Senior 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.

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 Senior Network Engineer, designs, implements, and manages networks and infrastructures; functions as subject matter expert providing high level technical support for a hybrid network with both traditional and cloud-based technologies; and manages special projects.

The primary duties include: Design, implement, and manage Metra IT's physical network, switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, F5 load balancers, SDWAN, web application firewalls, intrusion detection, and Internet access security. Design, implement, and manage Metra IT's cloud connectivity and network infrastructure via Microsoft Azure Direct Connect, Firewall, Virtual WAN, Virtual Networking, and Security. Provide levels 2 and 3 network support and function as subject-matter-expert assisting support level 1 and 2 Technical Support Associates and Network Engineers in resolving complex issues. Oversee the installation, configuration, maintenance, and monitoring of network infrastructure related software. Perform project management tasks, specifically driving key infrastructure projects to completion, utilizing Metra resources, and delivering projects within specified time frames. 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, must have eight years of experience that includes planning, designing, implementing, and managing large scale technical projects involving network cores, Internet firewalls, switches, routers, SD-WAN and wireless infrastructures.
3. Must have hands-on experience with the following network hardware and software devices and tools: routers, switches and firewalls; zScaler; monitoring tools including SolarWinds, PRTG, DNA Center, etc.; networking troubleshooting/investigative tools including Graylog, Wireshark; Cisco interfaces; SD-WAN technologies; and Meraki wireless infrastructure.
4. Considerable knowledge of routing protocols including RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, and BGP.
5. Considerable knowledge on WAN connectivity, MPLS circuits, leased Lines, Metro Ethernet, Site to Site IPsec tunnels, ISP circuits, Customer Edge configurations.
6. Good knowledgeable of SD-WAN solutions to include VeloCloud.
7. Good Knowledge in deployment and security of wireless technology.
8. Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
9. Advanced skill in configuring Cisco network infrastructure, F5, Meraki, VeloCloud, SD-WAN, zScaler, SolarWinds, PRTG and DNA Center tools.
10. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
11. Strong interpersonal skills when interacting with users, management, and consultants.
12. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
13. Skill assessing highly complex infrastructure problems and developing, and implementing solutions.
14. Ability to manage multiple projects.
15. Ability to provide direction to colleagues.
16. Ability to communicate technical details to a non-technical audience.
17. CCNA required
18. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
19. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
20. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
21. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including
22. weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. CCNP

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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.