Systems Engineer-Senior Lead Networking Specialist - Hybrid (Illinois)

First American Bank; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

First American Bank is seeking a Senior Lead Networking Specialist to design, implement, and maintain complex LAN/WAN/SD-WAN and data center networks, with emphasis on scalability and high availability.

The role requires advanced knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto networks, experience with routing protocols, and ability to lead major projects while mentoring junior engineers. Travel to Chicagoland and Wisconsin facilities is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Management Information Systems.
• Five+ years of IT infrastructure and networking experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto networks.
• Experience with routing protocols: BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF.
• Experience with WIFI and VOIP QoS policies.
• Willingness to travel to corporate facilities in Chicagoland and Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, and document networks (LAN/WAN/SD-WAN) and data center environments.
• Lead major network projects to support capacity growth and new technologies.
• Maintain up-to-date standards and security best practices.
• Produce technical documentation and end-user training.
• Provide root-cause analysis and problem resolution for network incidents.
• Collaborate with Information Security and cross-functional teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage time in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure compliance with change control and audience communication.
• Travel as required to bank locations.

Job description

The Senior Lead Networking Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, and data center environments, with a focus on scalability and high availability. In addition, this specialist will be responsible for evaluating current network systems and participate in the identification, development, and implementation of industry standards and security best practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, analyze, troubleshoot, and document computer networks (such as Juniper and Cisco Systems) and infrastructure.
• Lead major network projects to support capacity growth, upgrades, new products/features, and integration.
• Maintain in-depth up-to-date knowledge of standards, guidelines, industry trends, etc., for the Networking discipline, including LAN, WAN, SD-Wan, Wireless, Data Center networking and firewalls. Lead the team in the implementation of these standards.
• Execute comprehensive scopes of work in alignment with assigned implementation plans, including system architecture builds, testing protocols, technical documentation, and end-user training.
• Contribute to the development and analysis of network designs and protocols including prototyping and assessment.
• Lead end-to-end planning, engineering, forecasting, and implementation efforts for moderately complex network systems, proactively identifying and aligning resource requirements to ensure optimal performance and scalability.
• Recommend changes in maintenance and systems standards, training support personnel on the conversion and implementation of the system.
• Ensure compliance with change control processes and adherence to standards.
• Participate in the diagnosis, isolation, and resolution of network problems, providing root cause analysis.
• Proactively identify potential issues in the production environment and help recommend potential solutions. Work cross-functionally to accomplish assignments.
• Interact with internal and external peers and managers to exchange complex information related to areas of specialization.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and on-the-job training to more junior engineers.
• Partner with the Information Security team to assess risk of threats to the network and ensure that appropriate actions are taken in a timely manner.
• Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required with emphasis on Computer Science and Management Information Systems.
• Certifications in Cisco, Palo Alto, and/or Aruba are preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in IT infrastructure and networking, with a strong background in network design, planning, and implementing scalable, highly available, and mission-critical network environments.
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks required.
• Experience with a variety of routing protocols and IP Addressing (BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF) required.
• Demonstrated experience in project management—including planning, organization, and resource coordination—is required.
• Experience implementing WIFI and VOIP QOS policies in complex environments required.
• Qualified military veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms.
• Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
• Ability to relay technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to write technical documentation is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced networking technologies, including routing and switching, firewall configuration and management, wireless access points and controllers, and SD-WAN infrastructure.
• Proven experience supporting high-availability environments across data centers, campus networks, and branch locations, with a strong understanding of remote site operations and associated support methodologies.
• A functional understanding of network architectures designed for hybrid cloud environments, with practical knowledge of virtual platforms such as Citrix, Azure, VMware, and Hyper-V. Ability to manage and optimize network-based monitoring systems and oversee the performance, reliability, and scalability of the overall network infrastructure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• This position requires regular travel to corporate facilities and Bank locations throughout the Chicagoland and Wisconsin branch network on an as-needed basis.
• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need. Rotational Saturday work and off-hours on-call availability.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank’s customer service standards.

First American Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Disabled/Veterans).

First American Bank will not sponsor applicants for work visas.