Entry-Level Network Technician for Industrial IT & OT

Steel-Dynamic; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Steel Dynamics, Inc. is seeking a Junior Network Administrator to support network infrastructure across offices, data center, and manufacturing plant. This hands-on role is ideal for someone with solid networking fundamentals aiming to grow into a Network Administrator or Network Engineer.

You will monitor health, configure switches, maintain documentation, and coordinate with OT engineers and vendors. Requires TCP/IP, VLANs, and command-line basics, plus on-call readiness in an active

Qualifications

• Foundation in TCP/IP, IPv4 addressing, and subnetting.
• Knowledge of switches, routers, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, and wireless APs.
• Basic VLANs and trunking concepts.
• Familiar with Windows and Linux CLI.
• Strong documentation and clear communication.
• Structured troubleshooting and escalation before risky changes.
• Ability to work in industrial/manufacturing environments with PPE.
• Valid driver's license.
• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certs or IT experience are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network health, troubleshoot connectivity/latency/port issues, and review logs and alerts.
• Configure switch ports, VLANs, trunks, and basic Layer 2 settings under change procedures.
• Assist with installing and labeling switches, wireless access points, optics, and cabling; perform basic cable testing and physical-layer troubleshooting.
• Maintain network documentation, including device inventory, assigned IP addresses, VLANs, switch-port records, uplinks, and diagrams.
• Coordinate with OT engineers, system admins, vendors, and end users during troubleshooting.
• Support scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and expansion projects - including our new recycling plant buildout.
• Participate in an on-call/after-hours rotation as experience grows.
• Work directly with the Network Engineer to support daily operations, troubleshoot incidents, maintain documentation, and assist with network expansion projects.

Skills

TCP/IP fundamentals

Switches/Routers/Firewalls

VLANs & Ethernet

CLI proficiency (Windows/Linux)

Documentation & communication

Structured troubleshooting

Industrial environment awareness

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Relevant IT certs (e.g., Network+ or CCNA)

Tools

Fortinet equipment

Cisco equipment

Managed switches

Fiber optics / SFP familiarity

Job description

Steel Dynamics, Inc. is seeking a Junior Network Administrator to support network infrastructure across offices, data center, and manufacturing plant. This hands-on role is ideal for someone with solid networking fundamentals aiming to grow into a Network Administrator or Network Engineer.

You will monitor health, configure switches, maintain documentation, and coordinate with OT engineers and vendors. Requires TCP/IP, VLANs, and command-line basics, plus on-call readiness in an active