Information Technology Specialist II - Network & Communications Engineer

City-of-Irvin; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The City of Irvine seeks an experienced Network & Communications Engineer to join a fast-paced team. The role focuses on designing and deploying complex network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAPs, and VPN concentrators to ensure high availability and optimal performance.

You will monitor networks, perform capacity planning, and act as an SME to troubleshoot advanced issues.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
• Experience with routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, VPNs and proxies
• Experience designing complex network architectures and SD-WAN implementations
• Familiarity with CLETS and CJIS security requirements

Responsibilities

• Design and architect complex network solutions based on business requirements
• Lead deployment of network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAPs, and VPN concentrators
• Configure, optimize, and maintain network components for high availability and performance
• Monitor network performance and proactively resolve issues to minimize downtime
• Provide SME guidance and mentor junior engineers on complex incidents
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Plan capacity and scalability for future needs
• Engage with vendors and contractors for procurement and service delivery

Skills

Networking design

Cisco IOS

Routing protocols

Network monitoring

SD-WAN

Vendor management

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

LogicMonitor

SolarWinds

Job description

Current Employees

This is a continuous recruitment and interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. This recruitment will supplement an existing Eligibility List for the Information Technology Specialist II position, which will expire on November 12, 2026.

The City of Irvine seeks an experienced Network & Communications Engineer to be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team. The selected individual must have a strong learning aptitude and willingness to learn new technologies. The successful candidate will need to pass a Public Safety polygraph exam as part of the recruitment process.

Your Impact

• Design and architect complex network solutions based on business requirements and industry best practices.
• Lead the implementation and deployment of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAPs, and VPN concentrators.
• Configure, optimize, and maintain network components to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance.
• Continuously monitor network performance, proactively identifying and resolving issues to minimize downtime and optimize efficiency.
• Utilize network monitoring tools and traffic analysis techniques to troubleshoot and enhance network traffic flow and bandwidth utilization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for troubleshooting complex network issues escalated from junior engineers and support teams.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve network-related incidents and problems.
• Perform capacity planning exercises to forecast network growth and ensure scalability for future business needs.
• Recommend, plan, and implement network upgrades and enhancements to support increased bandwidth and new technologies.
• Manage relationships with vendors, service providers, and contractors, ensuring optimal service delivery.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement of network hardware and services.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers and support staff, fostering professional development.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Ensure network infrastructure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., CLETS, CJIS).
• Implement and enforce network security policies, procedures, and controls to safeguard sensitive data and ensure data integrity.
• Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management on network performance, project status, and improvement recommendations.
• Participate in on-call rotation and promptly respond to critical incidents during non-business hours including nights and during weekends.
• Ensure highly available internet connectivity at all City sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field and five (5) years of information technology experience, with one of those years acting in a lead or expert capacity performing a variety of progressively responsible technical or analytical tasks for computer systems or services in one or more functional areas, or a closely related or emerging information technology field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Best Fit

• Advanced knowledge of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.
• Expertise in network hardware including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and proxy servers.
• Experience in designing and implementing complex network architectures that align with business needs.
• Experience planning and implementing SD-WAN.
• Strong understanding of scalable network design principles for high availability and performance.
• Proficiency in implementing and maintaining network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and access control policies.
• Familiarity with security best practices and compliance requirements (e.g., CLETS, CJIS).
• Familiarity with wireless networking standards (e.g., 802.11ac, 802.11ax) and technologies and experience in designing and securing wireless networks for optimal performance and coverage.
• Strong understanding of access control models and network security frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., LogicMonitor, SolarWinds).
• Solid expertise in network operating systems (e.g., Cisco IOS).
• Advanced troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues efficiently.
• Able to mentor junior engineers and teach advanced troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Experience in implementing QoS policies to prioritize network traffic and optimize performance for critical applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Proficiency in creating and maintaining detailed network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Ability to prepare and deliver reports and presentations on network performance, projects, and initiatives for management and stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with emerging network technologies and industry trends.

The Process

The selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment which includes a Public Safety Polygraph exam. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Benefits Package

The City of Irvine offers competitive compensation and benefits packages.

Your Team

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine’s five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine through embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.

E-Verify

The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.