Network Engineer

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Information Technology is divided into four sections: Enterprise Applications, Railroad Applications, Network Services and Systems Development. The Enterprise Applications team is charged with implementing and supporting applications used enterprise-wide at Metra, such as the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and HR, Payroll and Timekeeping systems. The Railroad Applications team is charged with implementing and supporting applications used to support Metra's Transportation, Mechanical, and Engineering functions. The Network Services section has two distinct groups: IT Support and Network Operations. IT Support maintains and supports the agency's personal computers as well as computer aided design (CAD) systems for the Engineering Department and point-of-sale terminals. Network Operations builds and maintains the servers and storage that are replacing the agency's mainframe, the data network, e-mail system and disaster recovery capabilities. Systems Development develops, maintains, and supports all application systems built in-house, across all business functions.

Reporting to the Director, Network Services, the Network Engineer, functions at a highly technical level managing and monitoring networks and infrastructures and providing support for a hybrid network with both traditional and cloud-based technologies.

The primary duties include: Provide levels 2 and 3 network support and assist Technical Support Associates in resolving complex issues. Assist in the design of and manage and monitor IT's physical network, switches, routers, firewalls, wireless Access Points, F5 load balancers, SDWAN, web application firewalls, intrusion detection, and internet access security. Assist in the design of and manage and monitor IT's cloud connectivity and network infrastructure via Microsoft Azure Direct Connect, Firewall, Virtual WAN, Virtual Networking, and Security. Oversee the installation, configuration, maintenance, and monitoring of network infrastructure and related software. Administer management and monitoring tools, device configuration backup and restore, centralized logging, and device provisioning using Cisco's Digitan Network Architecture Center. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in a computer related discipline OR in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in supporting and installing network infrastructure equipment.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have five years of progressive experience managing physical and virtual networks, with at least three years providing level 2 and 3 support.
3. Considerable knowledge of network security concepts, Firewalls, Network Access Control (NAC), Intrusion Detection and Preventions, Web Application Firewalls and Internet Access Security.
4. Considerable knowledge on WAN connectivity, MPLS circuits, Metro Ethernet, and Site to Site IPsec.
5. Considerable knowledge of routing protocols including OSPF and BGP.
6. Considerable knowledge of cloud networking concepts and connectivity, Velocloud SDWAN, Azure Direct Connect, Azure Virtual Networking.
7. Knowledge of best practices in networking, security, and cloud technology.
8. Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10. Strong interpersonal skills when interacting with users, management, and consultants.
11. Ability to manage multiple projects.
12. Ability to provide direction to colleagues.
13. Ability to communicate technical details to a non-technical audience.
14. Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching certification required.
15. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
16. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
17. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

1. Cisco CCNP Routing & Switching certification.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate certification.
3. Cisco CCNA Security and/or CompTIA Security+ certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.