Lead Network Engineer

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Retirement plan with two‑for‑one match

Comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Long‑term disability

Flexible spending accounts

Dental and Vision Insurance

Parental and Maternity Leave

Job summary

University of Michigan ITS is seeking a Network Engineer Lead to guide the WI‑Fi group and oversee complex Wi‑Fi deployment projects on campus. You will partner with multiple IT teams to design, test, and implement advanced wireless networks, providing expert guidance and hands‑on support as needed.

You will report to the Network Planning Manager and contribute to strategic technical direction while balancing on‑site and hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or higher in a relevant field with strong engineering fundamentals.
• At least 6 years designing and deploying HPE/Aruba Wi‑Fi networks (AOS 8+).
• Experience leading projects and teams, with strong customer collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, support, and deployment of new campus Wi‑Fi technology and products.
• Provide technical leadership to project managers and customers for optimal network design.
• Collaborate with IT teams, conduct research, and present recommendations.
• Develop implementation documentation, budgets, and risk assessments.

Skills

Network design

Leadership

Wi‑Fi expertise

RF fundamentals

Python programming

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field

Tools

HPE Aruba Wi‑Fi

Job description

Competitive salary available based on qualifications, experience and education of the selected candidate.

Who We Are

Information and Technology Services (ITS) supports U-M faculty, researchers, staff, and students in their use of technology to teach, learn, research, and work, and be leaders in their fields. We are dedicated to creating cohesive digital experiences and promoting university wide innovations. ITS's mission is to be trusted enablers of technology for the U-M community. ITS works together to provide cohesive digital experiences and seamless support to the U-M community. For more information about ITS, visit: https://its.umich.edu/about.

Job Summary

Information and Technology Services (ITS) is looking for a Network Engineer Lead for the Network Engineering and Architecture Team. In this role you will provide leadership to the WI-FI group within the team. You will also lead complex projects that require expert technical proficiency in Wi‑Fi network technology. You will collaborate with team members and provide consultation to other technical teams to develop and implement new network systems. You are expected to assist the Network Operations Team in resolving problems, which may be at an end user level or on the network side. As part of project work you will develop instructions for the installation and upgrades of systems and may actually implement the work. You will report to the Network Planning Manager. This job is hybrid with occasional in person days in Ann Arbor.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Guide the design, support and operational implementation for new technology and product deployments for the UM campus
• Provide a lead technical consulting role to project managers and customers to ensure optimal network design and deployment strategies
• Collaborate with multiple IT teams and advise on new products/technologies, conduct research to support recommendations
• Represent the team on university committees and hold seminars with appropriate audiences to support knowledge sharing
• Participate in Higher Education Networking groups, such as the BTAA Network Group
• Participate in strategic planning and setting of technical direction

Project Implementation/Problem Resolution

• Design networks using established guidelines and customer requirements. Review the design, bill‑of‑material, project costs, drawings, documentation, and configuration specifications for implementations created/proposed by the engineering team
• Prepare and publish detailed documents for completed network designs including RF design, wired network design, and associated CAD details
• Develop and present procedural documentation for the team and other technical staff
• Develop RFPs (requests for proposal), reviews bids and consult on bidder selection
• Guide lower level engineers through root‑cause analysis of network infrastructure failures
• Provide accurate estimates for budget, time, and tasks; identifies impacted teams; and notifies management of potential risks and issues

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education, certification and experience
• Minimum of 6 years of related experience with HPE/Aruba Wi‑Fi, specifically the administration of the system with AOS 8 or newer
• Minimum of four years experience in a related role requiring confidentiality, timeliness, customer service, organization, prioritization, troubleshooting, and working independently to successfully assist customers in their utilization of computer and network hardware and software
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable: computer operating systems; Python programming; computer networking; and radio frequency fundamentals
• Demonstrated experience determining project objectives and requirements, anticipating and solving problems, and developing standards and guidelines for wireless activities
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and collaboration applications
• Knowledge of TIA/EIA (Telecommunication Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance) standards and practices
• Experience in the design of twisted pair, fiber optic, wireless, and coaxial systems related to customer premise wiring and networking
• Proven ability to lead project teams to meet customer expectations
• Demonstrated successful performance with coordinating and completing multiple tasks within and across departments to meet changing deadlines
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Ability to meet the requirements of driving a U‑M vehicle and have a valid driver license with less than 7 points

Desired Qualifications

• HPE/ Aruba Professional level certification for Campus Access
• Aruba Certified Expert, Campus Access Mobility

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two‑for‑one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Parental and Maternity Leave

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

UM- ITS welcomes a healthy applicant pool so we encourage all interested applicants to apply. We may underfill this position at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The salary range for the senior level is $87,338 - $97,043.

Additional Information

• Must meet the requirements of driving a U-M vehicle and have a valid driver license with less than 7 points
• Work is primarily remote currently, but there are times when on site work is necessary sometimes with short notice
• May require working during non‑business hours and on weekends

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.