Job No. 157877
- Job Title:
- Network Engineer
- Employer:
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North Central College
- Location:
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Naperville , IL
- Posting Date:
- 02-Mar-2026
- Description:
-
Position Summary
The Network Engineer is responsible for the installation, configuration, monitoring, and operational support of the College’s enterprise network infrastructure. Reporting to the Senior Network Engineer, this position supports day-to-day administration of Cisco-based wired and wireless networks serving academic buildings, residence halls, and administrative offices. The Network Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring reliable connectivity, resolving network issues, and supporting ongoing network modernization initiatives in a higher education environment.
Description of Key Responsibilities
Infrastructure Support: Assist in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Cisco switches, routers, wireless access points, and other devices utilizing the campus IP network.
Monitoring & Analysis: Utilize network monitoring tools to track performance metrics, identify problems, and generate reports.
Routine Maintenance: Execute routine moves/adds/changes, scheduled firmware updates, patch management, perform cable diagnostics and configuration backups under the guidance of senior staff.
Troubleshooting: Act as the first line of defense for network connectivity issues, escalating complex problems to the Senior Engineer when necessary.
Documentation: Maintain accurate network diagrams, IP address schemes, and hardware inventory records.
Security Assistance: Assist in the implementation of network security policies, including ACLs, VPN configurations, and firewall rule updates.
OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the College’s mission, vision, and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement.
Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students, and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Familiarity with Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches, routers, and Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC), including configuration tasks, firmware updates and network monitoring.
Solid understanding of the OSI model, TCP/IP, VLAN, VLAN trunking (802.1Q), 802.1x Authentication mechanisms, Spanning-Tree.
Experience with Cisco ASA/Firepower, Sophos XGS or similar Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and Cisco ISE.
Proficiency in cable test equipment, Ekahau AI Pro, packet capture analysis (Wireshark) and SNMP-based monitoring tools.
Hands-on experience with Zero Trust network access and cloud-delivered security services (for example, Zscaler, Netskope, Palo Alto Prisma Access, or similar).
Experience with modern network architectures and cloud-connected networks, such as software-defined networking, cloud networking (AWS/Azure/GCP), and hybrid connectivity architecture.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Network Engineer supports a high-density campus network environment that serves thousands of concurrent wired and wireless devices. The role requires balancing the open-access needs of an academic community with strong security controls to protect institutional data and systems. The position supports a diverse range of traffic types, including administrative systems, instructional technologies, research workloads, and latency-sensitive applications such as streaming and esports. The Network Engineer operates within a largely BYOD ecosystem, supporting a wide array of endpoint devices, including College-managed systems, student-owned devices, and IoT technologies.
Education/Training
Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Certification: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
Desirable Certifications: CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) or other relevant networking certifications.
Experience
FMinimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in network engineering, network administration, or a related technical role. Experience in a higher education environment is preferred.
Licenses or Certifications
Is This a Temporary Position? No
Employment Conditions
An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the College’s background screening process.
Number of Vacancies 1
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources. Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Additional Information
The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and training.
North Central College provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
All-inclusive medical, dental and vision group insurance
Health and dependent care savings plans
Employer-paid life, AD&D and disability group insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
Employee assistance plan resources
Tuition waiver for full-time employees, spouse and dependent children
Generous paid time off plans, including 3 weeks vacation to start
15 paid holidays per year, including 5 days during NCC Winter Break
Free access to campus health center, fitness and athletic facilities, and library
- Contact information:
- North Central College
- Naperville, IL 60540
- United States
- Employer's Website:
-
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