Network Engineer III / Information Technologist III

Position Summary

The MSU IT Infrastructure Support team consists of experienced networking professionals from various backgrounds. They are tasked with the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of the critical infrastructure essential to the university's daily functions.

Our mission is centered on the stewardship and administration of the university's infrastructure, which includes wired and wireless networks, DDI (DNS, DHCP, and IPAM), switching and routing, and telecommunications. The team is instrumental in maintaining the technological foundation that supports the university's operations.

The perspective candidate reports to the Assistant Director and will be required to:

• Design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and other network devices.
• Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to plan and execute network expansion and upgrade projects.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior technicians and support staff.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for network architecture, configurations, and procedures.
• Respond to and resolve complex network issues and emergencies in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and industry best practices for network security and data protection.
• Conduct regular network assessments and recommend enhancements to support evolving technology needs.
• Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours support and emergency response.
• Other duties as assigned

Michigan State University (MSU) is a top 100 global university located in East Lansing, three miles east of the state’s capitol. The MSU community includes more than 12,000 faculty, academic and support staff, as well as over 51,000 students. MSU offers an extensive benefits package to its employees including health care, prescription, and dental coverage, and a base retirement program with a University matching contribution, as well as basic life insurance. In addition, MSU offers educational benefits including a course fee courtesy program and educational assistance.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting information technology (IT) across MSU. MSU IT offers technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are essential elements, vital to the culture MSU Information Technology endeavors to cultivate.  This includes providing opportunities and access for all people which incorporate differences of race, age, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, migratory status, disability/abilities, political affiliation, veteran status and socioeconomic background.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program, with coursework in an information technology specialization related to the area of employment; and five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in an information technology area related to the duties to be performed, including experience overseeing large, complex or critical information technology projects; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferably in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Proficiency in wireless technologies, including devices, applications, or adherence to regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of wireless networking standards and protocols, and experience with deploying and managing wireless networks.
• Security certifications a plus
• Proficiency in wired network switching
• Proficiency in identity-first or identity-based networking
• Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Ansible, Python) to streamline network operations and configurations.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in network administration or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, IP addressing, and network security principles.
• Proficiency in configuring and managing network devices from major vendors (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Aruba).
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, JNCIP) are highly desirable.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions

Please provide three professional references who are knowledgeable of your work

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://tech.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.