Project Support Specialist

Compunnel, Inc.; Portage (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized technology firm is looking for a Project Support Specialist to provide comprehensive networking support, focusing on fiber optic solutions and project management in heavy industrial environments. Candidates need strong analytical skills and experience with Cisco technologies. This role involves active participation in project phases, incident management, and vendor coordination, as well as participation in a 24/7 on-call support rotation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supporting data networking focusing on fiber and cabling infrastructure.
• Proven success in leading enterprise-level data networking projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical pre-planning, design, deployment, and migration support for projects.
• Support data network incident and event management.
• Monitor data networks for performance, security, and stability.

Skills

Data networking support

Fiber optic networking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Vendor management

Time management

Tools

Cisco Wired LAN technologies

Network performance monitoring tools

Job description

The Project Support Specialist will join the Data Networking team, providing pre-planning, design, deployment, testing, and migration support for plant networking initiatives at Gary Works and Midwest Works Plants. The role focuses primarily on wireline networking support, with a strong emphasis on fiber optic networking solutions. The candidate will also support daily operations within the USS Data Networking team and participate as a key member of project teams to deliver reliable and secure network solutions in heavy industry environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical pre-planning, design, deployment, and migration support for plant networking projects.
• Participate as an integral team member in delivering successful network solutions.
• Support data network incident and event management through investigation, troubleshooting, reporting, and resolution.
• Perform root cause analysis and manage corrective actions.
• Collaborate on the design of network solutions using approved standard technologies with internal teams, vendors, and partners.
• Monitor data networks for performance, security, and stability, taking proactive measures to address issues.
• Support all project phases from design to physical installation, including hands-on deployment in industrial environments.
• Provide on-call support and participate in a 24/7 rotation to manage outages, migrations, and incidents.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supporting data networking (Cisco Wired LAN technologies) in enterprise environments, with a focus on fiber and cabling infrastructure.
• Proven success in participating or leading enterprise-level projects in Data Networking, Network Security, or Cyber Security compliance.
• Experience working hands-on in steel mill or heavy industry environments (preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex technical issues from identification through implementation.
• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities with strong prioritization skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; able to communicate professionally with customers, vendors, and remote teams.
• Experience managing vendor relationships for incident management, project coordination, and SLA maintenance.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including participation in on-call rotations and plant-based work as required.
• Self-starter with a results-oriented mindset and ability to work effectively within technical support teams.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in wired LAN technologies (Cisco) and fiber optic infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of network performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience with network security principles and enterprise cybersecurity practices.
• Ability to design, document, and implement network solutions.
• Skilled in using diagnostic and monitoring tools for network analysis.
• Proficient in coordinating across technical and vendor teams for deployment and incident resolution.