Senior Systems Analyst (Network Engineer)

Job DescriptionJob Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Information Technology (IT) Manager, the Network Analyst will play a critical role in the operation, maintenance, and optimization of the organization's networking infrastructure, which underpins all essential IT systems. This position requires a candidate with several years of experience who is proficient in managing complex technical tasks, especially in enterprise networking environments, and capable of acting as a liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders. The primary responsibility of this role is to design, maintain, and support the organization's networking infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on leveraging Cisco technologies to ensure high availability, robust connectivity, and secure access. This includes performance tuning, secure configuration, and ensuring uninterrupted network services for internal and external users. While the role may contribute to broader IT systems, network operations and reliability remain the core focus.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Administer and maintain technical documentation with a focus on network architecture, configurations, and performance baselines.
• Engage with stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure network infrastructure performance meets end-user connectivity needs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues, ensuring consistent access across all locations and platforms.
• Assist in the deployment, maintenance, and support of business applications, with particular focus on ensuring stable and secure network connectivity for these systems.
• Conduct research on hardware/software solutions with an emphasis on meeting networking performance and security needs.
• Support, troubleshoot, and monitor enterprise data networks, including WAN, LAN, VPN, and Wi-Fi environments.
• Provide expert recommendations for network upgrades, optimizations, and deployment strategies.
• Implement, maintain, and troubleshoot network components to ensure maximum uptime, high performance, and efficient refresh cycles.
• Provide network documentation, training, and team guidance.
• Provide a strong background in cloud/virtual networking and able to optimize network configuration to allow cloud systems to scale.
• Configuring security settings and access permissions for individuals and groups.
• Perform support, troubleshooting, performance monitoring/tuning for the databases.
• Perform data analysis and reporting for business decision-making.
• Assisting with IT infrastructure support and inventory management administration.
• Help administer Azure, M365 tools, including Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Oversee system performance with a strong emphasis on network reliability, load balancing, and proactive monitoring.
• Respond to and completes Help Desk tickets.
• Oversee network performance, optimization, and develop network-focused solutions that improve operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with the IT team to develop solutions and build a knowledge base aimed at streamlining systems.
• Participating in after-hours on-call rotation.
• Participates in Change Management process.
• Provide troubleshooting and support to end-users.
• Performing other duties as directed by the IT Manager.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in information technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field required. Experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

• · 7+ years of applicable experience in informationtechnologies and systems analysis including 5 years of network engineeringexperience.

• · 5+ years of network management including one ormore of the following LAN, WAN, WLAN, and Firewalls.

• · 3-5 years of hands-on-experience withinstalling, configuring, documenting, testing, training, implementing andtroubleshooting new applications, infrastructures, databases, and systems witha strong Cisco focus

KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENT

· Proven expertise in managing networkinfrastructure and related technologies.
· Strong understanding of programming and databasetools with the ability to assess their impact on network traffic andperformance.
· Advance understanding of network protocols(e.g., DHCP, DNS, BGP, EIGRP, OSPF), L2/L3 switching, and network security bestpractices.
· Proficiency in diagramming tools (e.g., Visio)with a strong capability in creating comprehensive documentation for infrastructuredesigns and disaster recovery plans.
· Experience with virtual networking in VMware andAzure environments, with the ability to support scalable, high-performance configurations.
· Hands-on experience with Cisco routers,switches, firewalls and wireless infrastructure is essential.
· Proficiency in troubleshooting layer 2/3 issuesand understanding routing and switching protocols.
· Familiarity with SolarWinds Network Managementsuite of applications.
· Demonstrated ability to configure and manageLAN/WAN networks across complex enterprise environments.
· Working knowledge of Active Directory andrelated Windows infrastructure, particularly where it interfaces with networkdesign and segmentation.
· Strong troubleshooting abilities using advancedtools for network diagnostics and monitoring.
· Excellent communication skills to relay complexnetworking concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
· Proven ability to think critically, solvenetwork-related issues efficiently, and make informed decisions under pressure.
· A collaborative, service-oriented attitude witha focus on network reliability and user satisfaction.
· Strong organizational and time managementskills, particularly in coordinating network projects or incidents.
· Demonstrated commitment to continuous learningin networking technologies and emerging trends.
· Excellent verbal and written communicationskills.
· Demonstrated ability to think critically,troubleshoot effectively, and make timely and sound decisions.
· Excellent interpersonal skills andservice-oriented attitude.
· Excellent time management and organizationalskills.
· Skilled in active learning.

Benefits:

Houston Forensic Science Center offers a competitive salary and benefit package.