Network Engineer Information Technology, Network Operations Tacoma

Lightcurve; Tacoma, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays and vacation (4 weeks)

Employee assistance program

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Lightcurve in Tacoma, WA, seeks a Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain telecommunications networks. The role focuses on reliability, security, and scalability across multiple sites.

Responsibilities include monitoring performance, performing preventive maintenance, and collaborating with security and systems teams to meet growing demands. A Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or equivalent is required, with CCNP/JNCIP certifications valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
• Experience weighted heavily.
• Valid driver's license and non-negligent driving record.
• Employment level background and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement network solutions for new installations, upgrades, and migrations.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure availability.
• Perform security measures including firewalls, VPNs, IDS, and encryption.
• Document network architecture, configurations, and changes.
• Collaborate with admins, security teams, and developers to align network with business needs.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Independent work

Prioritization

Industry trends awareness

Hands-on mentality

Education

Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or related field

Tools

SolarWinds

Wireshark

NetFlow

Job description

The Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunications networks, ensuring their reliability, performance, and security. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of networking protocols, hardware, and the latest telecommunications technologies.

• Design and implement network solutions for new installations, upgrades, and migrations based on business requirements

Network Management and Maintenance

• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal service availability
• Conduct regular preventive maintenance and firmware upgrades on network devices
• Perform network assessments to identify potential issues, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement

Security and Compliance

• Implement and enforce network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and encryption protocols
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and recommend security improvements
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices for network security

Capacity Planning and Optimization

• Monitor network traffic and capacity usage to ensure efficient performance and scalability
• Analyze network performance data and provide recommendations for capacity upgrades or improvements
• Plan and execute network expansions to meet growing demands

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date documentation on network architecture, configurations, and changes
• Create and present regular network performance and status reports to management
• Document network incidents, resolutions, and best practices for knowledge sharing

Collaboration and Training

• Work closely with other technical teams, including systems administrators, security teams, and software developers, to align network infrastructure with business needs
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior staff and other team members
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in networking

Measuring Success

• Contributing to and developing a performance and results oriented culture
• Behaviors that are aligned with and strengthen company values

Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Non-negligent driving record
• Employment level background and drug screening

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. Experience is weighted heavily.

Certifications (Major Plus)

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP)
• Additional certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA)

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on telecommunications networks (ISP, VoIP, and similar)
• Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and other network devices
• Strong understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, and MPLS
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools such as SolarWinds, Wireshark, and NetFlow

Skills

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrable understanding of technology trends in the digital infrastructure sector, and applying that technology to address customer needs and pain points
• A scrappy, nimble, innovative, hands-on contributor who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves and has a passion for competing and winning against larger players in the market
• Demonstrated critical thinking, proactive communication, and the ability to identify, prioritize, and articulate highest impact initiatives with sound business judgement and a bias for action

Personal Attributes

• Customer-focused and results-oriented mindset
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and implement new strategies
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Schedule

• 8-hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings, nights, weekends, and on-call duty as needed

Compensation

• This full-time salaried position pays $89,000 – $112,000 annually
• Reimbursable mileage/travel between offices as needed
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance programs
• 401(k) with employer match
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs
• Paid holidays
• 4 weeks per year paid time off (prorated and accrued)

Lightcurve is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Headquartered in Tacoma, WA, Lightcurve is a local leader in delivering high-speed internet and digital connectivity solutions to communities throughout Washington State. With a commitment to provide innovative and reliable broadband services delivered with a focus on excellent customer service, Lightcurve is dedicated to connecting people, supporting community growth, and building networks that fuel our local economies.

In 2023 Palisade Infrastructure (“Palisade”) closed on a transaction to acquire Rainier Connect, forming Lightcurve. In 2024 Lightcurve closed on a transaction acquiring the Washington state operations of Consolidated Communications. Since then, Lightcurve has announced plans to deploy fiber optic broadband in several communities. These investments will allow Lightcurve to rapidly invest in modern fiber-optic broadband networks in both existing markets as well as in several expansion markets, bringing the latest in high-speed reliable broadband solutions to its communities.