Data Center Network Administrator

System Administrator

This is a six month Contract role

Job Description

As an experienced Data Center Network Administrator, you will be responsible for the operation, optimization, and maintenance of our data center network infrastructure. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the availability, performance, and security of our network, as well as provide technical expertise in troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in network administration within a data center environment, a deep understanding of networking protocols and technologies, and excellent problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Operate, optimize, and maintain the infrastructure within the data center environment.

Ensure the availability, reliability, and scalability of the data center network.

Monitor network and service performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement necessary optimizations.

Ability and knowledge of rack/stack various types of IT equipment.

Strong knowledge of data center best practices.

Collaborate with system administrators, security teams, and other stakeholders to ensure network security and compliance with industry standards.

Troubleshoot and resolve network-related issues, such as connectivity problems, routing errors, and performance degradation.

Conduct regular network assessments and capacity planning to support future growth and scalability.

Stay up-to-date with emerging networking technologies and recommend enhancements to improve efficiency and performance.

Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, diagrams, and procedures.

Provide on-call support and participate in the on-call rotation schedule.

Resource for deployment and operations teams representing data center concepts for development and production related activities.

Receipt of packages/equipment and validation.

Capable of lifting to 50lbs. and are agile in manual dexterity (climb, stoop, etc.) to rack and stack equipment or cable plant access with or without assistance.

Flexibility to work an off schedule, fill in for workmates, respond to emergencies, incidents, etc.

Primary assignee to resolve network issues, cable new equipment deployments with best practice standards and troubleshoot Layer 1

Primary assignee to resolve issues at x data center

Support enterprise level network requirements

Install updates to network equipment and IOS (IOX-XE, NXOS) software

Ensure network hardware has a secure baseline configuration and meets DIA Security Technical Implementation guide (STIG) requirements

Update and maintain network logical and physical topology to include WIFI heat maps

Configure and install new or replacement network hardware including VLAN configuration and routing

Investigate and report security breaches, collaborate with the supervisor to ensure continuity of security measures, research and recommend solutions to security problems

Devise methods for performance and enhancement

Train on usage of new hardware and applications

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Data Center Network Administrator or a similar role.

In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, such as TCP/IP, VLAN, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and DNS.

Hands-on experience with network hardware, including switches, routers, load balancers, and firewalls.

Proficient in network monitoring and troubleshooting tools, such as Wireshark, SNMP, and packet analysis.

Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices.

Familiarity with the use of DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and running checklists and remediation of any findings.

Familiarity with virtualization technologies, such as VMware or Hyper-V, and experience with SDN/NFV concepts is a plus.

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Certifications such as SEC+, CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE are highly desired.

Required certs (One of the following)

A+

CND

Network+