Lead Core Network Engineer — LTE, MPLS & Firewalls

Mississippi Power Co; Birmingham, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SouthernLinc is seeking an Engineer (Core Networking) to design, implement, and operate the core IP network infrastructure within its datacenters. You will lead routing, switching, VPN, and firewall deployments and collaborate with vendors to deliver robust, secure network services.

You will mentor the IP Networking team, drive standardization, and ensure cybersecurity best practices across the network. The role requires strong engineering leadership and hands-on execution in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Four+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing IP Routing, Switching, VPN, and Firewalls.
• Two+ years of experience collaborating with vendors to design solutions and install networking systems.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex network issues, including root-cause analysis and performance optimization.
• Experience maintaining and monitoring enterprise-level network infrastructure using Syslog, SNMP, or other network monitoring protocols and tools.
• Proficiency with network traffic analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark).
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring of peers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design future virtualized network and server infrastructure to support capacity, scalability, and lifecycle upgrades.
• Maintain and optimize installed core network infrastructure by keeping systems current, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting.
• Manage capital projects, ensuring timely execution and budget alignment.
• Evaluate emerging technologies through proofs-of-concept and recommend adoption.
• Collaborate with IT Security on security assessments and remediation.
• Coordinate with other departments to meet network and server needs.
• Develop and maintain documentation for architectures, processes, and standards.
• Contribute to budgets with cost estimates and capacity planning.
• Lead and mentor the IP Networking team to ensure alignment with standards and security.

Skills

IP Routing

Switching

VPN

Firewalls

Vendor collaboration

Troubleshooting

Wireshark

Network monitoring

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science

Other engineering degree disciplines considered

Tools

Syslog

SNMP

Wireshark

Job description

SouthernLinc is seeking an Engineer (Core Networking) to design, implement, and operate the core IP network infrastructure within its datacenters. You will lead routing, switching, VPN, and firewall deployments and collaborate with vendors to deliver robust, secure network services.

You will mentor the IP Networking team, drive standardization, and ensure cybersecurity best practices across the network. The role requires strong engineering leadership and hands-on execution in a fast-paced