Network Operations Center Engineer

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled NOC Engineer to join our team and support the monitoring, management, and troubleshooting of our network infrastructure. This role will involve working with a range of enterprise networking technologies, including Aruba Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), Cisco UCS, Cisco OTV, and Cisco Nexus switches. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with network monitoring, incident response, and maintaining high availability for critical systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and maintain network infrastructure, including Aruba WLCs, Cisco UCS, Cisco OTV, and Cisco Nexus switches. Troubleshoot and resolve connectivity, performance, and security issues promptly to minimize downtime.
• Device Management: Ensure proper configuration, management, and optimization of wireless networks using Aruba WLCs, and monitor Cisco UCS servers for health and performance.
• Incident Detection & Resolution: Proactively monitor alerts and respond to network incidents involving Cisco Nexus switches, ensuring rapid identification and resolution of issues related to LAN, WAN, and data center environments.
• Network Performance Optimization: Work with network engineers to optimize network performance by fine-tuning configurations on Aruba WLCs, Cisco Nexus devices, and Cisco UCS systems. Ensure high-speed connectivity and low latency for mission-critical applications.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to resolve complex network issues, implement network changes, and participate in troubleshooting network configurations and outages.
• Documentation: Maintain up-to-date records of network configurations, performance logs, incident reports, and resolutions for compliance and troubleshooting purposes.
• Disaster Recovery & Backup: Assist in the implementation and execution of disaster recovery plans, particularly related to network configurations across data centers using Cisco OTV for Layer 2 extension.
• Automation & Scripting: Where applicable, use automation tools and scripting to improve monitoring processes and network management tasks.
• Support Virtualization: Support virtualization environments running on Cisco UCS and provide monitoring of virtual network traffic using Nexus switches.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure network security by monitoring for vulnerabilities, implementing policies, and ensuring compliance with internal security protocols, particularly for wireless networks managed by Aruba WLCs.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in Aruba Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) and wireless network troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco UCS servers, including hardware and software management.
• Experience with Cisco Nexus switches for data center networking, including monitoring and configuration.
• Knowledge of Cisco OTV for Layer 2 extension over Layer 3 networks, ensuring seamless connectivity between data centers.
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Nagios, or Zabbix.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, network security, and VLANs.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to quickly identify and troubleshoot complex networking issues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on detail in monitoring network performance and maintaining system configurations.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle pressure, especially during network outages or high-traffic periods.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience:
• 2-4 years of experience in a NOC, network administration, or IT support role, with a focus on enterprise networking infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience working with Cisco UCS, Cisco Nexus switches, and Aruba WLCs.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
• Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) or Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP).
• CompTIA Network+.
• Cisco Certified Data Center Associate (CCDA) or CCNP Data Center (for Cisco Nexus and UCS).
• ITIL Foundation certification is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Shift Work: This position may require rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure 24/7 network monitoring.
• On-Call Support: Availability for on-call support during critical outages or maintenance windows.