Senior Network Infrastructure Specialist

Network Engineer Role:

Responsible for overseeing and maintaining network systems and associated equipment. Collaborates with Network and Systems Administrators to troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues.

Must possess the ability to analyze requirements and prepare designs and plans for network systems, expansions, and upgrades to provide seamless connectivity as needed. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create comprehensive end-to-end project plans including designs and/or upgrades for enterprise-wide LANs/WANs within the United States Antarctic Program (USAP).
• Manage tasking as directed by IT management to ensure timely implementation or delivery of critical USAP infrastructure.
• Install, configure, maintain, and document network hardware and software suites at multiple sites. Isolate faults and diagnose system failures to resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Monitor network performance and reliability to proactively identify potential problems.
• Establish and maintain secure networking environments based on security standards in conjunction with USAP policies.
• Provide engineering support to IT for new deployment, enhancements, or modifications to IT systems, both on-ice and off-ice.
• Assist in providing system, resource, and funding requirements for IT projects. May deploy to gather information or participate in system installations.
• Coordinate any modifications to the USAP network environment with other IT departments and affected users.
• Assist with life-cycle management evaluations and recommendations.
• Provide verbal, written, and diagrammed inputs as requested by IT Management.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place.
• Required to provide 24X7 support and share responsibility for on-call rotation as required by manager.
• All other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required.
• BS/BA degree in Engineering or Computer Science or related field with emphasis in computer networking preferred.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or higher Cisco certification is required. Other technical networking vendor certifications preferred.
• Six years of directly relevant experience in network engineering is required, including:
• Expertise in primary network topologies, LANs/WANs (Ethernet, variants), TCP/IP protocol (IPv4) and standards including ICMP, SNMP, and Syslog required.
• Expertise in TCP/IP protocol (IPv6) preferred.
• Experience with configuring routing protocols, such as RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and/or BGP is required.
• Configuration management expertise with Cisco IOS and hardware. Prior experience installing, configuring, and maintaining Cisco routers and switches is required.
• Experience with network management applications, such as CiscoWorks, and related protocols such as SNMP is required.
• Experience with the configuration and management of network firewalls is required.
• Experience with VoIP infrastructure, implementation, and configuration is required.
• Experience with Virtual Private Networks and the various protocols and implementations is required.
• Ability to perform fault isolation and resolution in a methodical, thorough manner is required.
• Understanding of and experience applying Information Security concepts to core network infrastructure and data transport is required.

Benefits:

• This is a full-time, seasonal position located in Antarctica.
• All expenses paid while on-ice meals, lodging, medical, gear, travel to and from Antarctica.
• Candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance.
• Performance Period: August 2025-February 2026.

Additional Considerations:

• Project management with cost estimation, cost analysis, scheduling, tasking, staffing, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of Linux and modern Microsoft Windows desktop and server operating systems.
• Cisco certifications including CCNP, CCDA, CCDP, and CCIE.
• Experience with SONET, ISDN, Frame Relay, and satellite communications.
• Experience with traffic shaping devices, WAN protocol accelerators, and bandwidth management.
• Familiarity with common Internet application and service protocols such as DNS, DHCP, HTTP.

Competencies:

• Communication Proficiency.
• Organizational Skills.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Technical Capacity.
• Time Management.

Physical Requirements:

• The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.
• Complies with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
• Individual must be capable of operating a standard desktop computer; must be able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Role Expectations:

• This is a highly demanding role that requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience are essential for success in this position.

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