Network Engineer

IdeaTek; Hutchinson (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay + bonus potential

Medical, dental, vision, life and 401k

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

IdeaTek is seeking a Network Engineer to design, implement, monitor, and optimize our expanding fiber network in Kansas. You’ll partner with multiple teams to ensure a fast, reliable, and resilient customer experience across deployments and upgrades.

You’ll review network health daily, troubleshoot complex routing and connectivity challenges, and help lead projects from planning through completion with vendors and internal teams. A strong communicator and problem-solver will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years in network engineering or related role.
• Strong understanding of network architecture, routing, switching, and troubleshooting.
• Experience managing technical projects and balancing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, deploy, and maintain network infrastructure for growing fiber network.
• Monitor performance, analyze health, and identify opportunities to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot routing, connectivity, and performance issues with minimal customer impact.
• Plan and support upgrades, maintenance, and new technology deployments.
• Coordinate timelines, budgets, vendors, and cross-functional resources for projects.
• Evaluate initiatives and provide recommendations aligned with business goals.
• Translate technical updates for leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to expand networks and improve processes.
• Maintain documentation of designs, configurations, and activities.

Skills

Network Engineering

Routing & Switching

Troubleshooting

Project Management

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering / CS / IT

Tools

CCNA (or equivalent)

GPON

Ubiquiti UniFi/UNMS

Job description

Are you passionate about designing, building, and optimizing networks that keep communities connected? Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, collaborating across teams, and seeing the direct impact of your work on customers and network performance? IdeaTek is looking for a Network Engineer to support the continued growth and reliability of our expanding fiber network. In this role, you'll design, implement, monitor, and optimize network infrastructure while partnering with teams across the organization to ensure our customers receive a fast, reliable, and resilient experience. Whether you're deploying new technologies, troubleshooting network performance, or supporting large‑scale expansion projects, you'll play a key role in advancing IdeaTek's mission of bringing high‑speed internet to underserved communities.

A Day in the Life

You’ll start your day reviewing network health, monitoring alerts, and addressing priority issues impacting system performance. Throughout the day, you may design new network infrastructure, troubleshoot complex routing or connectivity challenges, collaborate with field operations during deployments, or evaluate opportunities to improve system performance through upgrades and automation. You’ll work internally cross departmentally and with vendor partners to ensure projects stay on schedule, network performance remains strong, and future expansion efforts are successfully implemented.

What You'll Do

• Design, configure, deploy, and maintain network infrastructure that supports IdeaTek's growing fiber network.
• Monitor network performance, analyze system health, and proactively identify opportunities to improve reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network, routing, and connectivity issues while minimizing customer impact.
• Plan, implement, and support network upgrades, preventive maintenance, and new technology deployments.
• Manage technical projects by coordinating timelines, budgets, vendors, and cross‑functional resources to ensure successful execution.
• Evaluate network initiatives and provide technical recommendations that support business objectives and long‑term growth.
• Translate technical concepts and project updates into clear, actionable information for leadership and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments to provide technical expertise, support network expansion initiatives, and improve operational processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network designs, configurations, and implementation activities.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in Network Engineering or a related networking role.
• Strong understanding of network architecture, routing, switching, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience managing technical projects and balancing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience implementing or supporting telecommunications or broadband networks.
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting VoIP technologies.
• Experience with wireless networking technologies including Ubiquiti UniFi/UNMS, Siklu PtP/PtMP, or Enterprise WiFi.
• Experience deploying and supporting GPON technologies.
• Experience with eLAN and eLINE network deployments.
• General knowledge of telecommunications services including internet, voice, and wireless technologies.
• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, or equivalent.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Desired Attributes

• Analytical – You enjoy solving complex technical problems and identifying root causes.
• Collaborative – You build strong partnerships and work effectively across teams.
• Adaptable – You remain calm and flexible as priorities shift in a fast‑paced environment.
• Customer‑Focused – You understand how your work impacts customers and strive to deliver reliable network performance.
• Organized – You can effectively manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Continuous Learner – You’re curious about emerging technologies and committed to expanding your technical expertise.

Why Join IdeaTek?

• Competitive pay + bonus potential
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and 401(k) with match
• Free coaching/counseling for employees & families
• Free internet service (if available in your area) or internet reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• Culture that values results, effort, and integrity

Our Core Values

• We are Trustworthy – We build confidence through transparency, follow‑through, and dependability.
• We count on Big Thinkers – We don't just imagine the future—we create it with bold, actionable ideas.
• We have a Resilient Spirit – We embrace challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and keep striving for more.
• We stand on Belief – We believe everyone deserves access to technology that helps them learn, grow, and thrive.
• We foster Connectedness – Our work goes beyond broadband—we build real connections within our team and our communities.
• We drive Innovation – We're always looking for ways to improve and redefine what's possible.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to help build the future of broadband and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.