High Point University is seeking an experienced WLAN/LAN Engineer to join our Office of Information Technology (OIT) team. The ideal candidate will design, implement, and support the university''s wired and wireless network infrastructure, including Cisco Catalyst switching managed through Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless LAN Controllers, and Meraki MR access points at remote sites. This role requires strong LAN engineering skills in addition to wireless expertise, and the candidate must be comfortable working closely with the security team to ensure the network is designed and maintained with cybersecurity best practices in mind. This is an on-site position based on the High Point University campus that requires participation in an on-call rotation, and plays a key role in planning capacity for new construction, renovations, and campus events.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in enterprise LAN/WLAN engineering or network administration.
Certifications
- CCNA or equivalent certification preferred. Advanced or specialized certifications such as CCNP Enterprise, Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist, CWNA, or comparable LAN/WLAN credentials are highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an academic or higher education environment.
- Experience supporting large-scale campus wireless deployments, such as residence halls, athletics facilities, and event venues.
- Experience with Cisco Catalyst Center automation and assurance features.
- Experience with structured cabling and physical network infrastructure (IDF/MDF layouts, fiber, copper plant).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Technical Skills
- Strong LAN engineering skills, including enterprise switching design, VLANs, STP, EtherChannel, and routing protocols.
- Hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst Center for management of enterprise switching and wireless infrastructure.
- Experience administering Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless LAN Controllers and access points.
- Experience configuring and supporting Meraki MR wireless access points, and Meraki MX/MS devices, at remote sites.
- Experience with wireless site survey and RF design/heat-mapping tools.
Proficiency with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for 802.1X authentication and network access control (NAC).
- Experience with packet capture and wireless spectrum analysis tools for troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of core cybersecurity principles and best practices (network segmentation, access control, vulnerability mitigation) and the ability to collaborate effectively with the security team.
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical network issues to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, including coordinating with facilities and outside contractors.
Key Responsibilities
Network Design & Architecture
- Designs, deploys, and maintains the university's enterprise LAN and WLAN architecture across campus and remote/satellite sites.
- Conducts wireless site surveys and RF design/heat-mapping for new construction, renovation projects, and campus events.
- Plans capacity, coverage, and redundancy for high-density venues such as residence halls, athletics facilities, and event spaces.
Wireless & Switching Operations
- Administers and supports Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless LAN Controllers and associated access points.
- Manages Cisco Catalyst switching infrastructure (access, distribution, and core layers) through Cisco Catalyst Center.
- Configures, monitors, and maintains Meraki MR wireless access points, and associated Meraki MX/MS devices, at remote and satellite locations.
Performance & Troubleshooting
- Monitors LAN/WLAN performance and proactively identify and resolve connectivity, roaming, and RF interference issues.
- Performs packet captures and spectrum analysis to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
Wireless & Switching Operations
- Administers and supports Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless LAN Controllers and associated access points.
- Manages Cisco Catalyst switching infrastructure (access, distribution, and core layers) through Cisco Catalyst Center.
- Configures, monitors, and maintains Meraki MR wireless access points, and associated Meraki MX/MS devices, at remote and satellite locations.
Performance & Troubleshooting
- Monitors LAN/WLAN performance and proactively identify and resolve connectivity, roaming, and RF interference issues.
- Performs packet captures and spectrum analysis to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
- Partners with OIT teams, facilities staff, and outside contractors on cabling, construction, and network expansion projects.
- Evaluates new networking technologies and make recommendations for upgrades, lifecycle replacement, and capacity planning.
Collaboration and Reporting
- Collaborates with the OIT team and external partners to design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure across the university.
- Generates reports on network performance, capacity, and infrastructure health for the Director of Enterprise Security and Network Services.
Working Conditions
- This is an on-site position based on the High Point University campus in High Point, NC; remote work is not available.
- Participation in an on-call rotation is required, including after-hours availability for network maintenance and incident response.
- Work may occasionally require physical access to IDF/MDF closets, ceiling spaces, and ladders during installation or troubleshooting.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to careers@highpoint.edu. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with enterprise LAN/WLAN engineering and how you can contribute to the network infrastructure of High Point University.
For more information about this position, please contact Donald Williams, Director of Enterprise Security and Network Services at dwillia5@highpoint.edu