Network Engineering Manager - Cleburne

United Cooperative Services has an opening for the position of Network Engineering Manager in our Cleburne Internet Services Department. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a team-oriented on-site environment and values direct interaction with employees, members, subscribers and vendors.  This exempt position starts at $140,166 annually. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

The Network Engineering Manager is responsible for managing the planning, design, and deployment of United’s core, edge, & access fiber optic and related communications infrastructure, Points-of-Presence (PoPs) over the backbone, the distribution system and to the end-user. In addition, the Network Engineering Manager oversees routing policy, implementing solutions for commercial customers and supporting internal and external network connectivity. This is an on-site leadership position based in our Cleburne office. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES• Manage and lead a technical network team responsible for design and deployment of all internet services infrastructure.

• Responsible for the configuration, routing policies, traffic engineering, and troubleshooting of Juniper MX, ACX, SRX, and EX platforms within core, edge, and access network environments.
• Collaborate with Outside Plant, Network Operations, Member Services, Products and Services, GIS, Electrical Engineers, Executives, and vendors to manage network planning and deployment activities.
• Develop site documentation, capacity planning, asset inventory, and hardware sparing functions at equipment sites.
• Responsible for maintaining AC and DC power plants in OLTs and POPs.
• Deploy industry best practices with an appreciation for operational efficiency and drive consistency across the network.
• Build and cultivate relationships with site level and partner teams.
• Mentor and develop skills of each team member.
• Adheres to and encourages safety policies and procedures and is actively involved in continuously assessing safety policies to ensure their content and/or effectiveness are consistently the top priority at the cooperative.
• Responsible for the development and adherence to annual CapEx and OpEx budgets.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Network Engineering Manager shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS• Membership/Subscribers: Courteously answer member inquiries and ensure that concerns reach a final resolution in a timely and appropriate manner.

• Statewide and National programs: Engages and participates with co-op and other organizations activities, training, and conferences.
• Contractors: Serves as lead in monitoring the effectiveness of outside technical contractors (e.g., splicers).
• Vendors: Works with multitude of vendors providing network components for sales, configuration, operations and maintenance.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Job Knowledge, Training and Experience: Requires a bachelor’s degree preferably in technical field, and/or at least 10 years of related experience.  Requires JNCIA and JNCIS certification, JNCIP preferred, or proven ability and related experience.

Equipment Operated: Must be able to operate personal computers, optical test equipment related software and use office equipment.  Must have a current Texas driver’s license without violations that would prohibit insurability.

Abilities and Skills: 5 years of experience in IP networking fundamentals and with the application of IP protocols as well as network analysis fundamentals and troubleshooting skills. Must be able to demonstrate ability with routing protocols, specifically BGP, OSPF, ISIS,  and possess skills with Juniper MX, ACX, SRX and EX platforms including offered processors and linecards. Internet Service Provider, MPLS, VPLS, WAN or similar network environment experience highly desired. Experience with configuring and managing routers, layer 2/3 switches, firewalls, and wireless devices (access points, stations and PTP). Thorough understanding of TCP/IP and Ethernet, proficient in routing and switching. Experience with Adtran, XGSPON, Active Ethernet, OLTs, access networks, and FTTP hardware desired. VoIP systems and services including hosted SIP. Ability to create network documentation, diagrams, knowledge base articles. Strong technical, analytical and communication skills. Experience with navigating and collaborating with co-workers at all levels of the organization. Must possess strong verbal and writing skills to provide effective presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Physical Effort: Must be able to perform all activities listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions: Requires working indoors and outdoors with some irregular hours.  Some travel is required inside and outside the cooperative service area.