We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Network Engineer to join our dynamic IT team. In this critical role, you will play a pivotal role in leading and overseeing all aspects of our company's network infrastructure, ensuring its optimal performance and alignment with evolving business needs.

Responsibilities:

• Design, deploy, manage, and maintain the company's LANs, WANs, internet access, and telecommunications infrastructure, including:
• Voice over IP (VoIP)
• Network security systems and wireless networks
• Servers, routers, hubs, switches, firewalls, PBX equipment, IPS/IDS, and other network hardware
• Configure and optimize network performance to meet business objectives and ensure reliable operation of critical processes.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to managed service providers (MSPs).
• Continuously monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and identify root causes for optimal resolution.
• Collaborate with infrastructure engineering personnel to assess near-term and long-term network capacity requirements.
• Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including network configuration details, network maps, operational procedures, and service records.
• Implement and maintain network administration and usage policies, procedures, and associated training plans.
• Conduct ongoing research on network products, services, protocols, and evolving industry standards. Evaluate and recommend solutions to address business and application-specific needs.
• Practice proactive network asset management, including maintaining an accurate inventory of network components and related documentation.
• Monitor and test network performance, generating regular reports on key network metrics.
• Oversee new equipment, hardware, and software upgrades, ensuring smooth integration and configuration.
• Lead the establishment of processes, procedures, and documentation for reliable 24/7 availability of our local and wide area networks.
• Assess the impact of new versions of network operating systems and equipment, recommending deployment strategies.
• Implement and maintain robust network security measures to protect sensitive corporate assets.
• Collaborate with both UNIX and Windows engineering personnel to achieve optimal network connectivity and performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on network engineering experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Industry network certifications (CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent) are highly preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Detailed knowledge of cabling standards, TCP/IP, VLANs, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), and advanced troubleshooting techniques with network management tools.
• Proven experience in successful design and implementation of LAN, WAN, WLAN, and WWAN networks.
• Expertise in network capacity planning, network security principles, and general network management best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage internal junior staff, vendors, and service providers effectively.
• Strong working knowledge of network equipment, including Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, Site-to-Site VPN, and SSL remote access. Prior experience with Juniper & F5 products and Observer is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience managing PBX and VoIP systems
• Proficiency in testing tools and procedures for voice and data circuits.