Junior Network Administrator

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

Subsidiary

Aluminum Dynamics

Overview

We’re looking for a Junior Network Administrator to help support the network infrastructure across our offices, data center, and manufacturing plant. This is a hands‑on role, ideal for someone with solid networking fundamentals who’s looking to grow into a Network Administrator or Network Engineer position.

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.

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of TCP/IP, IPv4 addressing, and subnetting
• Understanding of switches, routers, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, and wireless APs
• Basic knowledge of VLANs, access/trunk ports, and Ethernet switching
• Comfort with basic troubleshooting tools (ping, traceroute, ARP, ipconfig/ifconfig, DNS lookups)
• Basic Windows and Linux command-line familiarity
• Strong documentation habits, clear communication skills, and the ability to read technical documentation and follow established procedures
• Ability to troubleshoot in a structured, methodical way - gathering evidence rather than making random changes - and to escalate before making risky production changes
• Comfort working in an active industrial/manufacturing environment is correct, but your environment involves distance, heat, noise, PPE, lifts, network closets, and walking through active production areas.
• Valid driver's license
• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certs, military, or IT experience a plus

Preferred

• 1-3 years in network support, NOC, infrastructure support, field technology, or a help-desk role involving network troubleshooting.
• CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar certification
• Experience with managed switches, VLANs/trunking, or Fortinet/Cisco equipment
• Familiarity with fiber optics, SFP modules, or wireless troubleshooting
• Exposure to industrial/OT/manufacturing environments

Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.