Network Engineer, Tier 1

Empire State Development; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Empire State Development in Albany seeks a Network Engineer to install, configure, and maintain critical network infrastructure across HQ, datacenter, and remote offices, with in‑office presence and potential hybrid schedules.

You will monitor SD‑WAN, manage Juniper devices, collaborate with vendors, mentor junior staff, and support disaster recovery efforts, travel as needed, and ensure security and reliability of enterprise networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree requirement: 3+ years related experience in IT.
• Experience with Juniper routing and switching platforms.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities; capable of independent project management.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain network infrastructure for HQ, datacenter, and remote offices.
• Rack, stack, power and manage network equipment.
• Monitor and optimize enterprise SD‑WAN and internet connectivity.
• Manage Juniper switches and related infrastructure.
• Evaluate new network technologies for enterprise use.
• Liaise with vendors and manage service tickets.
• Assist Active Directory and network file storage services in Azure/AVS/VDI.
• Lead network-related projects and mentor junior staff.
• Travel to remote offices as needed.
• Assist IT disaster recovery efforts and documentation.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Team leadership

Project management

Deadline-driven

Ability to multi-task

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field, 3+ years’ experience

Tools

Juniper switches & routers

SD‑WAN management

Active Directory management

VMware VDI

Windows Server OS (2016+)

Azure cloud integration

Job description

Job Summary

Applicants must submit a cover letter with resume to be considered. This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and in accordance with ESD policy. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

Basic Function

Assist with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of critical network infrastructure supporting ESD’s HQ, datacenter, and remote office locations. Assist in troubleshooting and resolving LAN and WAN related performance and equipment issues. Monitor and optimize network services and provide end‑user support for all network‑related devices and equipment.

Work Performed

• Install, configure, maintain, and administer network related infrastructure, services, equipment, and software necessary to support ESD’s critical business functions.
• Rack, stack, power and provide management connectivity for network equipment.
• Monitor and optimize the performance of enterprise SD‑WAN and internet connectivity.
• Install, configure, and manage Juniper network switch stacks and associated infrastructure.
• Evaluate new and leading‑edge network technologies for possible inclusion within the enterprise topology.
• Liaise with third‑party vendors to manage new and upgraded services being implemented.
• Utilize vendor portals to create, track and manage support and service tickets.
• Assist with the management of ESD’s Active Directory Infrastructure.
• Assist with the management of network file storage services in Azure NetApp Files (ANF).
• Assist with the management of Virtual Server workloads in Azure VMware Solution (AVS).
• Assist with the management of Horizon Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) in Azure.
• Utilize network management best practices and monitoring tools to investigate and resolve network‑related performance issues.
• Assist with integrating technologies from different vendors in a heterogeneous networking environment.
• Support the installation, configuration and troubleshooting of IT infrastructure at ESD’s satellite offices.
• Mentor junior networking staff and supervise network‑related projects as directed.
• Travel to various remote office locations as necessary.
• Assist in IT Disaster Recovery efforts, testing and documentation.
• Perform other related duties as required by IT management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Juniper network routing and switching or other routing and switching platforms.
• Proven experience in routing and switching command line experience.
• Knowledge of SD‑WAN infrastructure and management principles.
• Familiarity with cloud computing architecture including virtual desktop, storage and backup/recovery.
• Expertise with enterprise wired and wireless network systems.
• Familiarity with ISP management.
• Experience with Network Monitoring Systems.
• Expertise with Group Policy, DHCP and DNS management.
• Ability to independently manage a project and coordinate with network and data center technicians.
• Must be able to work under deadlines and in an environment where priorities shift.
• Must be able to collaborate and coordinate across organizational disciplines (security, networking, procurement, Help Desk, etc.).
• Must be able to function as a team leader.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi‑task and deliver results within accepted timeframes.

Relevant Experience required: Experience in a Network Engineer role.

Education Level Required

Education Level required: Bachelor’s degree in an IT related discipline with minimum of 3 years’ experience in the related field; or a 2‑year degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Knowledge & Skills

Software / hardware: Juniper switches and routers, SD‑WAN and ISP management experience, Microsoft Server operating systems (OS) 2016 – Current, Windows (OS) 10+, cloud computing architecture, Active Directory management, ExSi, VOIP, SAN/NAS, enterprise wireless solutions, Dell Server Hardware, Cat 6 cabling, UPS appliances, familiarity with VMware 7.0+ and VMware VDI solutions, Wyse thin clients, HP and Ricoh Printers. Ability to work with a diverse group of people at both a functional and technical level and communicate at a level appropriate to audience; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Employee Relations

Role requires analytical and active listening skills; as well as the ability to multi‑task and manage daily workload. Must work with end users at all levels of the organization.

Benefits

Salary range as specified. Comprehensive benefits package.