Network Engineer

While noted as Tacoma, this position has potential to spend time in various locations and is performed across all of Lightcurve's Northwest Territory, currently including Eatonville, Yelm, Ellensburg, and Tacoma

About Lightcurve

Lightcurve is a privately held company headquartered in Tacoma WA. With a 100-year history of offering connectivity solutions to the communities it serves, Lightcurve has established a reputation as a customer and service-oriented enterprise. In 2020, Lightcurve entered into a long-term partnership with the City of Tacoma to operate the city-wide high speed internet network providing competitive broadband in Tacoma, now representing the largest market served by Rainier Connect. In 2023 Lightcurve closed on a transaction to be acquired by Palisade Infrastructure (“Palisade”). In 2024 Lightcurve acquired the Washington State operations in Ellensburg, Yelm and surrounding markets from Consolidated Communications. These investments will allow Lightcurve to rapidly invest in modern fiber-optic broadband networks in both existing markets as well as in several expansion markets, bringing the latest in high-speed reliable broadband solutions to its communities. Lightcurve is committed to delivering the best internet experience at home and at work. The company will combine the latest and most reliable fiber optic technology with a promise of transparency and trusted service from people who live and work in the communities we serve.

Company Culture and Values - At Lightcurve, we are driven by our core values. 

Integrity Upholding the highest standards of integrity at all times. 

Delighting Our Customers: Delivering exceptional experiences that exceed expectations. 

Collaboration: Working together to create successful outcomes for customers and employees alike. 

Position Summary

The Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunications networks, ensuring their reliability, performance, and security. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of networking protocols, hardware, and the latest telecommunications technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Design and Implementation: Design and implement network solutions for new installations, upgrades, and migrations based on business requirements.
• Network Management and Maintenance: Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal service availability. Conduct regular preventive maintenance and firmware upgrades on network devices. Perform network assessments to identify potential issues, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Security and Compliance: Implement and enforce network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encryption protocols. Conduct vulnerability assessments and recommend security improvements. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices for network security.
• Capacity Planning and Optimization: Monitor network traffic and capacity usage to ensure efficient performance and scalability. Analyze network performance data and provide recommendations for capacity upgrades or improvements. Plan and execute network expansions to ensure scalability to meet growing demands.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain up-to-date documentation on network architecture, configurations, and changes. Create and present regular network performance and status reports to management. Document network incidents, resolutions, and best practices for knowledge sharing.
• Collaboration and Training: Work closely with other technical teams (e.g., systems administrators, security teams, and software developers) to align network infrastructure with business needs. Provide technical guidance and support to junior staff and other team members. Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in networking. 

Measuring success

• Contributing to and developing a performance and results oriented culture
• Behaviors that are aligned with and strengthen company values

Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• Non-Negligent Driving Record
• Employment Level Background and Drug Screening

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). Experience is weighted heavily.
• Certifications (Major Plus):    Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP). Additional certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network , or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA).

Experience: 

• 3 years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on telecommunications networks (ISP, VoIP, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and other network devices.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, MPLS, etc.
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Wireshark, NetFlow, etc.).

Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrable understanding of technology trends in the digital infrastructure sector and applying such technology to address customer needs and pain points.
• A scrappy, nimble, innovative, and hands-on contributor who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves to accomplish goals and has passion for competing and winning against larger players in the market.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, excellent and proactive communication skills, an ability to identify, prioritize, and articulate highest impact initiatives, with sound business judgement and a bias for action.

Personal Attributes:

• Customer-focused and results-oriented mindset.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and implement new strategies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Compensation

• This full-time salary position pay $89,000-$112,000 annually
• Reimbursable mileage/travel between offices as needed
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance programs
• 401K w/ Employer match
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs
• 10 Paid Holidays 
• 4 weeks per year Paid Time Off (prorated & accrued)

Schedule

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings, Nights, and Weekends, and On-Call duty as needed

Lightcurve is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.