Research Specialist II - Network Engineer

Job Title

Research Specialist II - Network Engineer

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Telecommunications Academy

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & identities. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Academy for Advanced Telecommunications and Learning Technology (AATLT) directs research and testing in advanced communications systems.  The areas of focus include: 4G, 5G and next-G wireless, Next Generation 911, network interoperability, applications testing,  standards conformance testing, and network security.  Our customers include: the Department of Homeland Security,  Department of Defense,  Department of Transportation,  State Government, and others.  We are an interdisciplinary department that works collaboratively with other departments within the Texas A&M University System and with other universities all over the world.

What We Want

The Research Specialist - Network Engineer, under direction, will be responsible for performing complex and specialized network engineering research and support functions, such as analysis, design, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, debugging, and problem-solving. As a senior member of the team, the Research Specialist - Network Engineer, also participates in mentoring, training, and development of other employees. If the description sounds exciting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity to join our team.

What You Nee to Know

Salary: ​Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.

Other Requirements and Factors: US Citizen (some existing and future projects will require this)

Required Education and Experience:

• Appropriate Bachelor’s degree

• Six years of experience in the design, implementation, and support of enterprise and/or carrier IP wired and/or wireless networks

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Must have a Class “C” vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Require Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong expertise in LANs, L2 switching, L3 routing

• Skilled at mentoring and training other team members

• MS Office including Visio, Adobe Acrobat and other tools:  Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and drawing applications to produce professional-quality proposals and network documentation

• Skilled at client and vendor relations, requirement assessment and analysis, statement of work creation, project management, and service delivery

• High level project management skills

• Advanced diagnostic and problem-solving methodology

• Excellent written communication, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills

• Ability to cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with people from various backgrounds

• Self-starter and team-oriented

• Regular use of step stool or ladder

• Ability to install/remove equipment to/from equipment racks, poles and other locations

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Following is a list of some of the main networking technologies with which we work. We don’t expect any one candidate to have all or even most of the expertise listed here. However, candidates with experience in these areas are preferred: 

• LANs, switching, routing protocols, software-defined networking, supporting network services, network monitoring and management, network security, WiFi, 4G/5G wireless, Linux.

• IT certifications in Networking, Network Security, Juniper, Cisco or other routing and security categories

• CBRS CPI

Responsibilities:

• Research Network Design and Documentation: Establishes standards and plans for new or upgraded research networks. Collects and evaluates input. Designs activities for network research projects. Recommends research network designs. Establishes standards and processes used to detail network engineering designs. Assists with planning and mapping methods, procedures, problems, and repairs. Designs research network system security measures, configuration backup, and security methods

• Research Network Configuration, Installation, and Testing: Collaborates with research team and develops work plans and time schedules. Establishes standards for the implementation of new technology deployments and research network integration and interoperability testing. Configures, installs, and tests research networks. Tests the methods and plans used to certify sophisticated research networking projects.

• Research Network Operations and Support: Establishes protocols and processes for problem management and support of research networks. Provides Tier I, II and III support for network issues and assists the rest of the research team. Performs diagnostics and repair of complex hardware and software problems. Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of established processes and protocols. Establishes procedures for compliance with network security regulations. Performs security assessments and audits. Develops disaster recovery plans for network equipment and systems. Drives to other locations on campus, on other campuses, and to vendor and other locations for meetings and network installation. Supports researchers with gathering data.

• Research Project Reporting: Collects technical updates for monthly/quarterly updates to project sponsors. Collaborates with the research team. Collects data and other artifacts needed for project reporting. Produces written project reports. Presents project findings to project sponsors.

• Research Proposals: Assists with the evaluation and analysis of technical approaches. Assists with the research and evaluation of appropriate equipment, protocols, designs, procedures, and tools. Assists with the production of network designs and other technical aspects of the research proposal submission, as well as performing other duties as assigned.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.