Systems Engineer I

Optimum Communications Inc.; Bethpage (NY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimum Communications Inc. in Bethpage, NY is seeking a Systems Engineer to join our engineering team, supporting integration, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of secure networking technologies including SASE, SD-WAN, and CPE/GKE platforms.

You will gain hands-on experience with Versa-based systems, Google Cloud Platform, and Kubernetes (GKE), while collaborating with development, operations, and security teams to ensure reliable and secure network infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Master’s degree is a plus.
• 1-2 years in systems engineering or administration. Internships, lab work, and academic projects count.
• Working knowledge of Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, or RHEL).
• Coursework, lab, or project experience with a cloud platform; GCP preferred.
• Working knowledge of networking principles (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, firewalls).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication, and ability to work with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of SASE/SD-WAN systems under guidance of senior engineers.
• Assist with integration and validation of broadband CPE and Wi‑Fi devices in lab and production environments.
• Support GCP infrastructure for lab and production environments, including compute, VPC, IAM, storage and connectivity.
• Gain exposure to Kubernetes (GKE) and assist with configuration and health checks.
• Develop and maintain scripts and workflows using Python/PowerShell/Bash to support deployment and testing.
• Monitor SASE/SD-WAN, GCP, and GKE environments and troubleshoot issues from logs and monitoring tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support software releases and security policy work.
• Create and maintain network topologies, MOPs, change docs, and troubleshooting guides.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

SASE/SD-WAN

Kubernetes (GKE)

Linux

Scripting

Cloud platforms

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Zero Trust/Security

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/EE or related

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

Google Cloud Platform

Versa (SASE/SD-WAN)

GKE

Ansible/REST APIs

Job description

Are you looking to Optimize your life? Start your exciting path to a rewarding career today!

We are Optimum, a leader in the fast-paced world of connectivity, and we're seeking driven and enthusiastic professionals to join our team, empower lives, fuel businesses, and drive innovation. Connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. A career at Optimum means you'll be enabling progress and enhancing lives by providing reliable, high-speed connectivity solutions that keep the world connected. Our successes, now and in the future, are powered by our amazing product, a commitment to our people and culture, and the connections we make in our communities.

If you are resourceful, collaborative, and passionate about delivering consistent excellence, Optimum is for you!

Job Summary

We are looking for aSystems Engineer Ito join our dynamic engineering team. In this role, you will support the integration, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of secure networking technologies, includingSASE, SD-WAN, branch CPE, and SASE gateways. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will gain hands‑on experience with platforms such asVersawhile developing your skills in networking, system administration, automation, and cloud‑based infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in networking and systems concepts, a willingness to learn new technologies, and an interest in troubleshooting and solving complex technical problems. You will work closely with engineers and cross‑functional teams to support system deployments, perform testing, investigate technical issues, and help maintain reliable and secure network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

• Support the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of SASE/SD-WAN systems, including controllers, gateways, branch CPE, and networking components, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Assist with the integration and validation of broadband CPE, including gateways, modems, and Wi‑Fi devices, in lab and production‑support environments.
• Assist with the integration and validation of B2B SASE/SD-WAN CPE (e.g., Versa), including exposure to ZTP, staging, overlay, routing, and policy, with senior support.
• Support Google Cloud Platform (GCP) infrastructure used for SASE/SD-WAN lab and production‑support environments, including compute, VPC networking, IAM, storage, and connectivity, using documented procedures.
• Gain exposure to Kubernetes (GKE) used by the team; assist with configuration, health checks, and troubleshooting as assigned.
• Develop and maintain scripts and operational workflows using Python, PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, or APIs to support deployment, testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting, with review from senior engineers.
• Help monitor SASE/SD-WAN, GCP, and GKE environments; investigate issues using logs and standard tools; elevate complex faults.
• Participate in troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and incident resolution with the team; document findings and elevate when appropriate.
• Work with development, operations, and security teams to support software releases, system updates, incidents, and Zero Trust / security‑policy work.
• Create and maintain network topologies, MOPs, change documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Assist with monitoring and improving network and SASE performance, reliability, availability, and security.

Collaboration and Documentation:

• Maintain up‑to‑date documentation of network topologies, including traffic flow and interconnectivity.
• Create detailed troubleshooting guides for device and network failures.
• Create change management & deployment logs to track system updates and upgrades to ensure stability.
• Write clear and concise workflow documents, emails, presentations, and thought leadership materials.

Continuous Improvement:

• Staying current with new technologies, certifications, and knowledge sharing.
• Proactively share knowledge, mentor junior engineers, and maintain accountability for team performance and production availability.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Master's degree is a plus
• Experience: 1-2 years in systems engineering or administration. Internships, lab work, and academic projects count
• Working knowledge ofLinux(Ubuntu, CentOS, or RHEL)
• Coursework, lab, or project experience with a cloud platform; GCP preferred
• Working knowledge of networking principles (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, firewalls)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to work with cross‑functional teams

Required Technical Skills:

• Networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, SNMP, IP addressing, subnetting, routing, switching, VLANs, NAT, VPNs, and traffic shaping. Ability to configure and troubleshoot networks using standard tools
• SASE and SD-WAN: Familiarity with SASE and SD-WAN concepts, including WAN connectivity, network overlays, tunnels, routing, centralized policy, security services, and Zero Trust principles
• SDN and network infrastructure: Understanding of software‑defined networking (SDN), VLANs, and WAN/LAN configurations, and how they are used to manage traffic across distributed infrastructures
• Google Cloud Platform: Coursework, lab, or project experience with cloud platforms, preferably GCP, including compute, VPC, IAM, storage, and connectivity
• Kubernetes (GKE): Familiarity with Kubernetes, GKE, and containerized applications; willingness to operate and troubleshoot clusters and workloads with guidance
• Broadband CPE and Wi‑Fi: Familiarity with integrating and validating broadband CPE (gateways, modems, Wi‑Fi) in lab or production‑support environments
• Linux / Unix systems: Working knowledge of Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, or RHEL): CLI, services, users, logs, system resources (CPU, memory, storage), and troubleshooting in multi‑user environments
• Scripting and automation: Experience with Python, Bash, or PowerShell; exposure to Ansible, Terraform, REST APIs, gcloud, or kubectl is a plus
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics: Network and system troubleshooting using log analysis, packet captures, monitoring systems, command‑line utilities, and performance analysis
• Learning agility: Ability and willingness to learn Versa, GCP/GKE, broadband CPE, SD‑WAN, and SASE security platforms

At Optimum, every action and interaction we take part in, is driven by our three Guiding Principles: Do What's Right, Drive One Optimum, and Make It Happen. These aren't just words, they help us build trust, create real community, and embrace new ways of thinking. Our employees are empowered to do the right thing for our customers and co‑workers and to recognize and reward these behaviors when we see them. It's all part of the bigger picture of "Be The Difference" where each employee knows they have the power to enact real change, share new ideas, and understand that learning never stop.

If you have the drive to succeed and are ready to embark on a thrilling career, seize this opportunity today, and join our winning team. Together, we'll shape the future of connectivity.

All job descriptions and required skills, qualifications and responsibilities for a particular position are subject to modification by the Company from time to time, in the Company's discretion based on business necessity.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Pay is competitive and based on a number of job‑related factors, including skills and experience. The starting pay rate/range at time of hire for this position in the posted location is $77,112.00 - $126,684.00 / year. The rate/range provided herein is the anticipated pay at the time of hire and does not reflect future job opportunity.

We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. Please note that at this time, we do not provide visa sponsorship for employment.