Junior Network Engineer

Focus Technology; Village of Islandia (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus Technology is seeking a motivated Junior Network Engineer to join our growing team in the New York area. You will assist with day-to-day network operations and collaborate with senior engineers on projects to deliver secure, reliable connectivity for clients.

The role may require on-site work up to five days per week in Long Island or Manhattan, with potential remote options based on client needs. 1–2 years’ network experience, TCP/IP/DNS/DHCP knowledge, and a willingness to learn are

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN connectivity, and basic network troubleshooting.
• Experience with configuring and troubleshooting network devices using a CLI.
• Industry certifications in Cisco/Fortinet are a plus and willingness to pursue.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in CS/IT or related field.

Responsibilities

• Participate in day-to-day network operations and administration based on customer needs.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on projects including design and implementation.
• Assist in developing and documenting network solutions based on requirements.
• Configure, test, troubleshoot, and implement network solutions under guidance.
• Document processes to optimize support and management of deployed systems.

Skills

Networking platforms

Networking concepts

TCP/IP/DNS/DHCP

CLI

Attention to detail

Communication

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Tools

Cisco devices

Fortinet devices

Cisco Meraki

Job description

We are looking for a motivated Junior Network Engineer to join our growing team! If you're passionate about networking and want hands-on experience working with real-world technology environments, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for!

Come grow your skills, work alongside experienced IT professionals, and help keep our clients connected and secure. You will collaborate with team members on day-to-day operations and network projects to ensure delivery of network-related services to our clients.

This role may require working on-site with customers up to five (5) days per week as business needs determine, primarily in Long Island and Manhattan or other locations as needed. If you do not have to be on site on a particular day, you will have the ability to work remotely. Work location, on-site requirements and travel expectations may be subject to change based on client requirements, business needs, and operational priorities.

Some responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in day-to-day network operations and administration based on customer needs
• Collaborate with senior network engineers on projects including solution architecture, design, and implementation
• Assist with developing and documenting network solutions based on project requirements and established standards
• Participate in the configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation of network solutions under the direction of senior team members
• Contribute to project discussions, ask questions, and develop an understanding of network architecture, design principles, and best practices
• Interface effectively with customer IT contacts, other team members as well as third-party vendors
• Obtain and/or maintain technical skills and certifications required to meet the requirements of our clients
• Document operational processes and procedures to optimize support and management of deployed systems
• Be proactive in identifying and fixing potential problem areas
• Provide after-hours support for scheduled activities including nights and weekends as required
• Assist with non-networking related engineering and operational customer requirements as needed
• All other duties as assigned

Skills:

• Familiarity with one or more networking platforms (Cisco, Cisco Meraki and Fortinet) and general networking knowledge preferred
• Basic understanding of LAN, WAN, and WLAN technologies as well as firewalls, switches, routers, VPNs and wireless
• Willingness to learn network routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP, EIGRP)
• Ability to follow instructions and standard procedures
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to listen carefully, understand instructions, and take clear, accurate notes to ensure tasks and expectations are understood and completed correctly
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to identify issues, ask appropriate questions, and take initiative rather than waiting to be directed at every step
• Willingness and eagerness to learn, both independently and through guidance and mentorship from managers and colleagues
• Ability to accept feedback, apply what is learned, and continuously develop technical skills and knowledge
• Demonstrates good judgement in knowing when to research and troubleshoot independently and when to ask for assistance

Experience and Education:

• 1-2 years of experience configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting PCs, servers, and network infrastructure
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN connectivity, and basic network troubleshooting
• Familiarity with configuring and troubleshooting network devices
• Familiarity with configuring or operating a network device using a CLI
• Experience troubleshooting network connectivity issues including DNS, DHCP, switching, routing, wireless, and Internet access problems
• Ability to diagnose issues methodically, document problems, and elevate complex issues when necessary
• Experience with Windows is preferred
• Willingness to learn about firewalls, switches, routers, VPNs and wireless
• Interest in networking
• Associate or bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Prior experience working in Professional Services for an IT Consulting company preferred
• Industry technical certifications in Cisco and/or Fortinet preferred and the desire to pursue certifications

Salary range: The compensation range for this role is expected to be $60,000 - $70,000 annually. Final offer will depend on experience, qualifications, location and other relevant factors.