Cloud Network Engineer II

GCI's Cloud Network Engineer II will be responsible for the Cloud Network Engineer function of supporting Data Center, Campus LAN, Internet Edge, and Branch Office networks. Works collaboratively with other Cloud Network Engineers, Cloud Systems Engineers, and DevOps Engineers throughout the company to develop, deploy and maintain Hybrid Cloud and SDDC platforms. Achieves improved deployment frequency for faster time to market, shortened lead time between fixes, and quicker recovery time in the event of a new release failure. Engineering and deployment of physical and virtual networks using Continuous Delivery methodologies, built to scale with efficient repeatability and effective reliability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

• Design and implementation of network and/or system facilities utilizing standard engineering concepts of availability, efficiency, redundancy, scalability, and security. 
• Development of new solutions and continuous improvements of the current network and systems facilities ensuring the integrity of high availability data centers and campus Lan network infrastructure. 
• Perform audits, forecasts, and manage capacity of IP addressing, bandwidth forecasting, hardware, software licensing, and hosted devices. 
• Provide detailed reports on network operational status and milestones related to project completion. 
• Support and manage escalation events.
• Automate and streamline operations and processes to rapidly release reliable network infrastructure faster and more frequently. 
• Configure firewalls, load balancers, routers, and switches, in support of network operations and projects.
• Reviews modules for quality assurance. 
• Remote site support for off-site personnel and customers.
• Maximize performance using network monitoring tools, troubleshooting network and system outages, scheduling updates, and collaborating with architects on optimization.
• Build and maintain tools for deployment and testing in stable and scalable production environments.
• Maintain professional skillset by participating in educational opportunities, technical organizations, reading professional publications, and personal use of technology.
• Coordinate with project management and engineering teams on a regular basis. 
• Develop and update documentation and support materials.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
  • Ability to work as a project team member.
  • Ability to provide training to team members on technology.
  • Ability to work independently and professionally within a team environment.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Active listening skills with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical staff to resolve issues.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, peers, and customers.
  • Work proactively to resolve problem relationships.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
  • Adheres to standards and procedures.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of IP address nomenclature, protocols, and routing.
  • Knowledge of standard cloud network engineering concepts including software defined networking (SDN) and virtualized network functions (VNFs).
  • Knowledge of physical and virtual firewalls, routers, switches, network applications and related technologies.
  • Experienced in diagnosis of Layer-2 and Layer-3 data network problems.
  • Strong automation skill with a variety of tools and scripting languages.
  • Ability to develop/build IT solutions to meet business requirements.
  • Ability to install and configure solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of agile methodology and continuous integration and delivery.
  • Ability to create and edit network drawings.
  • Ability to administer 24/7 server environments.
  • Documentation, organization, and time management skills.
  • Take initiative to improve processes, procedures, skills, and technical knowledge.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.

Additional Job Requirements:

This is a mid-level position for engineering professionals. Must have a comprehensive understanding of data center and campus IAN networking operations and functions, and be familiar with applicable engineering functions, aspects, applicable codes, and standards. Strong understanding of Software Defined Data Center construction and operations. Receives work assignments of a higher level but also receives general guidance, periodic review, and direction from the supervisor. Participates in larger projects and can be counted on to complete specific assigned engineering tasks on time and within budget. Capable of performing the role of project engineer for small projects. Responsible for providing technical direction to junior engineers and technicians. Demonstrated time management skills to manage multiple complex projects smoothly and professionally on time and on budget.

Essential Duties:

• Define, design, and implement network and system facilities utilizing standard engineering concepts of availability, efficiency, redundancy, scalability, and security.
• Develop and use automation to complete routine and repeatable tasks.

• Configure firewall, load balancer, router, and switches, hardware and virtualized and software defined functions in support of network operations and projects.
• Maximize performance using network monitoring tools, troubleshooting, network and system outages, scheduling updates, and collaborating with architects on optimization.
• Support and manage escalations.

• Coordinate with project management and engineering teams. 
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer technologies, network engineering, or related field. *
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in any combination of: *
  • Progressive experience in cloud networking.
  • Cloud network development and internal and multi-cloud networking environments. 
  • Working with moderate to complex network management within a data center environment or related field.

Preferred: 

• Associate or professional levels certifications: Cisco, F5, Aruba, Palo Alto and VMWare.
• Telecommunications experience. 
• Other telecom industry or job specific certifications. 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. 
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.