Network Engineer II

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Location: Abilene, TX – Onsite Contract Length – 6 months – potential to go fulltime

Backcheck- Must be able to pass CJIS Check

USA Citizen Must have valid drivers license

This role operates within the ambit of Buchanan's government client, under the guidance of the Director of Information Technology or a designated superior. As a System Administrator III, the incumbent, functioning as a Network Engineer, is entrusted with developing and sustaining Buchanan's network and infrastructure ecosystem. This encompasses overseeing hardware, software, telecommunications, and computing infrastructure. The core responsibility involves executing various technical administrative and maintenance tasks, encompassing configuration, installation, troubleshooting, repair, and upkeep of Buchanan's network, infrastructure equipment, both on-premises and in the cloud, along with associated peripheral devices and networks.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

System Administrator III (Network Engineer) - This role entails providing technical leadership to subordinate staff as directed and leading technology teams.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Offer advisories, assess necessary actions, and formulate recommendations for approval.
• Monitor and promptly respond to alerts from the server infrastructure, ensuring sustained performance, and troubleshoot issues. Any deviation from standard responses requires soliciting approval through recommendation.
• Identify performance bottlenecks, areas for enhancement, and implement solutions to optimize system performance.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of telecommunications systems, encompassing analog and VoIP.
• Ensure compliance of system architecture with industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Develop and maintain department-specific system documentation, including architecture and data flow diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Design the overarching structure and architecture of systems, encompassing decisions about hardware, software, networking, and other requisite technologies.
• Enforce security policies and procedures, contributing to security breach monitoring and incident response.
• Integrate security measures into system architecture, covering data encryption, access control, and threat mitigation.
• Ensure seamless integration of system components, including integrating existing with new systems.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, tools, and platforms, considering scalability, security, and cost.
• Implement backup and recovery strategies to ensure data and system availability during failures or disasters.
• Develop prototypes or proof-of-concept models to validate design concepts before full-scale development.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, network engineers, database administrators, and project managers, to coordinate and execute the system development process.
• Assess cost implications of architectural decisions and identify cost-effective solutions.
• Contribute input to Buchanan IT Master Plan and the Financial Technology Fund Plan.
• Provide assistance to other technical services and departmental staff.
• Operate a City vehicle as needed to travel to various City and/or County locations.
• OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Networking technologies and methods, covering addressing, switching, routing, firewalls, and their applications.
• Security integration measures and compliance considerations.
• Performance monitoring and availability of servers and network devices.
• System configuration and change documentation maintenance.
• Prototypes or proof-of-concept models development for design validation.
• System requirements gathering and alignment with business objectives.
• Systems architecture design, technology selection, component integration, and high-level structure.
• Licensing models and methods for related products and services.
• Leadership of professional cross-functional teams in technology and project/program management.
• Aligning system architecture with long-term strategic goals and technology roadmap.
• Stakeholder collaboration for defining, prioritizing, and managing system requirements.
• Security measures and compliance integration into architecture.
• Evaluation of new technologies and tools.
• City funding and acquisition methods, including professional services contracting.

Skill to:

• Comprehend network addressing, routing, and firewall configurations.
• Understand security principles, encompassing authentication, authorization, and data encryption.
• Develop and collaborate on documentation, policies, procedures, and plans aligning with industry and local government standards.
• Enhance existing systems and processes based on new knowledge and industry trends.
• Grasp system fit within broader enterprise architecture.
• Proficiency in cloud platforms like Azure or Google Cloud.
• Strategic thinking for creating long-term technology roadmaps.
• Administer and maintain cybersecurity software and systems.
• Lead teams through effective communication and collaboration.
• Lead enterprise-level architecture initiatives.
• Manage complex, multi-cloud, and hybrid cloud environments.
• Profound knowledge of cybersecurity, including advanced threat modeling and security protocols.
• Participate in and contribute to City and IT strategic and financial planning activities.
• Administer professional contracts.
• Assist in budgeting, expense management, and financial planning regarding systems and cybersecurity software, services, and systems.

Ability to:

• Collaboratively discuss network configuration's cybersecurity implications.
• Identify and propose solutions to cybersecurity threats.
• Draft technical documentation and proposals supporting systems architecture.
• Acquire and apply new information, methods, and technologies.
• Apply new methods and technologies to address City needs.
• Collaborate on creating and maintaining incident plans.
• Participate in cybersecurity tabletop exercises.
• Propose changes to systems and infrastructure based on new information, methods, and technologies.
• Develop expertise in related software and systems administration.
• Manage contracting and performance of professional services.
• Create, implement, and maintain strategic, financial, and incident plans.
• Contribute to financial activities related to systems and infrastructure.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships internally and externally.
• Uphold Buchanan's Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Lead, manage, and collaborate within the Division in alignment with its mission, treating team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For multi-level positions, all lower-level requirements are prerequisite for higher levels. Any equivalent combination of experience and training providing required knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable. These may be obtained through:

Experience:

• Four (4) years of relevant experience with computer equipment and software applications.
• Three (3) years of experience with systems architecture and infrastructure methods and technologies.
• One (1) year of team leadership preferred.
• 2+ years of Cisco and Unified Communications Experience a must.

Education/Training:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Information Systems, or related field preferred.

License or Certificate:

• A valid Texas driver’s license within ninety (90) days or a military waiver.
• Cybersecurity Certificate preferred.
• Obtaining Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Certificate required.
• Obtaining Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) Certificate will be necessary.

About Buchanan Technologies

Since Buchanan’s inception over 30 years ago, we have operated on 5 core values – People Matter, Customers Matter, Principles Matter, Community Matters, and Every Interaction Matters. These values are represented across each facet of the company, from employee relations to client service delivery to corporate social responsibility initiatives and beyond.

Why Work at Buchanan?

At Buchanan Technologies, we offer a great employment experience with a fun but professional work environment, competitive salary, and various employee career advancement programs that add value to your skills and daily life. If you are excited about being part of an energetic team where your contributions are appreciated and hard work is recognized, Buchanan is the place for you.

Things We Are Passionate About

We are passionate about providing top-tier technology services to our customers and clients and fostering a culture of continuous learning for our employees. We are a people-centric company, focused on growth and diversity for our workforce. Come join us and let’s build something amazing together.