Network Engineer I

University of Maine; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan (TIAA)

Paid holidays 13

Tuition waiver for employees and some:

EAP and wellness programs

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Maine System is seeking three Network Engineers I to join our Infrastructure team. Two positions are based at Orono, one at Portland, with hybrid work and on-site requirements.

As a Network Engineer you’ll design, implement, maintain, and secure enterprise networking across Maine, collaborating with IT staff to support students, faculty, researchers, and communities. Strong cybersecurity and customer service are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure
• Experience supporting Windows/macOS/Linux
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN/WLAN and telecoms
• Knowledge of routing, switching, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs
• VoIP, UC and video tech understanding
• Network security principles and firewalls

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure.
• Support wired, wireless, voice, video, and data communications systems.
• Monitor network performance and resolve complex connectivity issues.
• Implement networking technologies to improve reliability, security, and scalability.
• Collaborate with campus IT teams, vendors and service providers.
• Participate in on-call rotation and respond to incidents.
• Contribute to automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Enterprise networking

Windows/macOS/Linux

LAN/WLAN/WAN

TCP/IP/DNS/DHCP/VLANs/VPN

VoIP/Video technologies

Security fundamentals

Communication skills

On-call rotation

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Network Engineering

Tools

Cisco/Juniper/Aruba/Palo Alto

Networking automation scripting

Cloud networking

Job description

Help Build and Support Maine's Research and Education Networks

The University of Maine System is seeking three Network Engineers I to join our Infrastructure team:

• Two positions based at the University of Maine campus in Orono
• One position based at the University of Southern Maine Portland campus

Applicants should indicate their preferred campus location in their cover letter, however, placement will be based on organizational needs and candidate qualifications.

These positions are eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Because the roles require regular on-campus presence and the ability to respond to operational needs, applicants must live, or be willing to relocate, within approximately one hour of their assigned campus.

As a Network Engineer, you’ll work with enterprise-class networking technologies to design, implement, maintain, and secure wired, wireless, voice, video, and data communications systems. You’ll collaborate with experienced engineers and IT professionals to support a reliable, secure, and high-performing network environment serving students, faculty, researchers, staff, and communities throughout Maine.

What You’ll Do

• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure.
• Support wired, wireless, voice, video, and data communications systems.
• Monitor network performance and resolve complex connectivity issues.
• Implement networking technologies that improve reliability, security, and scalability.
• Collaborate with campus IT teams, vendors, and service providers on infrastructure projects.
• Support enterprise network operations, including participation in an on-call rotation.
• Contribute to automation and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency.
• Maintain a strong commitment to cybersecurity, system reliability, and outstanding customer service.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure.
• Experience supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.
• Knowledge of enterprise Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and telecommunication technologies.
• Knowledge of network routing, switching, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and related protocols.
• Understanding of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), unified communications, and video technologies.
• Working knowledge of network security principles, firewalls, authentication, and access controls.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to climb up and down a 10 foot ladder.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enterprise routing, switching, wireless, and telecommunications technologies.
• Network automation or scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash, etc.).
• Cloud networking environments.
• Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or Palo Alto networking technologies.
• Higher education or other large, distributed enterprise environments.
• Industry certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA), CompTIA Network+, or equivalent.

Why Join the University of Maine System?

At the University of Maine System, technology powers education, research, and innovation across seven universities and numerous statewide locations. As a member of our IT team, you'll have the opportunity to work with modern enterprise technologies while making a meaningful impact on higher education throughout Maine.

We Offer: Our comprehensive benefits package can be worth up to 53% of your annual salary and is designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary: $55,000-$65,000 commensurate with education and experience. This is a fixed range set within a predefined wage band, so we're not able to negotiate a starting salary above it.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Employer-paid benefits, including basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage, with additional voluntary coverage options available
• Retirement plan through TIAA with 10% employer contribution and opportunities for additional tax-deferred retirement savings
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, plus 13 paid holidays each year
• Tuition waiver program for employees, including graduate courses and Maine Law, plus substantial tuition discounts for eligible spouses and dependent children
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness programs supporting your health and well-being
• Professional development and opportunities to grow your career within Maine's public university system
• Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance discounts, and supplemental disability and life insurance options

Make an Impact Across Maine

If you're passionate about enterprise networking, continuous learning, and supporting technology that enables education and research across the state, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications must be submitted on or before August 16, 2026.

Work authorization

This position requires U.S. work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship now or in the future. We are unable to consider applicants who require visa sponsorship or OPT extensions at any point.

EEO Statement

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator atwww.maine.edu/title-ix/.