Network Operation Specialist

Location: Hartford, CT, USA (hybrid)

We are looking for Network Operation Specialist for an immediate need. This is a client-facing role & the candidate will have regular interactions with various client managers.

Network Specialist Operations Infrastructure:

Monitor the client IT global infrastructure. Utilize proactive monitoring solutions to identify trends and proactively avert critical incidents. Work with vendors including Lumen, Verizon, AT&T, CISCO, and Juniper. Resolve network related problems. Must have a solid understanding of WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, load balancers, firewalls, and remote access technologies. The ideal candidate must have a passion for technology. Outstanding customer service skills required. Strong verbal and written communication skills required. Must multitask successfully. Must be willing to change shifts to cover for team members. This is a full-time position at the Hartford, Connecticut North Plaza Building.

 
Roles & Responsibilities:

• Monitor the network utilizing the VMWARE SMARTS, NNMi, ARX, Splunk, and ServiceNow platforms. 

• Provide level 2 troubleshooting and support for the Juniper switch and CISCO WAN infrastructure. 

• Provide level 2 troubleshooting and support for the Ivanti remote worker infrastructure.

• Solid communication and technical skills working with vendors including Lumen and Verizon and vendor partners including Kyndryl, EXL, and Cognizant and more on problems and changes through to resolution.

• Implement DNS and F5 changes. 

• Review firewall logs for blocks and accepts as part of troubleshooting.

• Assist with network configuration in support of major projects.

• Assist with moves, adds, and changes. 

• Be flexible in learning and using network performance tools including Riverbed’s ARX platform.

• Cisco and Juniper Certification a plus.

• Knowledge of ServiceNow a plus.

• Knowledge of APC Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and EcoStruxure IT Expert monitoring software a plus.

• Knowledge of Out of Band (OOB) management (CDI OBM) a plus.

• Knowledge of Visio a plus.

• Knowledge of Aruba Edge Connect SD-WAN a plus.

 
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Communicate network related outages and take part in crisis meetings via conference calls.

• Outstanding customer service skills. Feel comfortable working with customers and vendors on the phone or face to face.

• Able to work independently or in team environment.

• Cross team communication essential. 

• Professional communication skills are critical in this position.

• Willingness to learn new skills.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of WAN, LAN, SD-WAN and Remote Access concepts and technologies.

• Two years of troubleshooting experience with LAN, WAN, MAN, and SD-WAN technologies and associated infrastructure components.

• Juniper LAN and Remote Worker experience and Cisco WAN experience.

• Large enterprise/corporate experience.

• Strong customer service skills.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $[106,200 – 130,800] depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability