Network Specialist 2 - SSRL

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 130,243 - 153,142; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SSRL seeks a Network Specialist to maintain and enhance network infrastructure at the Menlo Park site, supporting accelerator operations and scientific data acquisition.

This role focuses on routing, switching, firewall configurations, automation scripts, and collaboration with DCAA to ensure high-speed, secure networks; onsite presence four days a week. Requires a bachelor’s degree in CS and 5+ years of experience in network administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS or related field with 5+ years of network admin experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot across OSI layers and IPv4/IPv6.
• Experience with LAN/WAN protocols and DHCP servers.
• Hands-on Linux administration and SSH management.
• Automation scripting and Infrastructure as Code for networking tasks.
• Familiarity with fiber-optic cabling and components.
• Knowledge of NIST SP 800-53 security controls.

Responsibilities

• Implement routing, switching and firewall configurations under general direction.
• Develop and implement automated IT networking solutions.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
• Monitor network performance and respond to infrastructure alerts.
• Create and maintain catalog of network scripts.
• Maintain IP addresses and subnet allocations.
• Assist with network documentation and diagrams.
• Enhance cybersecurity posture with minimal operation impact.
• Collaborate with accelerator and beamline staff to meet network objectives.
• Manage lifecycle of networking equipment.
• Provide network-related input and guidance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and make improvement recommendations.
• Interface with DCAA to sustain high-speed, robust, and secure network infrastructure.
• Coordinate with network and cybersecurity teams to ensure data paths meet bandwidth, latency, and policy needs.

Skills

OSI layers

IPv4/IPv6

LAN/WAN

DHCP

Linux admin

SSH management

Automation scripting

Infrastructure as Code

Fiber optics

Security controls (NIST 800-53)

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

N/A

Job description

Job Description

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is a national scientific user facility and a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. SSRL operates an electron accelerator servicing approximately 30 x‑ray and ultraviolet beamlines to support research in microelectronics, energy storage, biological and medical sciences, Earth science, and materials science. Each beamline is tailored to specific experimental techniques that probe the structure and function of matter from atomic to millimeter scales and across time scales spanning many orders of magnitude. This diversity requires a wide range of instrumentation, sample environment controls, and data acquisition approaches.

Position Overview

The SSRL Computer Operations team seeks a highly motivated Network Specialist to maintain and enhance network infrastructure across the user facility. The team provides comprehensive support for operational technology and information technology systems. SSRL mission‑critical networks enable accelerator operations and scientific data acquisition. The responsibilities include performing routing, switching and firewall configuration tasks. Significant efforts will focus on improving network efficiency through scripts and the use of automation tools. The network specialist at SSRL is a vital contributor to the SSRL scientific community, collaborating closely with the newly forming Data, Compute, Automation, and AI (DCAA) group to deliver and maintain a high‑speed, robust, and secure network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Under general direction, implement routing, switching and firewall configurations.
• Develop and implement automated IT networking solutions.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
• Monitor network performance and promptly respond to infrastructure alerts to ensure optimal network stability and uptime.
• Create and maintain catalog of network scripts.
• Maintain and manage IP addresses and subnet allocations.
• Assist with maintaining and creating network documentation that includes procedures, as well as logical and physical diagrams.
• Maintain and enhance cybersecurity posture of network infrastructure while ensuring minimal impact to day‑to‑day operations.
• Collaborate directly with accelerator and beamline staff to achieve network objectives.
• Aid in managing the lifecycle of networking equipment.
• Provide network‑related input and guidance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and make recommendations for improvements.
• Interface with the DCAA group to deliver and maintain a high‑speed, robust, and secure network infrastructure.
• Work closely with network and cybersecurity teams to ensure that data paths between SSRL, the SLAC Shared Science Data Facility (S3DF), and external HPC resources have the required bandwidth, latency, monitoring, and policy compliance.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field along with 5 years of relevant work experience as a network administrator.
• Ability to troubleshoot and identify issues across the OSI layers.
• Strong understanding of IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, including IP addressing, subnetting, and routing fundamentals.
• Practical experience in supporting LAN and WAN protocols.
• Experience configuring and managing DHCP servers to support client network connectivity.
• Hands‑on experience with Linux administration.
• Proficiency in SSH management.
• Experience writing scripts to automate routine network configuration, system checks, and system backups.
• Capabilities using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools to automate networking tasks.
• Knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot fiber‑optic infrastructure, including cabling, transceivers, connectors, patch panels, and related components.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to communicate complex technical issues to non‑technical users.
• Experience implementing and maintaining NIST SP 800‑53 security controls for information systems security compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• Cisco CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• Fortinet NSE 4‑7 (Network Security Expert)
• RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• You are expected to reside locally and work onsite for a minimum of 4 days a week.
• The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory network operates 24x7 for approximately 9 months each year, in support of accelerator and beam line operations. You are expected to be available to address and resolve critical issues outside of normal working hours on a rotating basis, as needed.
• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work Standards

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety, and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www‑group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• Classification Title: Network Specialist 2
• Job code: 4812 Grade: J
• Employment Duration: Regular continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $130,243 - $153,142 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.