Network Administrator

Network Administrator II – Hybrid

Location: East Lansing, MI

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid – Combination of onsite and remote work

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Network Administrator II to support the administration, maintenance, security, and continuous improvement of complex enterprise network infrastructure.

This position will be responsible for maintaining network systems that support business and scientific operations, configuring and troubleshooting network hardware, implementing automation solutions, and ensuring the stability, performance, and security of critical IT infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in network administration, Linux systems, routing and switching, and configuration management tools such as Puppet and Ansible. This individual will work collaboratively with infrastructure administrators, technical teams, and business stakeholders to resolve complex network issues, support technology initiatives, and improve overall system reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure & Administration

• Configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize enterprise network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and related networking equipment.
• Support the availability, reliability, performance, and security of network systems serving business and technical operations.
• Administer and maintain Ethernet networking technologies, TCP/IP protocols, routing, switching, IP addressing, and VLAN configurations.
• Diagnose and resolve complex network connectivity, performance, and security issues.
• Perform network hardware and software upgrades, configuration changes, and ongoing maintenance activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve network architecture, infrastructure stability, and operational efficiency.

Network Security, Monitoring & Automation

• Develop, implement, and maintain systems that improve network monitoring, logging, security, and infrastructure stability.
• Utilize configuration management and automation tools, including Puppet and Ansible, to streamline network and system administration.
• Support network security protocols, firewall configurations, and infrastructure protection measures.
• Develop and maintain shell scripts to automate routine administrative tasks and improve system management.
• Utilize Git and related version control practices to manage infrastructure configurations and technical changes.
• Monitor network performance, identify potential issues, and implement proactive solutions to improve reliability.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, system configurations, and operational procedures.

Linux Systems & Technical Support

• Support Linux-based IT systems and associated network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues involving network connectivity, system configurations, and infrastructure performance.
• Develop and implement technical solutions to address system and end-user issues.
• Collaborate with infrastructure administrators and other technical resources to resolve issues requiring cross-functional expertise.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to existing network and system environments.
• Support planned system maintenance, upgrades, and emergency repairs, including work outside normal business hours when necessary.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Manage and contribute to moderate-to-complex infrastructure projects, ensuring successful delivery within established scope, schedule, and resource requirements.
• Collaborate with technical teams, project managers, and stakeholders to define requirements and implement network solutions.
• Participate in Agile Scrum processes to support infrastructure development, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Independently analyze technical challenges, develop solutions, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Maintain project documentation, technical reports, and performance metrics to demonstrate infrastructure effectiveness.
• Support the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Communicate technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to management and cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Typically 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in network administration, IT infrastructure, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience administering and troubleshooting enterprise networking systems, including routing, switching, and network security protocols.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet networking, TCP/IP, IP addressing, VLANs, and network infrastructure technologies.
• Experience working with Linux operating systems and IT environments.
• Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) certification.
• Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP) certification.
• Experience administering Juniper networking equipment.
• Experience developing and maintaining shell scripts for system administration or automation.
• Experience with configuration management and automation technologies, including Puppet, Ansible, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with Git or comparable version control systems.
• Knowledge of network monitoring, logging, security, deployment, and system upgrade practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage technical assignments and prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work outside standard business hours when required for system maintenance, upgrades, or emergency support.

Preferred Qualifications

• CompTIA Network+ certification.
• Advanced experience with Puppet, Ansible, or infrastructure automation practices.
• Experience supporting complex enterprise, research, scientific, or high-availability computing environments.
• Familiarity with Agile Scrum methodologies and IT project management practices.
• Experience developing network performance metrics, technical documentation, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and collaborate with multidisciplinary infrastructure teams.

Additional Information

• Hybrid Work Environment: This position offers a combination of onsite and remote work, with onsite presence required based on operational and project needs.
• Technical Environment: Enterprise networking, Linux systems, network security, infrastructure automation, and configuration management.
• Schedule Flexibility: Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support planned maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, or critical system repairs.
• Collaboration: The position works closely with infrastructure administrators, technical teams, project stakeholders, and organizational leadership.

#HRUSkilled