Network/Operations Technician I

Role: Network/Operations - Network Technician I

Location: Gary, IN/Portage IN 46402 (Onsite)

Duration: 12-18 Months contract (Possible extension or conversion)

Pay Rate: $30-34.00/hr W2

Shift hour: 1st shift. (Candidate must travel in the Northwest Indiana area, including Gary IN and Portage IN)

Top Skills:

1. Experience on Optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) and related testing equipment.
2. Configuration, Installation of LAN/WAN/WLAN and CISCO Switches, Routers etc.
3. LAN switching and routing in a Cisco enterprise network environment
4. Experience with Fiber Cabling/Optical Fiber.

The successful candidate will serve in a project support role as part of the Data Networking team. The position will provide technical solution pre-planning, design, deployment, testing and migration activities related to plant networking support tasks at Gary Works and Midwest Works Plants. The role will be focused on wireline networking support, with particular emphasis on fiber optic networking and related solutions.

In addition, the candidate will provide support to manage relevant day-to-day operations roles for the Client Data Networking team, as necessary.
• Participates as a fully integrated member of assigned project team, responsible to the delivery of successful solutions
• Contributes to the team support for data network incident and event management including investigation, troubleshooting, reporting , resolution, root cause analysis and corrective action management
• Participates and advises as part of the design of network solutions using approved, standard technology in cooperation with peers, vendors and partners
• Monitors data networks for performance, security and stability - takes action to identify trends and proactively address issues
• Supports all phases of the project deployment, from planning and design thru physical installation; candidate is willing to work in a hands-on role deploying equipment in a heavy-industry environment, as required

Specific Experience Required
• Demonstrated experience supporting data networking Wired LAN technologies in an enterprise environment (Cisco), with focus on fiber and cabling infrastructure
• Demonstrated success participating and/or leading complex enterprise-level projects with focus on disciplines related to Data Networking, Network Security, Enterprise Cyber Security and / or Cyber Security compliance
• Experience working in a hand-on role in a Steel Mill / Heavy Industry environment would be greatly preferred

Personal skills required:
• Results-oriented member of technical support teams; the successful candidate is a self-starter, able to manage complex incidents, proactively identify opportunities for improvement and develop innovative solutions
• Excellent time management skills including ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize work
• Excellent work ethic; willing to extend the extra effort and time required to meet critical deadlines
• Strong oral and written communications skills; able to articulate ideas and listen effectively; professionally communicates with all customers, vendors and technical support staff, including remote customers and team members in foreign countries
• Strong analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Accomplished analyst able to manage complex technical problems through identification, design, solution definition and implementation
• Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships related to incident management, project coordination, relationship development and SLA maintenance
• On call support required, including participation in team on call (24/7) rotation; candidate must be willing to work flexible hours as demanded by outage, migration & on-call activities
• Hands-on team member willing to work in heavy industry/plant environments when required

Technical skills required:
• Demonstrated experience supporting data networking technologies in an enterprise environment, including:

o LAN switching and routing in a Cisco enterprise network environment
• Strong work experience and knowledge related to structured cabling solutions, with emphasis on telecommunication/networking fiber technologies, maintenance, troubleshooting and installation

o Experience operating OTDR and related testing equipment

Desired Qualifications:
• WLAN fundamentals and support of Cisco solutions
• Cisco CCNA certification, or greater
• WLAN tools including Ekahau or related
• Project Management experience / certification

Experience with these additional technologies may be a plus:
• Advance IP routing experience, including OSPF and BGP protocol solution design proficiency
• Data center network support including Cisco Nexus platform
• Internet routing and security
• Network security controls and related disciplines
• Scripting or Programming in a Network environment (Ansible etc)

If the candidate is required to have equipment, please list and discuss estimated cost:

• Client to provide laptop and mobile phone for the purpose of technical support.
• Travel costs to be reimbursed / paid as per the project costs.
• Candidate must have personal vehicle to travel to work locations.

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