Network Engineer III

Harris Health; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Health is seeking a Senior Network Engineer III to lead the design, configuration, implementation, and ongoing support of its network infrastructure in the Houston area. The role emphasizes SDN, cloud networking, and advanced security, with a focus on stability and performance.

Strong communication with non-technical stakeholders is essential. You will collaborate with IT teams to develop strategic recommendations that align with Harris Health's mission and enhance patient care through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 8+ years in network engineering, design, and implementation.
• CCNA or equivalent required; higher certs preferred.
• Certifications in network automation or cloud networking are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, configuration, implementation and ongoing support of enterprise network infrastructure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams and communicate complex concepts clearly.
• Present strategic recommendations to upper management aligned with business goals.
• Design for stability, security and scalability, including SDN and next-gen security.

Skills

Network design

Cisco hardware

SDN/SD-WAN

Cloud networking

Routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP)

Automation (Python/Ansible)

On-call support

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

Azure/Cloud networking certifications

Tools

SolarWinds

ThousandEyes

DNA Center

AWS/Azure/Google Cloud

Job description

About Us

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset—our people—ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to ‘leading with love— embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual’s contribution to our mission.

JOB SUMMARY

As a senior-level Network Engineer III, your primary responsibility is to lead the design, configuration, implementation, and ongoing support of the network infrastructure, ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of the HCHD network. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the network by integrating advanced technologies, such as software-defined networking (SDN), cloud networking, and next-gen security solutions. Additionally, you will be expected to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to customers, collaborate with cross-functional IT teams, and present strategic recommendations to upper management, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Degree/Work Experience/Licenses & Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, or a related field.

Or

• High School Diploma or GED (And) Eight (8) Years Work Experience in network engineering, design, and implementation.
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or equivalent certification required.
• The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert or similar advanced certifications preferred.
• Azure Certified Advanced Networking, or similar advanced certifications preferred.
• Certifications in network automation (e.g., Cisco DevNet, Ansible, Python) or cloud networking (e.g. Azure) are a plus.

Special Requirements

Communication Skills: Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contact), Writing /Composing Correspondence, Writing /Composing Reports
Other Skills: Analytical, Design, Mathematics, Research, Statistical, P.C., MS Word, MS Excel
Work Schedule: Flexible, On Call: Availability for 24x7 on-call support to respond to critical network outages or emergencies.

Other Requirements

• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and supporting large-scale enterprise networks.
• Strong knowledge of network monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance analysis tools, such as SolarWinds, Thousand Eyes, or DNA Center.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead network projects, including upgrades, migrations, and integrations with minimal supervision.
• Technical Expertise:
• Extensive experience with Cisco hardware and software, including Catalyst, Nexus, , Firepower, and ASA firewalls.
• Proficiency with routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and MPLS in large, complex environments.
• Strong understanding and hands‑on experience with SD‑WAN solutions, SDN technologies, and network virtualization.
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), including integration with on‑premises infrastructure.
• Proficiency with IPv4/IPv6, TCP/IP, QoS, VLANs, Multicast, and advanced LAN/WAN technologies.
• Expertise in network security, including configuring and managing VPNs, firewalls, and network access control(NAC) solutions.
• Experience with network automation and scripting using tools such as Ansible, Python, or Terraform for network configuration management and orchestration.
• 24/7 Availability: Must be willing to provide on‑call support for IT‑related outages and network incidents, responding quickly to critical issues on a 24x7 basis.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences. Excellent interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a cross‑functional team.
• Prioritization and Time Management: Proven ability to efficiently prioritize and manage workloads, handling multiple tasks and projects in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced knowledge and hands‑on experience with modern networking technologies, including Cisco routing, switching, network security, and wireless LAN solutions. Expertise with Cisco Catalyst and Nexus products, wireless LAN controllers, and Cisco ASA firewalls/VPNs.

Equipment Operated: Extensive hands‑on experience with Cisco hardware, including but not limited to the Cisco Catalyst 9000, Nexus 9000 series, Cisco VPN and Firepower, and other next‑gen networking solutions.