Sr. Network Engineer

The Sr. Network Engineer position is responsible for leading the design, engineering, and administration of the Institute’s LAN and Internet infrastructure, ensuring 24/7 year-round network operations, planning for upgrades/expansions, software maintenance, network security, and customer support.

Monitors industry developments in data technology including networks, systems, services and standards. Proposes and executes strategic projects to upgrade systems, expand infrastructure, meet communication requirements, and incorporate emerging technology according to industry-standard best practices. 

Position leads a team of engineers to maintain the daily operation of the Salk network, including architectural design, installation, operation, maintenance, and documentation of hardware and software. Collaborates with labs and research cores to design and implement networking solutions for advanced scientific instruments and high-volume data transfers, directly supporting faculty and research goals.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

 Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

 What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Network Architecture Engineering and Team Leadership

• Collaborates with peers and value-added reseller (VAR) engineering teams to design and implement functional networks. The incumbent will advise in the selection of appropriate technologies to fulfill needs and enhance options in meeting the data networking needs of the Institute.
• The incumbent is expected to lead network-related installations, and configurations, and manage networking hardware including, but not limited to enterprise-class network switches, routers, and security appliances.
• Makes complex technical decisions regarding integrating network infrastructure with ongoing hardware and software requirements of core infrastructure services.
• Participate in decisions pertaining to electrical and telecommunications requirements related to new construction and modifications - Maintains and expands network infrastructure as required, i.e., cabling, switches, routers, firewall, etc.
• Provides engineering solutions for connectivity needed for remote data and voice services.
• Involved in installation, operation, and maintenance of hardware and software including resolution of problems, monitoring of traffic, capacity planning, and system backup for the LAN / WAN. 

Network Operational Support

• Manages day-to-day operations related to network support, coordinating and collaborating with peers/junior staff who perform network-related support tasks.
• Designs and performs server, network, and Internet-access monitoring to ensure system operations and security standards with advanced network monitoring tools.
• Monitors system logs to analyze trends and identify anomalies.
• Oversee preventive security measures, including firewall management and system configurations.
• Acts as a key incident responder, providing guidance during breaches and gathering forensic evidence to mitigate and investigate threats
• Provides expert leadership and assistance in the analysis, identification, and isolation of complex, high-impact problems requiring high-level technical and systems knowledge.
• Creates and maintains data communications network configuration control procedures and documentation and carries out network performance benchmarking.
• Conducts functional, stress, and interoperability testing for new technologies.
• Assesses the immediate and/or potential impact of industry developments and technological advancements on campus-wide operations.
• Develops and maintains a high level of user satisfaction and relations.
• Maintains a complete inventory of all Institute network hardware and software.
• Manages domain registrations, certificates, and software licenses.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

Required:

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressively complex network architecture engineering and administration experience.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Previous work experience as a senior-level networking engineer
• Familiarity with network tools like Fluke Network testers, software like Wireshark, Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor, and other network engineering tools for capturing and analyzing network traffic.
• Advanced knowledge of TCP/IP, IP routing Protocols (EIGRP, RIP, OSPF, BGP), Cisco IOS, LAN/WAN and wireless technology and network security solutions.

Preferred:

• Network-centric certification in architecture, design and security.
• 10 -15 years of progressively complex network architecture engineering and administration experience.
• Previous work experience as a lead Networking Engineer
• Expert-level experience with network tools like Fluke Network testers, software like Wireshark, Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor, and other network engineering tools for capturing and analyzing network traffic.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000 per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.