Network Administrator

Location: Birmingham & Montgomery, AL – Field Based

Position Level: Tier 2 / Tier 3 Network Engineering

Position Summary

We are looking for a Network Administrator with a strong background in routing and switching to lead our on-site enterprise deployments. This is not a standard "cable tech" role; we need a Cisco-certified professional who can bridge the gap between physical infrastructure and complex logical networking. You will be the technical authority on-site, responsible for configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining high-capacity circuits for our most critical business clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced L2/L3 Troubleshooting: Resolve complex connectivity issues involving BGP, OSPF, VLAN tagging (802.1Q), and STP.
• Enterprise Deployment: Lead the installation and CLI-based configuration of Cisco, Juniper, and Meraki hardware.
• Circuit Validation: Utilize high-end diagnostic tools (VIAVI, NetAlly) to ensure Fiber and Ethernet circuits meet strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• NOC Collaboration: Act as the primary field liaison for our Network Operations Center, assisting in the turn-up of static IP blocks and complex routing tables.
• MDF/IDF Management: Perform "deep-dive" audits of client server rooms to optimize equipment placement and extend demarcations.
• Infrastructure Reliability: While the focus is logical, you will ensure the physical layer (Fiber/Copper) is spliced and terminated to enterprise standards.

Technical Skills & Qualifications

Certifications (One or more required):

• Cisco: CCNA (Routing & Switching) required; CCNP or CCIE highly preferred.
• Alternative: Juniper JNCIA/JNCIS, or CompTIA Network+ (with significant field experience).

Core Competencies:

• Hardware: Deep experience with Cisco ISR/ASR routers, Catalyst switches, Juniper MX/EX series, and Meraki MS/MX stacks.
• Protocols: Proficiency in TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and SD-WAN architectures.
• Network Analysis: Experience with packet-level analysis using Wireshark to identify latency or jitter issues.
• Physical Layer: Familiarity with Fiber Optic standards (GPON/Active Ethernet) and the ability to use an OTDR or Fusion Splicer when necessary.

Soft Skills & Requirements

• The Technical Consultant: Ability to walk into a Fortune 500 server room and speak as a peer to their Network Architects.
• Critical Thinking: A methodical approach to the "broken" circuit—isolating variables from the handoff to the core.
• Mobility: Must hold a valid driver's license and be comfortable with daily travel to client locations.
• Physical Ability: Must be able to rack heavy enterprise equipment (up to 50 lbs) and work in professional data center environments.

What Success Looks Like

• First-Visit Resolution: Utilizing your Cisco expertise to solve routing loops or configuration mismatches that a standard tech would miss.
• Network Integrity: Ensuring that every client handoff is clean, documented, and performing at 100% capacity.
• Client Confidence: Serving as a trusted advisor to client IT managers, ensuring they feel secure in our network's reliability.