Network Engineer at Lohi Consulting

Job Description

• The Network Engineer will report to the Head, Technical Services
• He/she is to plan, direct, and coordinate the design, installation, and connectivity of computer systems and network infrastructure to ensure the stable operation of the organization’s IT assets.
• This includes developing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all new and existing network hardware, software, and communication links
• This role is also responsible for telephone, data center, security systems and other electronic infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement short- and long-term strategic plans to make certain network capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network resource administration and appropriate use.
• Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory, life cycle management and related documentation.
• Establish service level agreements with end users.
• Provides “ownership” of problem thru final resolution.
• Plan, acquire, and coordinate installation of in-house and remote hardware and software across the organization’s network.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on network products, services, protocols, and standards in support of network procurement and development efforts.
• Prepare RFPs, bid proposals, contracts, scope of work reports, and other documentation for IT projects and associated efforts.
• Perform cost-benefit and return on investment analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.
• Negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.
• Assess, approve, and administer all equipment, hardware, and software upgrades.
• Manage and ensure effectiveness of servers, including e-mail, print, and backup servers, and their associated operating systems and software. Responsible for on-site and off-site data centers.
• Manage and ensure optimal operation of all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, hubs, UPSs, and so on.
• Manage and ensure effectiveness of security solutions, including firewalls, anti-virus solutions, and intrusion detection systems.
• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organization’s executives, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent network activities.
• Manage operational costs; conduct near- and long-term financial forecasts for expanded functionality/user base.
• Test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining network infrastructure.
• Test server performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining server infrastructure.
• Oversee the administration of user accounts, permissions, and access rights in AD.
• Direct and administrate a contingent of network analysts and technicians, and where necessary, conduct performance reviews and corrective action.
• Provide guidance to junior members of the team.

Requirements
Formal Education & Certification:

• Four-year University Degree or Higher National Diploma required, preferably in the field of Computer Science or other related academic fields
• 5 years of relevant work/management experience.

Knowledge & Experience:

• 5 years of experience managing and configuring enterprise-wide LANs, WANs, WLANs, VPNs, etc.
• Exceptional knowledge of service and application delivery, as well as successful service level agreement accomplishments.
• 2 years successful leadership of an infrastructure team.
• Excellent knowledge of current protocols and standards, including Active Directory, Group Policies, MS Exchange, Core Switching/Routing, SSL/IPSec, SAN, Virtualization, Business
• Continuity, Disaster Recovery
• Conversant with programming languages such as .Net, PHP.
• Experience in interpreting the applicability of local and federal laws/regulations (including data privacy practices and laws) to company operations.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware such as servers, routers, bridges, switches, hubs, modems, network interface cards, and so on.
• Knowledge and understanding of system flow charts, data processing concepts, and
• Telecommunications principles
• Experience installing network cabling and telephony systems.

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrated leadership and personnel management skills.
• Good understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating needs assessments, budgets, and forecasting.
• Able to conduct research into networking issues and products as required.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Ability to present ideas in a user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.