Join the MCNC team to help support network architecture-based initiatives and development of next-generation data-network service offerings to be delivered on the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). MCNC, via its wholly-owned state-of-the-art fiber and DWDM-based optical/IP/MPLS network, NCREN, supports North Carolina public K-12 schools, North Carolina public and private universities and colleges, North Carolina community colleges, healthcare, libraries, state and local government, non-profit organizations, and public safety, among others. We've created a dynamic work environment designed to provide our employees the freedom and support they need to achieve great things for the citizens of North Carolina and for their own future. The successful candidate will enjoy a competitive salary and an industry-leading comprehensive benefits package. This position reports to the Director of Network Architecture and Management/Chief Network Architect, NCREN.

The ideal candidate:

• Has 7+ years of progressive experience in data networking.
• Has 3+ previous years spent with a significant hands-on focus on designing data/telecommunications networks and/or developing data network/telecommunications service offerings.
• Has extensive experience with data networking at scale in large data network environments (Internet Service Provider and/or Research & Education and/or Large Enterprise).
• Is a subject matter expert in one or more of the following technologies: TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, Carrier Ethernet (E-LINE, E-LAN), Routing, Switching, EoMPLS, VPLS, MPLS Layer 3 VPN, Segment Routing, EVPN, SD-WAN, BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, QoS, GRE, IPSec, etc.
• Has extensive experience with carrier class routers and switches (familiarity with DWDM-based optical platforms and passive DWDM/CWDM technologies a plus).
• Has extensive experience with IOS XR and/or Junos and/or other similar network operating systems.
• Has experience with Network Automation, Network Function Virtualization, and Software Defined Networks.
• Has experience with Linux/Unix.
• Has experience with scripting languages with an emphasis on network automation (Python 3 a plus).
• Understands how to engineer solutions within the boundaries of budget and time constraints.
• Can create detailed reports, diagrams, system documentation, white papers, solution briefs, etc.
• Possesses outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Possesses outstanding analytical skills.
• Completes assignments on time or ahead of schedule.
• Is extremely detail oriented, but does not lose sight of the big picture.
• Is the ultimate team player, but works independently as required and is prepared to be a significant individual contributor.
• Is comfortable in a dynamic fast-paced environment where priorities change as required to meet customer demand.
• Has a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Participates in the development of data networking/telecommunications service offerings within the MCNC service development framework.
• Participates in proof-of-concept labs and associated activities.
• Participates in the support of NCREN operations by:
  • Ensuring the quality of network device software.
  • Ensuring the quality of network device configurations.
  • Ensuring the security posture of network devices.
  • Ensuring that best current practices for data networking are being followed.
• Participates in Pre-Sales Engineering activities as required.
• Participates in the creation of network device “bills of material.”
• Participates in the development of network device capital budgets.
• Participates in the creation of technical responses to RFPs/RFIs/RFQs/IFBs that MCNC is planning to respond to and/or the creation of technical requirements sections to RFPs/RFIs/RFQs/IFBs that MCNC may issue.
• Represents MCNC at Research & Education focused events (national and local) as required.

Please Note:

• This is a hybrid work position. The successful candidate (generally speaking) will work from the MCNC corporate offices in Research Triangle Park (RTP) during normal business hours a minimum of three days per week and telecommute the remainder of the work week.
• This position is highly technical in nature i.e., it is not a management or management track position. The successful candidate is expected to have currently applicable technical skills and must be able to configure and operate current generation data networking equipment and data network testing equipment.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license and will be required to drive a company vehicle on company business. Pre-employment and annual MVR checks will be required during your employment with the company for this position in order to be approved to drive a company-owned vehicle.
• Background and sex offender checks will be performed for pre-employment and annually during your employment with the company
• This role will be required to adhere to the MCNC Substance Abuse policy, which may include drug/alcohol screening at hire and periodically or randomly during employment.
• Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with an FDA approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine will be required for this position, subject to reasonable accommodations required by law.  MCNC provides reasonable accommodation in accordance with all applicable law unless such accommodation would pose an undue hardship to MCNC or pose a direct threat to health or safety.  Requests for reasonable accommodation must be directed to Human Resources.

Disclaimer:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

MCNC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.