Tier 2 NOC Specialist

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

State retirement plan

Job summary

Ohio State University is seeking a Tier 2 NOC Specialist to oversee the administration of OARnet’s statewide IP/MPLS and DWDM backbone in a 24x7 NOC. The role focuses on network changes, quality of service, and incident management across a 5,500-mile fiber backbone serving education and government sectors.

Requires a Bachelor's degree and 2 years in a NOC, with hands-on experience in Juniper or Cisco routers/switches, and scripting in Python or Bourne Shell.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of professional experience in a network operations center or service provider network.
• Working knowledge of fundamental networking concepts and protocols.
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot Juniper or Cisco routers and switches.
• Knowledge of Wave Division Multiplexing and Metro Ethernet technologies.
• Current Juniper or Cisco Specialist certification.
• Scripting and automation tools (Python, Bourne Shell) in Unix environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Escalation point for OARnet customers and ServiceDesk staff; manage tickets in ITIL environment.
• Support ServiceDesk with defined NOC processes and standards.
• Develop and implement enhancements to OARnet routers and switches.
• Participate in change control and document procedures for engineering changes.
• Assess and report on network outages and vendor maintenance impact.
• Respond to availability, security, and performance issues per SLAs.
• Troubleshoot with national carriers and guide carrier staff as needed.
• Coordinate with Tier 3 and Client Services for architecture solutions.
• Evaluate current and emerging technologies to inform capabilities and requirements.
• Maintain professional NOC environment aligned with organizational goals.
• Mentor junior network staff.

Skills

Networking concepts

Python scripting

Communication skills

Mentoring

Shift readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juniper or Cisco certification

Tools

Juniper routers

Cisco switches

Job description

Job Title and Department

Job Title: Tier 2 NOC Specialist. Department: OHTECH | OARnet Support Center.

The Tier 2 NOC Specialist is responsible for the administration and management of OARnet’s statewide IP/MPLS and DWDM backbone in a 24x7 Network Operations Center (NOC). OARnet maintains and delivers services across the state’s 5,500-mile fiber-optic network backbone to support the connectivity relied upon every day by Ohio’s higher education, K-12 education, state and local government, public broadcasting, health care and research communities.

Responsibilities

• Acts as an escalation point for OARnet customers, providers and ServiceDesk staff; assigns and manages tickets in an ITIL environment to ensure that network changes and problems adhere to standard operating procedures.
• Emphasizes written procedures while supporting the ServiceDesk staff; ensures work follows established NOC processes and operational standards.
• Works with general guidance to evaluate, develop and implement enhancements to OARnet routers and switches to maintain and improve the OARnet network in accordance with established IT processes and operational standards.
• Participates in change control by developing, reviewing and implementing MOPs (Method Of Procedure) and documentation for the OARnet Engineering change process.
• Works with general guidance to assess and report on the impact of network outages and scheduled vendor maintenance to OARnet services and customers.
• Responds to customer availability, security and performance problems in the fulfillment of customer Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Works with national carriers to troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues with limited supervision; provides guidance to national carrier technical staff to identify problems in infrastructure outside of OARnet’s administrative control.
• Coordinates with OARnet’s Tier 3 and Client Services groups in the development of network architecture solutions that align with OARnet’s technology services roadmap.
• Evaluates current and developing technologies to provide information about system capabilities, limitations, and requirements.
• Sets a tone of professionalism in the NOC that is consistent with organizational goals.
• Mentors junior network staff.
• May be required to be available during off duty hours and/or on call.
• Once trained, the person in this position will be part of a weekend rotation.
• Positions currently available are on the 2nd shift.

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 2 years of previous professional experience working in a network operation center or supporting a service provider network. Working knowledge of fundamental networking concepts and protocols. Demonstrable ability to configure and troubleshoot Juniper or Cisco routers and switches. Knowledge of wave division multiplexing and Metro Ethernet technologies. Possesses a current Juniper or Cisco Specialist level certification. Working knowledge of scripting and automation tools such as Python and Bourne Shell in a Unix environment. Strong oral and written communication skills.

Desired Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in a technical field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 4+ years of experience supporting Juniper routing and switching in large-scale service provider IP/MPLS network. Experience troubleshooting TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, IS-IS, OSPF, BGP, MSDP, PIM, IGMP, RSVP, VRRP and LDP protocols. Professional experience configuring and troubleshooting Juniper or Cisco routers and switches. Experience managing services that utilize wave division multiplexing and Metro Ethernet technologies. Possesses a current Juniper or Cisco Professional level certification.

Additional Information

Function: Information Technology Subfunction: Network Services Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized Career Level: S2 OSU and OH-TECH will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position. Location: Kinnear Rd, 1224 (0374) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: Second Shift Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Benefits

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you. Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with boundless resources that support you.

Equal Opportunity

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.