Associate Customer Engineer – Network

Nexthop Systems Inc; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from experienced network engineers

Opportunities to work on impactful projects

Hands-on experience in a professional setting

Job summary

An innovative AI infrastructure startup located in Redmond, Washington is seeking associate-level talent for network engineering roles. Candidates will design and troubleshoot scalable network systems while collaborating with teams to enhance large-scale networks. Ideal applicants should be bilingual in Mandarin and English, with a strong foundation in networking concepts and scripting skills. This opportunity also offers practical experience and mentorship from seasoned engineers, shaping the company's culture and future.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant graduate program.
• Full professional fluency in both Mandarin and English.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize scalable network architectures.
• Configure and troubleshoot routing and switching technologies.
• Develop automation scripts for network management.

Skills

TCP/IP knowledge

Routing protocols

Network security concepts

Scripting proficiency (Python, Bash)

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Graduate-level program in network engineering or internetworking

Tools

Linux system administration

Job description

As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative systems to enable large-scale AI deployments. Our team comprises industry veterans who are passionate about building the sophisticated systems that support the next generation of computing in a fast-paced startup environment.

Job Responsibilities

We’re seeking associate-level talent to join our network engineering and infrastructure teams. Whether you’re looking for an internship, co‑op placement, or a full‑time role, you’ll work on projects that directly impact the design, deployment, and operation of large‑scale networks.

• Design, implement, and optimize scalable network architectures
• Configure and troubleshoot routing, switching, and data center technologies
• Develop automation scripts for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics
• Work in lab and production settings to test, validate, and deploy new designs
• Document solutions and present technical findings to peers and stakeholders
• Support customers at various stages of development through involvement in project scoping, proof of concept, early trials, and production/escalation support
• Be a part of shaping a startup – define company culture, challenge and change the ways things are done, and contribute to determining the future of the company

Qualifications

Must‑have:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate‑level program in network engineering or internetworking with a focus on hands‑on, lab‑based learning
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, switching technologies, and network security concepts
• Bilingual Technical Proficiency: Full professional fluency in both Mandarin and English (written and verbal). This is a strict business necessity as the role requires leading real‑time technical syncs, performing code reviews, and negotiating project scopes directly with our APAC‑based engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (e.g., Python, Bash)
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills

Nice‑to‑have:

• Experience with Linux system administration
• Familiarity with SDN platforms, network automation tools, or simulation software
• Exposure to multi‑vendor networking environments (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Arista)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

What You’ll Gain

• Practical, hands‑on experience in a professional networking environment
• Mentorship from experienced network engineers
• Opportunities to work on projects impacting real‑world infrastructure
• Skill growth in automation, design, and operational best practices

Employment Terms

• Internship / Co‑op: Flexible scheduling aligned with academic terms
• Full‑Time: Associate‑level, full‑time positions available

Why Us

Our company bolsters all the advantages of working at a startup with the expertise of a seasoned team who have successfully built startups into thriving companies. Here you’ll have the unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from top‑tier engineers, while still working on mission‑critical projects. If you are excited to learn, solve hard problems at the forefront of computer systems, and be a part of shaping a burgeoning company, this is the place for you.