Senior Network Engineer Telecommunications

at  Zirrus

Job Summary
Zirrus is seeking a qualified candidate to join us as the Senior Network Engineer (CCIE). Candidate will design, implement, manage, and optimize all facets of our Layer 2 and Layer 3 network architecture, including advanced routing, switching, and network security protocols, under the direction of department management. Additionally, oversees the integration of cutting-edge telecommunications technologies and ensures seamless communication across diverse networks. At Zirrus, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Essential Job Functions / Responsibilities

• Network Design and Implementation: Designs complex networking and circuit installations by studying customer orders, plans, manuals, and technical specifications; selecting and gathering equipment, supplies, materials, and tools; assessing installation sites; preparing detailed installation diagrams and configurations. Ensures that network designs support scalability, redundancy, and high availability.
• Network Deployment: Establishes and configures robust voice and data networks by installing and configuring telecommunications equipment, routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs; coordinating with internal teams and external contractors. Manages the deployment of network security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
• Advanced Network Configuration: Configures and optimizes network protocols, including BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS routing, ensuring high availability and redundancy within the network. Integrates new technologies to enhance network performance and reliability.
• System Analysis: Collects and analyzes information from plant records, remote office site surveys, networking drawings, databases, and building schematics to identify potential improvements and ensure optimal network performance. Evaluates network performance metrics to recommend enhancements.
• Technical Documentation: Reads and interprets product information to engineer solutions that best meet technological and financial requirements; maintains comprehensive network and wireline drawings. Regularly updates documentation to reflect changes in the network infrastructure.
• Network Testing and Troubleshooting: Verifies service by performing advanced testing on circuits and equipment; identifying, troubleshooting, correcting, or escalating problems to ensure minimal downtime and high-quality service. Develops and implements network backup and recovery procedures.
• Teamwork: Works closely with the Central Office and other departments to investigate, analyze, and resolve system design and maintenance issues; contributes to cross-functional projects that involve network and telecommunications infrastructure. Coordinates with vendors and service providers to ensure seamless network integration.
• Safety and Compliance: Maintains a safe work environment by following industry codes, standards, and legal regulations; ensures compliance with all relevant policies and guidelines. Monitors regulatory changes and updates network policies accordingly.
• Professional Development: Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, attending industry conferences, and reading technical publications to stay ahead of technological advancements. Encourages and mentors’ junior engineers in developing their networking skills.
• Continuous Improvement: Enhances department and organizational reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; proactively seeks out opportunities to add value to job accomplishments and improve processes. Initiates and leads projects aimed at optimizing network efficiency and security. Manage and perform life-cycle maintenance for all devices and supporting equipment

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Advanced Networking Skills: Experience with complex routing, switching, network security protocols, and Carrier Ethernet Transport designs. Knowledge of MPLS and SD-WAN technologies is a plus.
• Proficient in Cisco Technologies: Strong expertise in Cisco network hardware and software, especially related to CCIE certification.
• Network Management and Monitoring: Proficient in using PRTG or other SNMP network monitoring solutions to maintain network performance and troubleshoot issues. Experience with network automation tools like Ansible or Python scripting is preferred.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable plans. Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to management and stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving network issues. Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement long-term solutions.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Ability to work independently and lead teams, guiding others in the application of new concepts and technologies. Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams.
• Advanced Network Protocols: Experience with IPv4, IPv6, DNS, and DHCP, with a deep understanding of dynamic routing protocols like BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS. Familiarity with QoS and traffic shaping techniques.
• Linux and Server Environments: Working knowledge of Linux and server environments, preferred but not mandatory, to support network infrastructure. Experience in managing network services like DNS and DHCP on Linux servers is a plus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Computer Engineering, Computer Networking, Computer Science)
• CCIE certification or equivalent
• 8+ years of network engineering experience
• MBA preferred but not required

• Network Design and Implementation: Designs complex networking and circuit installations by studying customer orders, plans, manuals, and technical specifications; selecting and gathering equipment, supplies, materials, and tools; assessing installation sites; preparing detailed installation diagrams and configurations. Ensures that network designs support scalability, redundancy, and high availability.
• Network Deployment: Establishes and configures robust voice and data networks by installing and configuring telecommunications equipment, routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs; coordinating with internal teams and external contractors. Manages the deployment of network security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
• Advanced Network Configuration: Configures and optimizes network protocols, including BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS routing, ensuring high availability and redundancy within the network. Integrates new technologies to enhance network performance and reliability.
• System Analysis: Collects and analyzes information from plant records, remote office site surveys, networking drawings, databases, and building schematics to identify potential improvements and ensure optimal network performance. Evaluates network performance metrics to recommend enhancements.
• Technical Documentation: Reads and interprets product information to engineer solutions that best meet technological and financial requirements; maintains comprehensive network and wireline drawings. Regularly updates documentation to reflect changes in the network infrastructure.
• Network Testing and Troubleshooting: Verifies service by performing advanced testing on circuits and equipment; identifying, troubleshooting, correcting, or escalating problems to ensure minimal downtime and high-quality service. Develops and implements network backup and recovery procedures.
• Teamwork: Works closely with the Central Office and other departments to investigate, analyze, and resolve system design and maintenance issues; contributes to cross-functional projects that involve network and telecommunications infrastructure. Coordinates with vendors and service providers to ensure seamless network integration.
• Safety and Compliance: Maintains a safe work environment by following industry codes, standards, and legal regulations; ensures compliance with all relevant policies and guidelines. Monitors regulatory changes and updates network policies accordingly.
• Professional Development: Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, attending industry conferences, and reading technical publications to stay ahead of technological advancements. Encourages and mentors’ junior engineers in developing their networking skills.
• Continuous Improvement: Enhances department and organizational reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; proactively seeks out opportunities to add value to job accomplishments and improve processes. Initiates and leads projects aimed at optimizing network efficiency and security. Manage and perform life-cycle maintenance for all devices and supporting equipmen