.

• Generate reports and performance metrics to evaluate network performance and recommend improvements.

• Maintain meticulous records of tasks and timekeeping, ensuring a high level of detail and accuracy.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including system administrators, network engineers, and IT support, to ensure the seamless integration of research requirements with other systems.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network professionals as assigned, contributing to the attainment of departmental goals.

• Participate in other non-research network projects as required or needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma (or equivalent) and 9 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

Data Center Implementation:

• Strong understanding of data center networking concepts such as VLANs, VXLANs, FabricPath, ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), and other technologies specific to data center environments.

• Solid grasp of networking protocols and technologies including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, Ethernet, and others relevant to data center networking.

• Knowledge of virtualization technologies such as VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, and how they integrate with network infrastructure.

• Experience implementing data center technology.

Local Area Network Implementation:

• Strong LAN skill set to help prepare for design implementation.

• Project management experience to oversee vendor assisted deployments.

• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, along with knowledge of automation frameworks like Ansible to automate network tasks and streamline operations.

Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Advanced Data Center and LAN troubleshooting skill sets to address and resolve issues promptly.

Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional.

• TIA Sec + or other relevant security certifications.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This is a fully on-site position which involves an on-campus presence.

This is an Auxiliary funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions

• Education assistance

• Flexible work environment

• And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.