Senior Network Engineer

bcbsks; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive pay (EPIP)

Health/Vision/Dental insurance

6 weeks paid parental leave

Fertility/Adoption assistance

2 weeks paid caregiver leave

401(k) matching up to 5%

Tuition reimbursement

Health & fitness benefits

Job summary

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to act as the senior technical administrator for Information Services, overseeing Data Center, LAN, WAN, and Wi-Fi infrastructure. You will guide technology decisions, mentor staff, and balance performance with cost and strategy.

The position supports hybrid or onsite work per policy, with Kansas or Missouri relocation as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical and business documentation.
• Proven ability to manage time, work independently, and collaborate effectively in team environments.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to develop estimates and manage deliverables.
• Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and evaluate infrastructure effectiveness and perform gap analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership in designing, operating, and evolving medium to large Data Center, LAN, and WAN environments, with expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing and switching architectures.
• Effective negotiation skills with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard PC utilities.
• Scripting Experience (e.g., Python, Postman) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implements infrastructure projects and system changes using established project management practices.
• Analyzes business requirements, assesses infrastructure impact, and identifies gaps in existing processes.
• Monitor system performance, conduct regular audits, and perform routine maintenance to prevent downtime.
• Designs and documents infrastructure architecture and workflows, and defines the policies, standards, procedures, and strategic direction that guide infrastructure operations.
• Performs infrastructure monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades while ensuring technology solutions align with service expectations, standards, and best practices.
• Manages infrastructure costs and negotiates service level agreements with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Mentors and guides team members by sharing technical expertise, best practices, and operational knowledge.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Must be accessible via mobile services (i.e. text, voice, data) during non-working hours for upgrades, system outages, and configuration changes.

Skills

Communication

Time Management

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

MS Office

Scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Technical certifications

Tools

Cisco

Cisco ACI

DNA Center

VMWare

SolarWinds

Wireshark

Palo Alto

Job description

Why Join Us?

Make a Positive Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of Kansans.

Family Comes First : Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees. Paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire

Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.

Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals in a work environment that promotes flexibility.

Trust and Stability: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas with over 80 years of commitment, compassion and community.

Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace where everyone is valued and respected.

Benefits & Perks

Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package

• Incentive pay program (EPIP)
• Health/Vision/Dental insurance
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
• Fertility/Adoption assistance
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
• 401(k) plan matching up to 5%
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources

Job Summary

The Senior Network Engineer serves as the senior technical administrator for Information Services responsible for maintaining and optimizing the organization's enterprise network systems, encompassing Data Center, LAN, Wan and Wi-Fi infrastructure to meet business needs and service-level expectations. This role oversees complex system analysis, project management activities, and critical maintenance to ensure reliable and secure operations. By guiding technology decisions, mentoring team members, and collaborating with senior leadership, the position helps balance performance, cost, and long-term strategic objectives.

"This position is eligible to work hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment."

What you'll do

Implements infrastructure projects and system changes using established project management practices.

Analyzes business requirements, assesses infrastructure impact, and identifies gaps in existing processes.

Monitor system performance, conduct regular audits, and perform routine maintenance to prevent downtime.

Designs and documents infrastructure architecture and workflows, and defines the policies, standards, procedures, and strategic direction that guide infrastructure operations.

Performs infrastructure monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades while ensuring technology solutions align with service expectations, standards, and best practices.

Manages infrastructure costs and negotiates service level agreements with internal stakeholders and vendors.

Mentors and guides team members by sharing technical expertise, best practices, and operational knowledge.

Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

Must be accessible via mobile services (i.e. text, voice, data) during non-working hours for upgrades, system outages, and configuration changes.

What you need

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical and business documentation.
• Proven ability to manage time, work independently, and collaborate effectively in team environments.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to develop estimates and manage deliverables.
• Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and evaluate infrastructure effectiveness and perform gap analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership in designing, operating, and evolving medium to large - scale Data Center, LAN, and WAN environments, with expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing and switching architectures.
• Effective negotiation skills with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard PC utilities.
• Scripting Experience (e.g., Python, Postman) a plus.

Preferred Experience with Vendors/Technologies:

Cisco, Cisco ACI, Cisco Catalyst "DNA" Center, Cisco ISE, Cisco Catalyst Wireless, Cisco SDA, Aruba Wireless, Palo Alto, VMWare, SolarWinds, Wireshark, Allegro, Gigamon, Cloud Technologies.

Protocols:

BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VRF, VXLAN, ISIS, LISP, QoS, IPSEC, TCP/IP, 802.1X, RADIUS, VPC, LACP, HSRP, DNS, DHCP, IPv6.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree or completion of a Computer Science Program from a Technical Trade School preferred. Technical training with certification in assigned technology is required as applicable.

Minimum of eight years' experience in I.T. infrastructure required.

Demonstrated experience with managing assigned technology by performing regular and critical maintenance tasks within defined service levels preferred.

Successful completion of the Infrastruct