Data Center Network Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Data Center Network Engineer to join our team, focusing on the design, physical installation, and maintenance of our high-speed data center network infrastructure. This role requires a strong hands-on approach to managing physical connectivity requirements, with a strong understanding of data center and enterprise networking best practices. The successful candidate will also be instrumental in managing network monitoring systems, conducting DDoS analysis and mitigation efforts, and enforcing network security policies. Specific expertise with Juniper Networks MX, QFX, and EX series devices is required.

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Location: Orlando, FL (required)
• Benefits Offered: Dental, Life, Medical, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Vision
• Reports to: Director, Network Engineering
• Salary: Based on experience and qualifications
• Work Environment: Office setting within data centers; ability to safely use ladders and move IT/network hardware including servers, switches, and cabling. Some travel may be required.
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Key Responsibilities

• Physical Installation and Maintenance: Oversee and execute the physical installation, racking, and stacking of network equipment, including Juniper MX, QFX, and EX devices, ensuring all hardware is securely installed according to best practices and manufacturer specifications.
• Physical Connectivity and Cabling: Manage all Layer 1 (physical layer) infrastructure, including the installation, termination, testing, and labeling of both copper and fiber optic cabling.
• Optics Management: Determine and implement appropriate fiber optic cable types (e.g., single-mode, multi-mode) and connector types (LC, SC, etc.) based on specific data center needs, distance requirements, and desired data rates (e.g., 10G, 40G, 100G optics).
• Network Configuration: Configure and troubleshoot Juniper routers and switches, specifically the MX, QFX, and EX series platforms, using CLI and automation tools.
• Network Monitoring Systems (NMS): Deploy, configure, and maintain Network Monitoring Systems (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, or open-source alternatives) to monitor network performance, availability, and capacity, generating alerts for potential issues.
• DDoS Analysis and Mitigation: Monitor network traffic for anomalies and potential Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. Implement and execute mitigation strategies using specialized tools and established procedures to maintain service availability.
• Network Security: Implement and enforce security best practices within the network infrastructure, including access control lists (ACLs), firewall rules, VPN configuration, and adherence to security compliance standards.
• Network Protocols: Implement and maintain network solutions using various protocols, including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, LACP, EVPN/VXLAN, and MPLS.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including network diagrams, port maps, rack layouts, cable run lists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex physical and logical network issues swiftly to ensure minimal downtime in a 24x7 data center environment.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with server, storage, and application teams, as well as external vendors, to ensure seamless project execution and support.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Experience: 3+ years in data center operations with a focus on physical infrastructure tasks such as deploying, racking, and cabling routers, switches, servers, and other network equipment.
• Vendor Expertise: Strong experience with Juniper Networks hardware (MX, QFX, and EX series).
• Physical Layer Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of fiber optic and ethernet cabling standards, physical network connectivity requirements, and various optics types (e.g., 100 Gbps optics). Ability to use cable testing tools.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in network protocols, hardware troubleshooting, and using monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Monitoring & Security Experience: Practical experience using NMS tools, understanding of DDoS mitigation techniques, and foundational knowledge of network security principles and tools.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift and rack network equipment up to 50 lbs and work occasionally in varied physical conditions (e.g., elevated spaces, loud environments).

Soft Skills

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and proactively initiate improvements.
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Visio
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Willingness to participate in a 24x7 escalation environment as issues arise
• Ability to work after hours for maintenance related events and escalations.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Relevant certifications such as JNCIA/JNCIP (Juniper), CCNA/CCNP (Cisco).

Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience and certifications.