Lead Network Engineer

brown; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to plan, design, and implement network services across campus, including data center, wireless, DNS/DHCP, and VPN. You will collaborate with IT teams to support internet and cloud connectivity and to ensure reliable, scalable infrastructure.

The role requires strong technical skills, project leadership, and the ability to mentor staff. You will participate in after-hours deployments, on-call rotations, and efforts to advance the network roadmap

Qualifications

• 7+ years designing and supporting complex enterprise networks.
• Minimum 5 years focused on wireless network design and troubleshooting.
• Experience with network-focused programming and scripting (Python, Ansible, Perl).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Windows, macOS and Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and implement network services across wired, wireless, and data center.
• Lead on-call rotations and coordinate outages and restorations.
• Develop technology roadmap and budget with cross-functional teams.
• Mentor junior staff and lead cross-functional projects.
• Research and present new technologies, vendors, and best practices.

Skills

Network design

Enterprise networks

Project management

Communication

VPN

Python

Ansible

Perl

Cisco

OSPF

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

CCNP

CWNA

Tools

Cisco switches

Aruba wireless

Git

Ansible

Job description

Lead Network Engineer Office of Information Technology

The Lead Network Engineer works closely with other teams in the Office of Information Technology to plan, design, and implement all network-related services at the University. This includes supporting all wired, wireless, and data center networks as well as internet and cloud connectivity. Related network services include DNS/DHCP, load balancing, network authentication, client and p2p VPN, WiFi and management/monitoring tools.

This position maintains the Brown community's network through a rotating on-call schedule, leading service restoration efforts, handling outages and supporting operational requests. It requires flexibility to perform after-hours work or critical network changes. Leveraging strong technical expertise and communication skills, the Lead Network Engineer develops project proposals and plans, collaborates across teams, and manages initiatives with minimal supervision while effectively communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

In addition, the Lead Network Engineer independently researches new technologies, services, and products through a variety of methods, including correspondence with peers, vendor meetings, classes, conferences, and online forums. As opportunities are recognized, the Lead Network Engineer would develop content and present information to the team, management or others to assist in developing a technology roadmap and budget. Serving as a technical leader, this role represents the network team across all levels of the organization and mentors junior staff to foster professional growth and strengthen the team's collective technical proficiency.

Education and Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Training/certifications (such as CCNP, CWNA) preferred.
• 7+ years of experience designing, supporting, and maintaining complex enterprise or campus networks is required, including a minimum of 5 years of experience specifically focused on the design, support, and troubleshooting of complex wireless networks.
• Experience with or working knowledge of network-focused programming and scripting tools and languages, such as Python, Ansible, and Perl.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Cisco, and HPE/Aruba switching and routing
• Experience with HPE/Aruba wireless networks and Aruba ClearPass
• Experience using DevOps practices to automate, test, manage, and deploy network configurations and changes, including the use of Git or similar version-control tools.
• Experience utilizing AI platforms to enable or enhance network automation. Gemini / Claude Code / ChatGPT Work
• Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Experience supporting Network Source of Truth platforms
• Experience working in an authenticated environment using technologies such as 802.1x
• Proven ability to administer an enterprise-level DNS, DHCP and NTP solution
• Advanced expertise and demonstrated experience in the following areas: Routing and switching on enterprise network systems
• Designing, implementing, and troubleshooting BGP, OSPF, VRF-Lite, and spanning-tree
• HA network configuration options (VSS, VPC, SVS, MC-LAG), failover, and troubleshooting
• Wireless network concepts using centralized controllers, encryption methods, authentication, and RF planning.
• Strong knowledge of the F5 product portfolio Server load balancing using Local Traffic Manager(LTM)
• DNS load balancing using Global Traffic Manager (GTM)
• Fortinet Firewall configuration and performance tuning
• Client and P2P VPN technologies, IPSec VPN, DMVPN, SSLVPN
• Monitoring protocols such as syslog, SNMP and NetFlow
• Packet capturing tools using Wireshark or tcpdump
• Experience with Disaster Recovery planning and support
• Knowledge of Private Cellular / CBRS technologies
• Experience with DWDM technologies, preferably Cisco NCS/ONS
• Must be able to independently lead cross-functional project teams
• Familiarity with Windows, OSX, and Linux operating systems
• Experience with leading small to midsize projects required.
• Customer-facing technical support role requiring verbal and written communication with customers and using a ticketing system required
• Must be able to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and the ability to work after hours to implement critical network technology changes as needed.
• Strong critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize activities
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Strong time management skills and reliable follow-through
• Good written and oral communications skills required.
• Excellent customer service skills; tact and sensitivity in dealing with a diverse user community

Successful completion of a criminal background check and education verification is required. This position is also subject to Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) requirements.

Benefits of Working at Brown: Please review additional information on the Benefits of Wo