Network Engineer II

This position is located at our Great West Center in Billings, MT.

What's Important to You
We know your career is just one aspect of a meaningful, complex, and demanding life. That's why we designed our compensation and benefits package to provide employees and their families with as much choice as possible.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) in addition to paid federal holidays.
• Student debt employer repayment program.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match.
• The health and happiness of the places we call home matter to us. Learn a little more about what we do for the communities we serve and why we want YOU to be a part of it.

We encourage you to apply. Reach for what you want and tell us why your work ethic and willingness to learn make you a natural fit for #TeamFirstInterstate.

SUMMARY
The Network Engineer II designs, implements, maintains, and supports hardware and software network infrastructure and communication systems, ensuring optimal performance, security, and availability. This position is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining highly available network architectures that meet business objectives and service level agreements (SLAs). The engineer monitors network and telecom platforms, troubleshoots issues, evaluates performance, and supports future network growth. Additionally, this position works within established change management policies to ensure awareness, approval, and successful implementation of changes to the network topology. Responsibilities also include maintaining system security, ensuring connectivity, and supporting carrier services, LANs, WANs, network segments, as well as internet and intranet systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and implements network solutions, including local area networks (LANs) and the Unified Communications environment.
• Installs, configures, and maintains network and telecom equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, wireless systems, servers, and converged environments, including VoIP systems and related services such as PBX, SIP trunks, and voice gateways.
• Participates in monitoring, maintenance, expansion, contingency, and recovery plans.
• Plans and participates in upgrades and expansions, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Monitors and optimizes network performance, identifies bottlenecks, performs upgrades, and ensures high levels of security and data protection.
• Provides advanced network support and resolves complex connectivity issues, including those involving carrier activities.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting of network, voice, video, and connectivity issues, and resolves hardware and software problems efficiently.
• Collaborates with IT and security teams to ensure the network is protected from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• Develops and maintains network documentation, including diagrams, standard operating procedures, and configurations.
• Conducts network capacity planning and recommends solutions for scalability and performance improvement.
• Stays updated on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and security threats.
• Ensures compliance with organizational policies and government regulations.
• Works in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Designs, administers, and maintains the organization's network infrastructure, unified communications, and associated applications.
• Diagnoses and addresses network-related problems promptly, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
• Ensures Quality of Service (QoS) on the network to prioritize voice and video traffic, minimizing disruptions.
• Develops and implements disaster recovery and backup solutions to ensure high availability and business continuity; participates in DR testing and enterprise risk exercises.
• Facilitates technical escalations.
• Guides and supports less experienced team members.
• Participates in an on-call rotation and is available for urgent troubleshooting as needed.
• Participates in audit walkthroughs and adheres to ITGCs; assists with audit findings, responses, and mitigation.
• Owns, leads, and participates in PMO- and business unit-led projects.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• In-depth knowledge of network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS) and VoIP technologies such as SIP, H.323, and RTP protocols.
• Familiarity with contact center technologies and integrations.
• Understanding of Session Border Controllers (SBCs) and their role in securing VoIP and SIP traffic.
• Hands-on experience with network hardware, telecom solutions, and related tools.
• Intermediate understanding of network security principles and practices, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Current technical experience relevant to VoIP infrastructure, including telephony capacity metrics, SIP and CTI messaging, and vendor support.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex network and telecommunication issues and develop effective solutions.
• Strong IT and technical knowledge in the areas of local and wide area networking, communications, and related hardware and software.
• Knowledge of automation and scripting.
• Ability to problem-solve and think critically.
• Strong documentation and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred
• 7-9 years in IT related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience required and
• Advanced knowledge and experience in the area of local and wide area networking, communications, and related hardware and software, specifically Ethernet and TCP/IP required
• Experience with low voltage cabling, MDF, and IDF preferred and
• Experience in Network & Telecommunication system administration preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• CompTIA A+ Certification preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met or encountered to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

• Dexterity of hands/fingers to operate computer keyboard and mouse - Frequently
• Lifting - Occasionally (up to 50 lbs)
• Sitting - Frequently
• Standing - Occasionally
• Noise Level - Moderate
• Typical Work Hours - M-F (8-5)
• Regular and Predictable Attendance - Required