Network Engineer I

Gravity IT Resources; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gravity IT Resources in California is seeking an entry‑level Network Engineer I to support enterprise Cisco routing and switching, wireless, and Layer 2/3 services across healthcare facilities. This hands‑on role requires onsite work, basic deployments, troubleshooting, and collaboration with senior engineers to grow into advanced infrastructure responsibilities.

The ideal candidate has an Associate degree in IT or 2 years of related experience, with Networking+, Security+, and CCNA preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in IT or two years of related experience in lieu of degree.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in IT/CS or related field.
• Networking+, Security+ or equivalent certificate required.
• CCNA or equivalent Cisco certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 support for enterprise networking infrastructure including switches, routers, wireless APs, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic connectivity issues across Layer 1–3, VLANs, trunks, SVIs, wireless, and port configurations.
• Perform access-layer administration: IP address assignments, VLANs, switch ports, and cabling.
• Assist with troubleshooting outages and degraded performance; escalate as needed.
• Document infrastructure changes and completed work in JIRA; participate in upgrades and maintenance windows.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Onsite hardware install

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree in Information Technology

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Computer Science

Tools

JIRA

Cisco equipment

Network monitoring tools

Job description

The Network Engineer I is an entry-level infrastructure engineering role responsible for providing frontline support and maintenance of the organization's enterprise network environment. This individual supports Cisco-based routing, switching, wireless infrastructure, and network-connected systems while assisting with day-to-day operational tasks, deployments, troubleshooting, and hardware installations across multiple healthcare facilities.

This role is highly hands‑on and requires working onsite to support physical network infrastructure, including equipment installations, hardware replacements, and network maintenance projects. The Network Engineer I works closely with senior network engineers, systems administrators, telecommunications, vendors, and other IT teams while participating in a structured career progression toward more advanced engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Network Operations & Support

• Provide Tier 1 support for enterprise networking infrastructure, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and related networking equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic network connectivity issues involving Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3, VLANs, trunks, SVIs, wireless connectivity, and port configurations.
• Perform access‑layer network administration, including IP address assignments, VLAN assignments, switch port configuration, and cable patching.
• Assist with troubleshooting network outages and degraded performance, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Monitor work queues and update ticket status within 24 hours.
• Notify customers of ticket and project status throughout resolution.
• Document infrastructure changes and completed work within JIRA.
• Participate in network software updates, maintenance windows, and planned infrastructure upgrades.

Infrastructure Deployments

• Install, rack, stack, cable, and configure network equipment following established standards and templates.
• Assist with deployment of switches, routers, wireless infrastructure, UPS systems, and supporting hardware.
• Install wireless access points alongside structured cabling vendors under the direction of senior engineers.
• Replace network hardware, UPS batteries, and other infrastructure components.
• Remove, sanitize, label, and properly decommission retired network equipment.
• Support new building activations, network expansions, and infrastructure modernization projects.
• Assist with vendor‑led hardware implementations and upgrades.
• Open and manage support cases with vendors such as Cisco and other hardware manufacturers.
• Collaborate with Level II and III engineers during network implementations and emergency changes.
• Participate in network‑related projects and small infrastructure initiatives with guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist with documentation updates, network diagrams, and infrastructure records.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Maintain organized inventory of networking hardware and project materials.
• Label equipment according to organizational standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate purchasing needs.
• Prepare equipment for deployment, including organizing, stocking, labeling, and staging hardware.

Operational Responsibilities

• Participate in rotating on‑call support for network infrastructure.
• Participate in scheduled overnight maintenance windows and after‑hours network upgrades.
• Perform written and verbal status reporting as needed.
• Communicate effectively with network engineers, IT staff, vendors, and business stakeholders.
• Identify and escalating issues that could negatively impact network stability, performance, or customer satisfaction.
• Support basic VoIP activities alongside Telecommunications when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Technical Environment

Candidates will gain hands‑on experience supporting enterprise technologies including:

• Cisco Routing & Switching
• Cisco Wireless Infrastructure
• Layer 2 / Layer 3 Networking
• Network Switching
• Wireless Access Points
• UPS Systems
• JIRA
• VoIP Infrastructure
• Vendor Hardware Support

Required Qualifications

Education

Required

• Associate's degree in Information Technology or an additional two (2) years of applicable experience in lieu of an associate's degree.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.

Certifications

Required

• Network+
• Security+
• Equivalent networking certification

Preferred

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching or equivalent Cisco certification.

Experience

Required

• Two (2) years of Information Technology experience, or
• Successful completion of a Networking rotation through the Eisenhower Apprenticeship Program.

Preferred experience includes:

• Enterprise routing and switching
• Wireless networking
• Basic firewall concepts
• Physical network installations

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an early‑career network professional with strong networking fundamentals and a desire to grow within enterprise infrastructure engineering. They possess a solid understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP, VLANs, switching, routing, and wireless technologies, while being eager to learn from senior engineers and develop new technical skills.

Successful candidates are collaborative, coachable, and adaptable. They enjoy hands‑on work, communicate effectively, and are comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. Rather than being highly specialized, they demonstrate curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work across a variety of networking technologies.

• Work Arrangement: 100% onsite
• On-Call Rotation: Approximately one week every 6-8 weeks
• Maintenance Window: Monthly overnight maintenance (approximately 12:00 AM-5:00 AM)
• Travel: Occasional travel between local facilities for hardware installations, maintenance, and support

This position requires working in active healthcare environments, including clinical areas, and supporting mission‑critical systems where network availability directly impacts patient care.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Network Engineer I candidates will:

• Quickly develop proficiency supporting enterprise Cisco infrastructure.
• Demonstrate strong troubleshooting and communication skills.
• Safely install and maintain physical network equipment.
• Follow established operational standards and documentation practices.
• Collaborate effectively with senior engineers while taking ownership of assigned tasks.
• Continuously expand their technical knowledge and progress toward higher‑level engineering responsibilities through the organization's Network Engineer career path.