Smart Hands Engineer

Georgetown University; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Georgetown University is seeking a Smart Hands Engineer to provide on-the-ground support and maintenance of the university’s network and telecommunications infrastructure across campus and international sites. The role blends field work with strategic planning to sustain reliable IT services.

You will collaborate with Network Engineering, maintain cabling standards, review telecom rooms, manage inventory and RMA, and support change and incident management processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in network or telecommunications infrastructure support.
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as Meraki, SolarWinds, or Nagios.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining physical network equipment inventories and RMA processes.
• Strong understanding of cabling and telecommunication standards for copper and fiber optic systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair network equipment.
• Experience with physical infrastructure reviews (power, cooling, lighting, security).
• Knowledge of GOCard, cameras, wireless APs, AV equipment, IoT, and Building Automation Systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with change control and incident management processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Network Engineering team on designing solutions for network systems.
• Develop and maintain cabling and telecommunication standards.
• Review conditions in telecommunication rooms and note issues.
• Acquire and submit quotes from IT cabling contractors.
• Manage physical network equipment inventory and RMA processes.
• Utilize network monitoring tools to identify and address failing equipment.
• Ensure all work tickets, change control, and incident management processes are followed.

Skills

Network troubleshooting

Change management

Incident management

Communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Tools

Meraki

SolarWinds

Nagios

Cormant

Job description

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

The Smart Hands Engineer at Georgetown University, is a critical role responsible for the on-the-ground support and maintenance of the University’s network and telecommunications infrastructure. The position exists to provide expert physical and technical assistance for network systems, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and security of IT services across all campuses and international sites. This role involves a mix of hands‑on field work and strategic planning to support the entire lifecycle of network equipment and cabling infrastructure.

Additional duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with the Network Engineering team on designing solutions for network systems

• Develop and maintain cabling and telecommunication standards.

• Review conditions in telecommunication rooms and note any issues.

• Acquire and submit quotes from IT cabling contractors.

• Manage physical network equipment inventory and RMA processes.

• Utilize network monitoring tools to identify and address failing equipment.

• Ensure all work tickets, change control, and incident management processes are followed.

Work Interactions

The work performed by the Smart Hands Engineer is integral to the overall function of the Systems Engineering and Operations team. This position reports to the Director of Smart Hands Engineering and directly interacts with the Network Engineering team, IT cabling contractors, project leaders, and other relevant parties to ensure seamless service delivery and infrastructure integrity. This role’s influence extends across the entire University, as its work directly supports the foundational IT infrastructure that enables teaching, research, and administrative functions, thereby contributing to the mission and goals of Georgetown University.

The incumbent will work in a dynamic physical environment, which includes both office settings and technical spaces like telecommunication rooms and data closets. The role requires physical mobility, including the ability to lift and carry network equipment.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering) or equivalent practical experience.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in network or telecommunications infrastructure support.

• Demonstrated experience with network monitoring tools such as Meraki, SolarWinds, or Nagios

• Proficiency in developing and maintaining physical network equipment inventories and RMA processes.

• Strong understanding of cabling and telecommunication standards for both copper and fiber optic systems.

• Ability to troubleshoot and repair network equipment.

• Experience with physical infrastructure reviews, including power, cooling, lighting, and security.

• Knowledge of and ability to learn additional technologies, including GOCard, cameras, wireless access points, AV equipment, IOT, and Building Automation Systems.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with internal teams and external contractors.

• Familiarity with change control and incident management processes.

Preferred requirements and qualifications

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA).

• Experience with Cormant or similar inventory management tools.

• Familiarity with Georgetown University’s IT infrastructure and systems.

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Pay Range:

$47,586.00 - $87,558.13

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

Current Georgetown Employees:

If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.