Network Engineer I

Network Engineer I

Position Summary

The Network Engineer I is an entry-level infrastructure engineering role responsible for providing frontline support and maintenance of the organization's enterprise network environment. This individual supports Cisco-based routing, switching, wireless infrastructure, and network-connected systems while assisting with day-to-day operational tasks, deployments, troubleshooting, and hardware installations across multiple healthcare facilities.

This role is highly hands-on and requires working onsite to support physical network infrastructure, including equipment installations, hardware replacements, and network maintenance projects. The Network Engineer I works closely with senior network engineers, systems administrators, telecommunications, vendors, and other IT teams while participating in a structured career progression toward more advanced engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Network Operations & Support

• Provide Tier 1 support for enterprise networking infrastructure, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and related networking equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic network connectivity issues involving Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3, VLANs, trunks, SVIs, wireless connectivity, and port configurations.
• Perform access-layer network administration, including IP address assignments, VLAN assignments, switch port configuration, and cable patching.
• Assist with troubleshooting network outages and degraded performance, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Monitor work queues and update ticket status within 24 hours.
• Notify customers of ticket and project status throughout resolution.
• Document infrastructure changes and completed work within JIRA.
• Participate in network software updates, maintenance windows, and planned infrastructure upgrades.

Infrastructure Deployments

• Install, rack, stack, cable, and configure network equipment following established standards and templates.
• Assist with deployment of switches, routers, wireless infrastructure, UPS systems, and supporting hardware.
• Install wireless access points alongside structured cabling vendors under the direction of senior engineers.
• Replace network hardware, UPS batteries, and other infrastructure components.
• Remove, sanitize, label, and properly decommission retired network equipment.
• Support new building activations, network expansions, and infrastructure modernization projects.
• Assist with vendor-led hardware implementations and upgrades.

Vendor & Project Support

• Open and manage support cases with vendors such as Cisco and other hardware manufacturers.
• Collaborate with Level II and III engineers during network implementations and emergency changes.
• Participate in network-related projects and small infrastructure initiatives with guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist with documentation updates, network diagrams, and infrastructure records.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Maintain organized inventory of networking hardware and project materials.
• Label equipment according to organizational standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate purchasing needs.
• Prepare equipment for deployment, including organizing, stocking, labeling, and staging hardware.

Operational Responsibilities

• Participate in rotating on-call support for network infrastructure.
• Participate in scheduled overnight maintenance windows and after-hours network upgrades.
• Perform written and verbal status reporting as needed.
• Communicate effectively with network engineers, IT staff, vendors, and business stakeholders.
• Identify and escalate issues that could negatively impact network stability, performance, or customer satisfaction.
• Support basic VoIP activities alongside Telecommunications when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Technical Environment

Candidates will gain hands-on experience supporting enterprise technologies including:

• Cisco Routing & Switching
• Cisco Wireless Infrastructure
• Palo Alto Firewalls
• VLANs & Trunking
• Layer 2 / Layer 3 Networking
• Network Switching
• Wireless Access Points
• UPS Systems
• Enterprise Network Monitoring
• JIRA
• VoIP Infrastructure
• Vendor Hardware Support

Required Qualifications

Education

Required

• Associate's degree in Information Technology or an additional two (2) years of applicable experience in lieu of an associate's degree.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.

Certifications

Required

• Network
• Security
• Equivalent networking certification

Preferred

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching or equivalent Cisco certification.

Experience

Required

• Two (2) years of Information Technology experience, or
• Successful completion of a Networking rotation through the Eisenhower Apprenticeship Program.

Preferred experience includes:

• Cisco networking environments
• Enterprise routing and switching
• Wireless networking
• Basic firewall concepts
• Network troubleshooting
• Physical network installations

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an early-career network professional with strong networking fundamentals and a desire to grow within enterprise infrastructure engineering. They possess a solid understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLANs, switching, routing, and wireless technologies, while being eager to learn from senior engineers and develop new technical skills.

Successful candidates are collaborative, coachable, and adaptable. They enjoy hands-on work, communicate effectively, and are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. Rather than being highly specialized, they demonstrate curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work across a variety of networking technologies.

Work Environment

• Work Arrangement: 100% onsite
• On-Call Rotation: Approximately one week every 6–8 weeks
• Maintenance Window: Monthly overnight maintenance (approximately 12:00 AM–5:00 AM)
• Travel: Occasional travel between local facilities for hardware installations, maintenance, and support

This position requires working in active healthcare environments, including clinical areas, and supporting mission-critical systems where network availability directly impacts patient care.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Network Engineer I candidates will:

• Quickly develop proficiency supporting enterprise Cisco infrastructure.
• Demonstrate strong troubleshooting and communication skills.
• Safely install and maintain physical network equipment.
• Follow established operational standards and documentation practices.
• Collaborate effectively with senior engineers while taking ownership of assigned tasks.
• Continuously expand their technical knowledge and progress toward higher-level engineering responsibilities through the organization's Network Engineer career path.