Junior Network Admin: Path to Network Engineer

Steel Dynamics, Inc; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Aluminum Dynamics in Columbus, MS is seeking a Junior Network Administrator to support the network infrastructure across offices, data center, and manufacturing plant. This hands-on role is ideal for someone with solid networking fundamentals who’s looking to grow into a Network Administrator or Network Engineer position.

Responsibilities include monitoring network health, configuring switches and VLANs, maintaining documentation, coordinating with OT engineers and vendors, and supporting

Qualifications

• Foundational networking knowledge; ability to troubleshoot methodically and document issues.
• Experience or familiarity with TCP/IP, switches, routers, and basic security concepts.
• Willingness to work in an industrial environment with PPE and access restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network health, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and review logs/alerts.
• Configure switch ports, VLANs, trunks, and basic Layer 2 settings under procedures.
• Assist with installing/labeling switches, APs, cabling; perform basic cable testing.
• Maintain network documentation including device inventory, IPs, VLANs, and diagrams.
• Coordinate with OT engineers, system admins, vendors, and end users during troubleshooting.
• Support maintenance, upgrades, and expansion projects such as manufacturing plant buildouts.
• Participate in on-call/after-hours rotation as experience grows.
• Work with Network Engineer to support daily operations and network expansion.

Skills

TCP/IP fundamentals

IPv4 addressing

Subnetting

Switches

Routers

Firewalls

DNS

DHCP

Wireless APs

VLANs

Ethernet switching

Troubleshooting tools

Windows command line

Linux command line

Documentation

Communication

Structured troubleshooting

Industrial/manufacturing environment

Driver’s license

High school diploma or equivalent

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Relevant IT certs or military/experience a plus

CompTIA Network+

Cisco CCNA

Tools

Managed switches

Fortinet equipment

Cisco equipment

Job description

Aluminum Dynamics in Columbus, MS is seeking a Junior Network Administrator to support the network infrastructure across offices, data center, and manufacturing plant. This hands-on role is ideal for someone with solid networking fundamentals who’s looking to grow into a Network Administrator or Network Engineer position.

Responsibilities include monitoring network health, configuring switches and VLANs, maintaining documentation, coordinating with OT engineers and vendors, and supporting