Network Operations Engineer I

Job Overview

The Network Operations Engineer I is an entry-level technical role. Engineers I monitor, triage and maintain the health of Optical and IP networks in a 24x7 operational environment. This role is the first point of response for network alarms and incidents. It works closely with Network Operations Engineers II, who act as its escalation point, and with Team Leads to restore service and keep the network stable.

The role is hands-on and follows defined procedures. Engineers I detect and acknowledge alarms, carry out first-level troubleshooting using established runbooks, open and document tickets, and support scheduled maintenance under guidance. Issues that go beyond first-level diagnosis are escalated promptly to Engineers II with clear initial findings. Engineers I build their skills through structured training, shadowing and mentorship.

Scope

• Serve as the first-level response point for optical and IP network alarms and incidents.
• Monitor network health using NOC monitoring and alarm management tools, and acknowledge alarms within defined response times.
• Perform first-level triage and troubleshooting following established runbooks and procedures.
• Escalate incidents to Network Operations Engineers II with accurate initial diagnostics.
• Create, update and maintain tickets with clear, accurate documentation.
• Support scheduled maintenance activities and network changes under the direction of senior engineers.
• Develop technical knowledge of optical and IP technologies through training, shadowing and mentorship.

Roles and Responsibilities

Monitoring, Incident Response & First-Level Troubleshooting

• Monitor optical and IP network alarms, events and performance dashboards across a 24x7 environment.
• Acknowledge, prioritise and triage alarms and incidents according to severity and defined response times.
• Perform first-level troubleshooting of optical (DWDM, CWDM) and IP (IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, BGP, OSPF) networks using runbooks. This includes checking optical power levels, interface status, alarm states, protocol adjacencies and basic connectivity.
• Gather initial diagnostic information such as logs, alarm history, interface counters and recent changes to support fault isolation.
• Escalate incidents that cannot be resolved at first level to Network Operations Engineers II, with clear findings and the steps already taken.
• Support senior engineers during major service-impacting incidents by running checks, gathering data and keeping tickets updated.

Ticket & Case Managemen t

• Create, update and close tickets with accurate, detailed and timely documentation for all work performed.
• Open cases with vendor TACs (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Ciena, Nokia, Infinera) when directed, and provide the requested logs and diagnostics.
• Track open tickets and vendor cases, and follow up to ensure timely progress.
• Verify basic service restoration after an incident and record the outcome in the ticket.
• Notify internal stakeholders and customers of incidents using approved communication templates.

Maintenance & Change Support

• Support scheduled maintenance activities and network changes under the direction of Engineers II or III, including pre- and post-change checks.
• Follow approved method-of-procedure (MOP) documents and change management processes.
• Assist with turn-up and testing of new circuits, services and network elements.
• Coordinate with field technicians, colocation facilities, ISPs and service providers to arrange access, dispatches and testing.

Learning, Process & Collaboration

• Complete structured training and shadow senior engineers to build optical and IP troubleshooting skills.
• Follow runbooks and procedures, and flag gaps or inaccuracies to senior engineers for update.
• Contribute to knowledge-base articles under the review of senior engineers.
• Participate in shift handoffs and produce clear, complete shift-turnover notes.
• Work collaboratively with NOC colleagues, Engineering and other operational teams.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 0-2 years of experience in network operations, IT support, or a related technical role; internships or lab experience are considered.
• Foundational knowledge of IP networking (TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, subnetting, routing and switching concepts), with awareness of BGP, OSPF and MPLS.
• Basic understanding of optical transport concepts (DWDM, CWDM, fiber types, optics, patch panels) and optical power levels.
• Familiarity with network device command-line interfaces (CLI).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including clear ticket documentation.
• Willingness to learn, take direction and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively in a 24x7 shift-based operational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate-level certifications such as CCNA, JNCIA, Nokia NRS I, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent.
• Exposure to multi-vendor network equipment (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Ciena, Nokia, Infinera).
• Basic familiarity with fiber testing tools (OTDR, power meters, light sources).
• Experience with NOC monitoring, alarm management and ticketing platforms.
• Awareness of ITIL-based incident and change management processes.
• Interest in scripting or automation (e.g., Python).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to perform office-related tasks, including prolonged sitting or standing.
• Capability to move within an office environment and effectively use a computer.
• Must have strong communication skills for effective collaboration and coordination.
• Occasional repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers may be required.
• Availability to work rotating shifts, including weekends, and holidays as required in a 24x7 environment.

Salary Range

• Please note that the salary information provided herein is base pay only (gross); it does not include other forms of compensation which may or may not apply to this specific position, namely, performance-based bonuses, benefits-related payments, or other general incentives - none of which are guaranteed, may be subject to specific eligibility requirements, and are wholly within the discretion of Astreya to remit.
• Further, the salary information noted above is a range that consists of a minimum and maximum rate of pay for this specific position. Where an applicant or employee is placed on this range will depend and be contingent on objective, documented work-related considerations like education, experience, certifications, licenses, preferred qualifications, among other factors.