Softpath Technologies - Network Expert - CCNP/CCNA Certified (3-5 yrs)

Position : Network Expert

Location : Nagpur

Experience : 3+ Years

Notice Period : Immediate Joiners or 2 Weeks' Notice

Key Qualifications :

Education :

MSc. (IT), B.E. / B.Tech. / MCA or higher degree in a relevant field.

Certifications :

OEM certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified, or equivalent certifications from other leading vendors.

Certifications in network security (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, or equivalent) are a plus.

Experience :

Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience as a Network Engineer with a sound understanding of networking concepts and protocols.

Core Responsibilities :

1. Network Design, Configuration, and Management :

Network Architecture and Design :

- Assist in designing and implementing network infrastructures that meet business needs, ensuring high availability, scalability, and redundancy.

- Work with senior network engineers to create detailed network design documents, including IP addressing schemes, VLAN configurations, and routing plans.

- Participate in network capacity planning to ensure sufficient resources for current and future needs.

Network Configuration and Installation :

- Configure and deploy routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and other networking devices.

- Set up and manage various network protocols such as TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and MPLS.

- Configure and manage LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless networks for optimal performance.

- Implement network security policies and configurations, including firewalls, VPNs, and access control lists (ACLs).

2. Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting :

Network Monitoring :

- Proactively monitor network performance using network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG) to ensure optimal network performance and uptime.

- Analyze network traffic patterns and implement performance enhancements where required.

- Monitor network utilization, identify potential issues, and provide insights into the overall health of the network.

Network Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution :

- Troubleshoot network issues, including connectivity, performance, and security-related problems.

- Respond to and resolve network-related incidents within agreed SLAs, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption.

- Perform root cause analysis for network failures and implement corrective actions.

- Work with cross-functional teams to resolve issues in complex network configurations.

3. Security and Network Protection :

Network Security Management :

- Implement and enforce network security measures to protect the organization's infrastructure.

- Configure and manage firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and security appliances.

- Perform regular network security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks.

- Collaborate with the security team to ensure compliance with internal and external security policies and standards.

Access Control and VPN Configuration :

- Configure and manage secure remote access for users, ensuring the use of encrypted VPN solutions and robust authentication mechanisms.

- Implement network segmentation to protect sensitive information and limit the impact of security breaches.

4. Routing and Switching :

Routing Protocols Configuration :

- Configure and troubleshoot dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP to ensure efficient routing between network devices.

- Design and configure routing solutions that support both intra-network and inter-network communication.

Switching Configuration :

- Configure and manage switches, including VLAN configuration, trunking, and port security.

- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to spanning tree protocol (STP), VLANs, and switch port configuration.

- Implement Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic and ensure consistent performance for critical applications.

5. Network Documentation and Reporting :

Documentation :

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for all network configurations, including topology diagrams, IP addressing schemes, and device configurations.

- Create troubleshooting guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and network performance reports for internal teams.

Reporting :

- Prepare and deliver regular reports on network performance, utilization, incidents, and other key metrics to management.

- Provide periodic updates on ongoing network projects, security assessments, and network health checks.

6. Collaboration and Client Interaction :

Team Collaboration :

- Collaborate with IT, security, and other technical teams to ensure the smooth operation of network services.

- Work with cross-functional teams on network upgrades, new system implementations, and ongoing performance optimizations.

Client and Stakeholder Communication :

- Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, providing clear explanations of network issues, resolutions, and improvements.

- Act as a key point of contact for any network-related queries, offering technical expertise and support when required.

7. Backup and Disaster Recovery :

Network Backup and Recovery Planning :

- Collaborate with the IT infrastructure team to implement backup strategies for network configurations and data.

- Participate in disaster recovery planning, ensuring that the network infrastructure is protected and can be restored in the event of a failure.

8. Continuous Learning and Development :

Skill Enhancement :

- Stay updated with the latest advancements in networking technologies, tools, and best practices.

- Participate in training and certifications to enhance technical knowledge and proficiency.

Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing :

- Assist junior network engineers and team members by sharing knowledge and providing mentorship.

- Contribute to knowledge-sharing sessions within the organization to foster continuous learning.

Desired Skills and Competencies :

Technical Skills :

- Strong understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLAN, VPN, etc.).

- Experience with network hardware and devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and network security appliances.

- Knowledge of network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG, Wireshark).

- Experience with network security protocols, such as VPNs, firewalls, and IDS/IPS solutions.

- Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, or other major network equipment vendors' devices.

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills :

- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.

- Analytical thinking to identify and resolve network bottlenecks and performance issues.

Communication Skills :

- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

- Ability to work well under pressure and handle network incidents and escalations efficiently.

Teamwork and Collaboration :

- Collaborative approach, working effectively within a team environment.

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a proactive team player.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) :

Network Uptime and Performance :

- Maintain a high level of network availability (preferably 99.9% uptime) and performance.

- Minimize network downtime through proactive monitoring and issue resolution.

Incident Response and Resolution :

- Respond to network issues and outages promptly, with a target of resolving incidents within defined SLAs.

- Track and report incident resolution times and ensure that recurring issues are addressed permanently.

Network Utilization and Optimization :

- Optimize network resources for better efficiency and capacity management.

- Ensure that network infrastructure is well-utilized and meets the growing demands of the organization.

Security Compliance :

- Ensure that the network infrastructure adheres to organizational security policies and industry regulations.

- Regularly perform network security audits and ensure compliance with standards like ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.

Working Environment :

- The role will involve working in a dynamic and fast-paced IT environment with a focus on network design, configuration, troubleshooting, and security.

- Occasional on-call support or after-hours work may be required to ensure network availability and resolve critical issues.