Network/Telecommunications Analyst III

The Fairfax County Department of Information Technology (DIT) is seeking a Network Engineer III to join our Technology Infrastructure Division's (TID) Enterprise Network Architecture and Engineering team. The county wide enterprise network is a large complex Metropolitan (MAN) and Wide area network (WAN) secure network infrastructure with two geo-diverse high available hyperconverged datacenters servicing 230+ Fairfax County locations.

This role is pivotal in designing, maintaining, and optimizing our enterprise network infrastructure while addressing complex technical issues escalated from Tier 1 and Tier 2 support teams. As a Tier 3 Network Engineer, you will ensure high levels of network availability and reliability by applying advanced troubleshooting skills, a deep understanding of networking technologies, and strategic collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Duties and Responsibilities
All duties are performed in accordance with DIT standards, policies, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and maintenance windows.

• Network Architecture and Design: Collaborate with the Enterprise Network Architecture team to design and implement scalable and secure network solutions, including LAN, WAN, and wireless infrastructures, aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices. Evaluate, test, and recommend new technologies, solutions, and processes to enhance network performance, security, and reliability.
• Network Support: Deliver advanced-level support for network incidents, problems, and change requests escalated from Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams. Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues involving routers, switches, firewalls, wireless devices, and other network components. Perform comprehensive root cause analysis of network incidents and implement effective solutions to mitigate future occurrences.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Analyze and resolve complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 network issues, ensuring optimal network performance and minimal downtime.
• Infrastructure Management: Install, patch, configure, secure, and optimize routers, switches, firewalls, and other network hardware to meet evolving business needs.
• Wireless Networking Expertise: Design, configure, and optimize 802.11x wireless networking environments to ensure robust connectivity and performance across all enterprise locations.
• Network Monitoring and Optimization: Utilize advanced network monitoring tools to analyze performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and recommend or implement improvements.
• Documentation and Standards: Develop and maintain comprehensive network diagrams, documentation, and standard operating procedures to streamline network operations and knowledge sharing.
• Security and Compliance: Collaborate with security teams to implement network security best practices, such as access controls, encryption, and intrusion detection/prevention systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Project Management: Lead or support network-related projects, including infrastructure upgrades, new implementations, and technology migrations, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other IT teams, stakeholders, and vendors to address networking needs, resolve escalated issues, and drive continuous improvements in network performance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Possession of an associate's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field; plus four years' network and/or telecommunications experience; or a bachelor's degree in such fields; plus two years' experience in network or telecommunications system design, analysis, installation, and troubleshooting.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• In-depth knowledge and experience with most of the following: VLAN, VRF, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VPN, STP, DHCP, Trunk and 802.11 standards. Including servicing MAN / WAN / LAN / SDWAN / and Wireless LAN architectures.
• Hands on experience with the major network equipment manufacturers routers, switches and access points.
• Experience with SolarWinds, Splunk, Catalyst Center, ISE, Nexus Dashboard or equivalent systems.
• Automation experience with scripting languages such as Python or other.
• Datacenter Technology experience such as Leaf and Spine utilizing VxLAN in a multi datacenter environment.
• VM NSX-T infrastructure using SDN technologies such as VDS, T0 and T1, DFW and AVI (ALB) and Cloud networking.
• In-depth experience with IP Address Management (IPAM) systems such as InfoBlox.
• Experience with network incident management and related support practices.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with Layer 1 cable infrastructure: Ethernet (CAT6/6A); fiber optics; and patching panels within network closets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, emphasizing superior customer service.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.