Network Infrastructure Specialist

Job Summary:

The Network Infrastructure Specialist will be responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing support of network infrastructure based on project tender requirement, ensuring the availability, performance, and security of network systems. You will work closely with project teams to troubleshoot and resolve networking issues, implement network improvements, and help optimize the network environment to deliver projects successfully. The role requires hands-on experience with network hardware, software, and protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Design & Implementation:
  • Design, configure, and deploy network infrastructure solutions, VNET, including LAN/WAN, wireless, VPN, etc.
  • Plan and implement network appliances upgrades and new installations based on company needs and industry best practices.
• Network Monitoring & Troubleshooting:
  • Continuously monitor the network to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
  • Diagnose and resolve network issues, including connectivity, performance, and security problems.
  • Perform proactive network health checks and capacity planning.
• Security Management:
  • Implement and maintain network security protocols, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and network segmentation.
  • Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to safeguard network infrastructure against external and internal threats.
  • Integrate network security management tools. Familiarity with products such as F5, CyberArk, CypherTrust, ManageEngine, SolarWinds, Symantec, etc.
  • Apply patching and firmware upgrades as required.
• Network Performance & Optimization:
  • Analyze network traffic and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
  • Optimize network infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the business.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain detailed documentation of network architecture, configurations, and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Generate regular reports on network performance, incidents, and infrastructure status for management review.
  • Solutions for backup and restore network appliance configurations for quick network recovery.
• Collaboration & Support:
  • Work closely with internal teams to support network requirements for various projects.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior network team members as needed.
• Vendor Management:
  • Liaise with network hardware/software vendors for support, maintenance, and procurement of network equipment and services.
  • Ensure timely and cost-effective resolution of network-related issues with third-party service providers.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in network infrastructure design, implementation, and administration.
  • Experience with enterprise-level networking equipment, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless access points.
  • Solid experience with networking protocols and technologies such as TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, DNS, DHCP, VPN, VLANs, MPLS, and QoS.
• Certifications (Preferred, but not required):
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or higher (CCNP, CCIE).
  • CompTIA Network+.
  • Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA).
  • Any other relevant network certifications.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in network troubleshooting tools and techniques (Wireshark, PingPlotter, etc.).
  • Familiarity with network monitoring and management platforms (SolarWinds, PRTG, etc.).
  • Knowledge of network security best practices and tools.
  • Strong understanding of cloud networking (e.g., AWS, Azure networking) and hybrid network environments.
  • Experience with SD-WAN and/or VPN technologies.
  • Ability to write scripts or use automation tools for network management is a plus (e.g., Python, Ansible).
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with data center operations and virtualized networking (VMware NSX, Hyper-V networking, ESXi, etc.).
• Experience with cloud services integration (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and network design for hybrid/cloud environments.
• Familiarity with ITIL frameworks or other network service management models.