Network Engineer

SUMMARY:

The Network Engineer position is responsible for receiving, recording, and reconciling customer/end-user technical questions in a timely and professional manner as well as managing performance of the local area network (LAN) and maintaining LAN security. The position is responsible for ensuring the stability and integrity of the in-house virtual server environment, storage arrays, and security by planning, designing, and developing computing platforms, storage management, and security policies across the organization as well as participating in the evaluation, installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all hardware, software, and communication links.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Acquire, install, and maintain company’s local area network hardware such as workstations, laptops, thin clients, printers, phones, network devices, etcetera

• Analyze and resolve network hardware, software, and performance problems in a timely and accurate fashion

• Assess and administer all equipment, hardware, and software upgrades

• Assist customers/end-users with questions on product installation, usage, and implementation

• Collaborate with management and department leaders to assess capacity needs

• Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry

• Configure computing environment and networks to ensure smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes

• Contract with specialists or technical personnel to solve problems

• Create/maintain documentation for configuration, mapping, processes, and service records

• Design and deploy company LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, hubs, switches, UPS's, security appliances and other hardware

• Develop and present to management recommendations related to purchase and installation of hardware, software, communication, and telecommunication support

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, disaster recovery and business continuity

• Document all contacts, actions, and responses in helpdesk tracking system

• Ensure all PC/LAN/Communications systems are current and compatible

• Ensure backups of enterprise data

• Ensure network connectivity of all servers, workstations, telephone equipment, fax machines, and other network appliances

• Establish and implement LAN/WAN policies, procedures and standards and ensure their conformance with information systems and company objectives

• Establish and implement Microsoft Active Directory policies, procedures, and standards and ensure their conformance with information systems and company objectives

• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organization’s management, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end-users regarding pertinent activities

• Evaluate vendor products in hardware, software and telecommunications equipment and recommend purchases consistent with the Company’s short- and long-term objectives

• Install, maintain, and monitor the operation of the LAN and WAN

• Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure products and services

• Maintain working knowledge of products and/or services

• Manage and ensure effectiveness of security solutions including firewalls, anti-virus solutions, and intrusion detection systems

• Manage and ensure effectiveness of servers including e-mail (Microsoft Exchange Server), database (Microsoft SQL Server), print, and backup servers, and their associated operating systems and software

• Manage and ensure optimal operation of all network hardware and equipment including routers, switches, hubs, UPS’s, etcetera

• Manage LAN/WAN security and network performance

• Manage Microsoft Active Directory security and performance

• Manage, ensure, and test effectiveness of security solutions including firewalls, anti-virus solutions, and intrusion detection systems

• Monitor network performance, provide statistics and reports, and troubleshoot problem areas as needed

• Oversee installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end-user workstation hardware, software, and peripheral devices

• Oversee new and existing equipment, hardware, and software upgrades

• Oversee or assist in installation of communications hardware

• Perform minor equipment repairs

• Perform server and security audits and system backups and recovery

• Practice asset management including maintenance of component inventory and related documentation, technical specification information and software licensing

• Provide end user and staff training where required

• Provide guidance to junior members of the team

• Recommend measures to improve methods, performance, and quality of product or services and suggest changes to increase efficiency

• Recommend, write, and implement computing policies and standards, ensuring adherence to security procedures

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