Network Engineer - Lead

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 97,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit invites applications for a Lead Network Engineer to design, deploy, and manage campus networks. You will lead complex projects, coordinate with vendors, and guide junior engineers to ensure reliable, scalable IT infrastructure.

The role requires deep expertise in LAN/WAN design, network operations, and strong project leadership. This position is a full-time, on-site role at the Detroit campus, with annual compensation in the $97k–$117k range.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of physical design of communication networks and network operations.
• Licensing or vendor certification as a network engineer or equivalent.
• Undergraduate studies in computer science or engineering.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot network problems and install and maintain specialized network tools and software.
• Engineer, analyze, design, and install new networks and integrate them with other networks and the University wide area network.
• Monitor network performance, analyze symptoms of outages, and develop corrective actions.
• Lead projects to install and/or upgrade networks, serving as a technical liaison with vendors and customers.
• Stay abreast of current trends in network design and provide advice and counsel to customers on implementing or enhancing networks in their area.

Skills

Network design

Project leadership

Network operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Vendor certification

Job description

Network Engineer - Lead

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Network Engineer - Lead at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Basic Purpose

Positions in the Network Engineer job family are responsible for the analysis, design, configuration, and coordination of the installation of communications networks including local area networks, wide area networks, and the integration of multiple networks and technologies. Incumbents work with customers and vendors to determine the optimal network design and coordinate the installation and testing with vendors and/or internal staff. Incumbents are also responsible for monitoring, tuning, and planning for University-wide networks. The focus of work is on the optimal design and installation of networks that will facilitate access and exchange of information across the University and with the community.

Essential Functions

The functions within the job family will vary by level and specific assignment but will include the

following:

• Troubleshoot network problems and install and maintain specialized network tools and software;
• Engineer, analyze, design, and install new networks and integrate them with other networks and the University wide area network;
• Monitor network performance, analyze symptoms of outages, and develop corrective actions;
• Lead projects to install and/or upgrade networks, serving as a technical liaison with vendors and customers; and
• Stay abreast of current trends in network design and provide advice and counsel to customers on implementing or enhancing networks in their area.

Comments (Level Descriptions)

Network Engineer I

This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their expertise in routine network design assignments. They typically work as a part of a project team, focusing on subsets in network design and implementation projects. While at this level, they are expected to expand their design knowledge to include other common network technologies and platforms and to increase their proficiency in the integration of networks. Incumbents at this level may serve as second-tier support for network problem resolution to assist units across the university.

Network Engineer II

This is the career level where incumbents are fully qualified to work independently on a variety of network design and installation projects. They may participate on project teams for major installations or upgrades or work independently on smaller projects which typically last less than one year. They may also be responsible for coordinating project work with systems administrators and other technical staff and for providing assistance for less experienced network engineering staff. Network project assignments frequently require the integration of multiple networks, both internal and external, and interaction with functional management during all phases of project definition, design, and installation.

Senior Network Engineer

This is the specialist level where incumbents are fully qualified to work on major network design projects which often take more than one year to complete. They assist in the analysis, review, and evaluation of alternative approaches and may prepare documentation for functional management review for project acceptance. They may also coordinate several smaller projects, providing technical guidance to less senior network engineering staff. Their work is characterized by an understanding of both the customer and technology requirements for the network, maintaining operating efficiency, and minimizing the potential for future network problems. At this level, incumbents are the Subject Matter Expert for a major network technology and platform, providing third tier support across the University.

Lead Network Engineer

This is the leadership level where incumbents have broad experience and expertise in all types of network design in addition to demonstrated project management skills. They serve as the project leader on complex projects which require significant financial and staffing resources to complete and affect a wide range of University and/or external users. They are the key players in the process of assessing customer needs, evaluating alternatives, preparing cost-benefit analyses, and securing approval from management. They are also the key vendor contact and Subject Matter Expert for a network technology that is widely used in the University and provide expert advice and evaluation of alternative network designs. Incumbents at this level will typically have responsibility for project and technical leadership and work direction for several network engineers or other technical project staff.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the physical design of communication networks and network operations;
• Skill in engineering design and analysis techniques and practices;
• Skill in project leadership and coordination; and
• Ability to work independently to complete complex projects.
• Demonstrated capabilities in network design typically acquired through the completion of the majority of requirements for licensing or vendor certification as a network engineer or equivalent formal education;
• Demonstrated proficiency in network operations and support; and
• Proficiency in engineering techniques, practices, and principles typically gained through completion of undergraduate studies in computer science or engineering.

School/College/Division:

H25 - Computing & Info Technology

Primary department:

H2565 - IT Infrastructure

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary minimum: $97,488
• Salary hire maximum: $116,982

Working conditions:

This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.