Senior Network Engineer/Architect (Network Communications Analyst IV)

Job Description

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced Senior Network Engineer/Architect to help shape the future of the enterprise network infrastructure connecting SDSU’s campuses, research environments, and university operations. In this senior technical role, you’ll architect and engineer large-scale wired, wireless, WAN, data center, cloud-connected, and research networks while leading complex infrastructure modernization initiatives from design through deployment.

You’ll combine hands-on engineering with long-term architectural strategy-solving SDSU’s most challenging network problems, evaluating emerging technologies, and helping ensure the university’s network remains secure, resilient, scalable, and ready for what’s next.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enterprise Network Architecture & Engineering
  • Design and evolve highly available enterprise wired, wireless, core, WAN/Internet, data center, cloud-connected, and research network architectures.
  • Engineer complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 environments, including routing, switching, segmentation, redundancy, QoS, IPv4/IPv6, BGP, OSPF, and related technologies.
  • Assess capacity, performance, resiliency, lifecycle needs, and technical debt to guide network modernization.
  • Develop network architecture strategies and multi-year roadmaps that support university growth and technology priorities.
• Network Modernization & Technical Project Leadership
  • Serve as technical lead and network architect for complex, university-wide infrastructure projects and network lifecycle initiatives.
  • Lead projects from requirements and architectural design through migration, testing, deployment, validation, and operational transition.
  • Develop implementation plans, migration strategies, testing criteria, risk mitigation, and rollback procedures.
  • Coordinate complex projects across IT teams, campus partners, Facilities, vendors, consultants, service providers, and other stakeholders.
• Advanced Network Engineering & Resiliency
  • Serve as a senior escalation resource for complex routing, switching, wireless, connectivity, segmentation, performance, and interoperability issues.
  • Perform advanced packet, protocol, routing, telemetry, RF, and performance analysis to identify root causes and long-term solutions.
  • Engineer high-availability and fault-tolerant network services and support restoration during significant network incidents.
  • Use network observability and analysis technologies to optimize performance, coverage, security, and infrastructure reliability.
• Architecture, Standards & Technical Leadership
  • Develop network architecture diagrams, engineering standards, reference architectures, configuration standards, and technical runbooks.
  • Evaluate emerging networking, cloud, wireless, automation, security, observability, and research technologies.
  • Provide technical direction and mentorship to network engineers and analysts while promoting strong engineering and documentation practices.
  • Review and validate vendor and integrator designs to ensure solutions meet SDSU’s technical, security, resiliency, and architectural standards.

What We're Looking For:

We’re looking for an experienced network engineer or architect who enjoys tackling complex infrastructure challenges while thinking strategically about where enterprise networking is headed.

Experience in areas such as the following is especially valuable:

• Large-scale enterprise wired and wireless network architecture
• Advanced routing and switching, including BGP, OSPF, IPv4/IPv6, segmentation, and high availability
• Aruba, ALE/Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, Palo Alto Networks, Infoblox, ClearPass, or comparable enterprise platforms
• Network security and access control
• Network observability, packet analysis, RF engineering, and performance troubleshooting
• Enterprise network modernization, lifecycle refreshes, and infrastructure migrations
• High-performance or research networking
• Technical architecture, documentation, and standards development
• Leading complex network infrastructure projects
• Working with vendors, integrators, service providers, and other technical partners

Advanced certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, Aruba advanced/expert-level certifications, PCNSE, AWS/Azure Advanced Networking, or equivalent are a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Architect networks at scale - Help design the infrastructure connecting SDSU’s campuses, research environments, academic programs, and university operations.
• Lead major modernization efforts - Take complex network initiatives from architectural strategy through successful implementation.
• Stay deeply technical - Work hands-on with advanced enterprise networking while serving as a trusted technical authority.
• Build for the future - Evaluate emerging technologies and help define long-term network architecture, standards, and infrastructure investments for SDSU.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU .

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

The SDSU OneIT Community is vital to the university’s success by delivering core technology services across our campuses, colleges, administrative areas, and auxiliary units. Our mission is to support innovation in teaching, research, and service by strategically developing infrastructure, responsibly managing IT assets, actively engaging with our community, and fostering collaboration. Guided by our Vice President for Information Technology/ Chief Information Officer, we uphold SDSU’s commitment to learning, discovery, and engagement, with our core values-service, collaboration, respect, integrity, innovation, and professionalism-permeating every aspect of our work.

Information Technology Network & Infrastructure (ITNI) provides the networking backbone that supports the University’s technology needs. The team manages all wired and wireless campus networks and ensures reliable Internet connectivity. ITNI also delivers unified communications services for faculty and staff, including voicemail, call-center solutions, and other voice features, and installs and maintains the campus’s fiber-optic and copper cabling. These services cover the main campus, residence halls, the Imperial Valley Campus (IVC), the Brawley facility, Sky Park, Mission Valley River Park, Viejas Arena, Millenia Library in Chula Vista, KPBS Public Media, and all off-site foundation buildings.

For more information regarding the Information Technology Network & Infrastructure department, click here .

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Extensive experience supporting and maintaining enterprise-level wired and wireless network environments, including complex, multi-protocol routed networks.
• Advanced knowledge of TCP/IP, switching, routing, network security, wireless technologies, protocols, and network architectures.
• Experience supporting and managing Palo Alto firewalls, including security configuration and administration within an enterprise environment.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise networking technologies such as HPE Aruba wireless, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) routing and switching, Aruba ClearPass, or comparable platforms.
• Advanced ability to design, engineer, implement, troubleshoot, and validate complex enterprise network solutions while maintaining continuity of critical services.
• Experience leading network infrastructure projects, including hardware upgrades, lifecycle replacements, migrations, and other large-scale modernization initiatives.
• Experience using network management, monitoring, analysis, and diagnostic tools to troubleshoot connectivity and assess network performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with technical teams, vendors, and stakeholders, while managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced technical environment.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting networks in a higher education, research, or similarly complex large-enterprise environment.
  • Advanced experience with enterprise networking platforms such as Aruba, ALE, Palo Alto Networks, Infoblox, ClearPass, or comparable technologies.
  • Advanced experience with network observability, packet analysis, RF engineering, performance analysis, and diagnostic tools.
  • Advanced industry certifications in enterprise networking, network security, wireless, or cloud networking, such as CCIE, CCNP, Aruba advanced/expert-level certifications, PCNSE, AWS/Azure Advanced Networking, or equivalent.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:

Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 11 ($10,033/month).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $8,231-$11,990 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview .

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by September 10, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Livia Peeples at [email protected] .

Advertised: Aug 27 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: