Network Engineer

Company Overview

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliably while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas - the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Management is a NAES Company.

Summary

The Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and managing the local and wide area networks of the organization to ensure maximum uptime for users with a near 100% uptime requirement. The role includes designing system configurations, documenting and managing the installation of new network devices, and maintaining and upgrading existing systems as necessary.

Primary Duties

- Maintaining and administering computer networks and related computing environments including systems software, applications software, hardware, and configurations.

- Performing disaster recovery operations and data backups when required.

- Protecting data, software, and hardware by coordinating, planning, and implementing network security measures.

- Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving hardware, software, and other network and system problems.

- Replacing faulty network hardware components when required.

- Monitoring network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made.

- Conferring with network users about solving existing system problems.

- Operating master consoles to monitor the performance of networks and computer systems.

- Designing, configuring, and testing networking software, computer hardware, and operating system software.

Working Relationships

The Network Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering & Information Systems and will work closely with the applications team and other infrastructure team members to ensure continuity of service in a highly regulated environment.

Compensation

The initial compensation range is $107,300 - $123,400 depending on experience and qualifications.

Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in information technology related field of study with a network engineering focus.

- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification is desirable.

- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in network engineering.

Specific Skills and Knowledge

- Ability to think through problems and visualize solutions.

- Ability to implement, administer, and troubleshoot network infrastructure devices, including wireless access points, firewall, routers, switches, controllers.

- Ability to create accurate network diagrams and documentation for design and planning network communication systems.

- Strong understanding of network infrastructure and network hardware.

- Ability to quickly learn new or unfamiliar technology and products using documentation and internet resources.

- Knowledge of application transport and network infrastructure protocols.

- Ability to provide specific detailed information for hardware and software selection.

- Ability to work with all levels of staff within and outside of IT and outside the organization.

- A self-starter able to work independently but comfortable working in a team environment.

- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

- This position works in an office environment and will require the ability to sit for long periods of time and handle long periods of screen time.

- Will require some travel.

- Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday during normal business hours but will also require participating in off hours on call rotation.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES; and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs, whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each and every employee’s performance.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.

Experience

Preferred

- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification is desirable

- Experience in network engineering

Education

Preferred

- Bachelors or better in Information Technology or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

- Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

- Analytical

- Network Security

- Problem Solving

- Troubleshooting

- Verbal and Written Communications

Behaviors

Preferred

- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.