Manager, Network Engineering & Architecture

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

On-campus work environment

Job summary

The University of Iowa Health Care is seeking a Manager of Network Engineering & Architecture to lead a team of network professionals and contribute technically to complex design and troubleshooting. You will define standards, drive lifecycle planning, and align network strategy with business needs for faculty, staff, and affiliated entities.

You will also oversee WAN, wireless, core routing, and monitoring platforms, with on-site leadership and occasional travel in eastern Iowa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of datacommunications hardware and software experience.
• 1-3 years of working with and training end-users.
• 1-3 years of network troubleshooting with diverse tools.
• Valid driver's license; willing to travel in eastern Iowa.
• Experience with Cisco IOS XE and related technologies.
• 4-7 years of data communications problem solving.
• 3-5 years with Linux, IPSEC, BGP, OSPF, WAN technologies, ITIL/ticketing, IPAM, NAC.
• 3-5 years with Cisco IOS XE and Cisco technologies.
• 1-3 years in network automation, Python, and network analytics.
• Supervisory/management experience preferred.
• Experience with network assurance & monitoring platforms (e.g., ThousandEyes).
• Healthcare or 24x7 mission-critical IT environment experience.
• Self-disclosure of conviction history; background check required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop a team of network architects and engineers including hiring and performance management.
• Balance team leadership with direct technical contribution in design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Set and maintain architectural, configuration, and operational standards; ensure quality and service delivery.
• Lead cross-team communication and change readiness with HCIS and enterprise partners.
• Own architectural direction and long-term strategy for enterprise network (routing, switching, WAN, wireless).
• Direct site prep, installation, testing, and lifecycle maintenance of complex networking equipment; participate when needed.
• Maintain complete network documentation, baselines, and standards; ensure accuracy.
• Provide technical guidance and service-improvement recommendations to other departments.
• Serve as escalation point for operational incidents and RCA analysis.
• Provide 24x7 on-call coverage as part of team rotation.
• Manage carrier/ISP relationships, quotes, contracts, and circuits over time.
• Support lifecycle, capacity, and risk management aligned to budgeting.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Routers & switches

Wi‑Fi

Network management platforms

Linux

IPSec

BGP

OSPF

Multicast

WAN technologies

Cisco IOS XE

Network automation

Python

Network analytics

ITIL/ITSM

IPAM

NAC

ThousandEyes

Job description

Manager, Network Engineering & Architecture

Provide leadership, technical direction, and people management for the Network Engineering & Architecture team within HCIS Technical Operations. This is a working manager role that blends team leadership with direct technical contribution, responsible for the architecture, design, standards, lifecycle, and delivery of the enterprise network environment for University of Iowa Health Care faculty, staff, and affiliated entities. The position leads and develops a team of network architects and engineers, sets and enforces architectural and operational standards, drives proactive lifecycle and capacity planning, and engages directly in complex design and troubleshooting when required. As the Network & Infrastructure Services organization matures, responsibilities may flex across engineering and operations functions to support evolving needs.

Position Responsibilities:

Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop a team of network architects and engineers, including hiring, performance management, goal setting, scheduling, and professional development.

Balance team leadership with direct technical contribution, engaging directly in complex design, implementation, and troubleshooting when required.

Set, enforce, and maintain architectural, configuration, and operational standards, and hold the team accountable for execution, quality, and service delivery.

Lead communication, coordination, and change readiness across teams and with other HCIS and enterprise partners.

Own architectural direction and long-term strategy for the enterprise network, including core routing and switching, WAN, wireless, and network assurance and monitoring platforms.

Direct site preparation, installation, testing, and lifecycle maintenance of complex networking equipment including routers, switches, Wi‑Fi, and network management platforms; perform this work directly when required.

Maintain complete physical and logical network documentation, design baselines, and standards, ensuring they are kept accurate and current.

Lead the analysis of networking requirements and the design of new systems and services.

Provide technical guidance, consulting, and service‑improvement recommendations to other departments.

Serve as an escalation point and provide technical leadership for operational incidents and post‑incident root cause analysis (RCAs).

Provide scheduled 24x7 on‑call coverage as part of a team rotation.

Manage commercial carrier and ISP relationships, including obtaining quotes and service agreements, coordinating with contracts and purchasing, and tracking carrier contracts, billing, and circuits over time.

Drive proactive lifecycle, capacity, and risk management aligned to capital and budget planning.

Provide project management, project estimates (cost, time, and resources), and financial management and input for the team's initiatives.

Prepare written and oral recommendations for leadership regarding system and service improvements.

May develop, track, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), ITSM and ticket status, and alert management in support of Network & Infrastructure Services operations.

May assume operational oversight responsibilities, including network health and monitoring review, incident management, and ticket ownership and accountability, as functions and roles shift across the organization.

Stay well‑informed of trends and technical developments in the field by utilizing self‑study materials, seminars, courses, and conferences.

Follow policies and procedures in accordance with the guidelines of The University of Iowa Health Care and Health Care Information Systems (HCIS).

Perform other duties as delegated in support of overall HCIS and division activities.

Health Care Information Services (HCIS) provides and supports information and communication systems and technology that facilitate quality patient care, progressive medical education, and innovative research. HCIS services Iowa Health Care by delivering comprehensive, high‑level support for patient care delivery, internal and external communication, technology innovation, medical education, and research—creating and maintaining a positive, productive, and rewarding environment for information technology and communication staff.

The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days of paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits .

Percent of Time:

100%

Staff Type:

Professional & Scientific

Type of Position:

Regular

Education Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

Reasonable experience (5-7 years) with datacommunications hardware and software.

Experience with routers, switches, Wi‑Fi, and network management platforms.

Reasonable experience (1-3 years) in working with and training end-users.

Reasonable experience (1-3 years) with network troubleshooting utilizing a variety of tools.

Must possess valid driver's license and the ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards. Occasional travel in eastern Iowa is required.

Must be willing to work flexible hours.

May be required to move up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable experience (4-7 years) with data communications problem solving.

Reasonable experience (3-5 years) with Linux, IPSEC, BGP, OSPF, Multicast, WAN technologies, enterprise networking, ITIL/ticketing system, IPAM, and NAC.

Reasonable experience (3-5 years) with Cisco IOS XE and various Cisco proprietary technologies.

Reasonable experience (1-3 years) in network automation, Python language, and network analytics.

Prior formal supervisory or management experience leading a technical team.

Experience with network assurance and monitoring platforms (e.g., ThousandEyes).

Experience managing carrier/ISP contracts, vendors, and technology roadmaps.

Experience in a healthcare or other 24x7 mission‑critical IT environment.

Working knowledge of ITIL and IT service management (ITSM) practices.

Successful candidates will be required to self‑disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For any additional questions, please contact Kevin Davison at Kevin‑[e-mail]

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Network Architect
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

Contact Information

• Contact Name: Kevin Davison
• Contact Email: Kevin‑[e-mail]

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .