Network Infrastructure Engineer

Position Summary:

The Network Infrastructure Engineer provides network engineering support for capital projects, facility renovations, campus development initiatives, and infrastructure-related projects across the university. Operating under moderate supervision, this role independently executes well-defined network infrastructure work, applies established engineering practices to routine and moderately complex assignments, and resolves common technical issues using proven methods and standards. The position contributes to reliable, maintainable, and operationally effective network services by supporting the planning, implementation, testing, documentation, and continuous improvement of network infrastructure deployments while coordinating effectively with project stakeholders and technical teams.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Network Infrastructure Delivery & Project Execution

• Independently deliver assigned network infrastructure components of capital, renovation, and campus development projects in accordance with established standards, schedules, and project requirements.
• Coordinate implementation activities with project managers, contractors, facilities personnel, vendors, and technical teams to promote timely and accurate project execution.
• Configure, deploy, and validate network infrastructure solutions for routine and moderately complex environments with minimal rework.
• Identify implementation risks, dependencies, or design inconsistencies and communicate recommendations to support successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to efficient project delivery by maintaining deployment quality, meeting commitments, and supporting effective operational handoffs.

Technical Analysis & Problem Resolution

• Analyze and resolve routine to moderately complex network infrastructure issues using established troubleshooting techniques and engineering practices.
• Evaluate installation, connectivity, and performance concerns and implement corrective actions that improve service reliability and user experience.
• Perform validation and testing activities to confirm network infrastructure meets functional, operational, and performance requirements.
• Investigate recurring issues, identify contributing factors, and recommend practical improvements that reduce future incidents and support effort.
• Escalate complex technical challenges appropriately while providing accurate analysis and supporting information.

Quality, Standards & Reliability Management

• Apply established network engineering standards, specifications, and implementation procedures to ensure consistent and supportable solutions.
• Conduct quality reviews of network deployments and technical deliverables to improve accuracy, reliability, and maintainability.
• Verify compliance with documented infrastructure requirements and address identified deficiencies through appropriate remediation activities.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to reduce defects, improve deployment consistency, and strengthen operational readiness.
• Contribute to stable service delivery by maintaining attention to infrastructure quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Documentation & Operational Continuity

• Develop and maintain accurate network diagrams, implementation records, configuration documentation, and testing results.
• Ensure technical documentation reflects deployed infrastructure and supports ongoing operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Produce documentation that enables effective knowledge transfer and reduces dependency on individual contributors.
• Maintain project records that facilitate service support, infrastructure lifecycle management, and future enhancements.
• Capture implementation lessons learned and technical observations that improve future project execution and operational effectiveness.

Collaboration, Communication & Technical Partnership

• Partner with internal technology teams and external stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure activities and achieve project objectives.
• Communicate technical information, project status updates, risks, and implementation outcomes clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provide informal guidance on established network infrastructure practices and implementation processes to project participants and peers.
• Build productive working relationships that enable efficient issue resolution, effective coordination, and successful infrastructure delivery.
• Influence project outcomes through technical expertise, proactive communication, and consistent execution of assigned responsibilities.

Working Conditions and Operational Requirements:

Hybrid Work Arrangement:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, combining on-campus and remote work. Employees are expected to be on site at least one day per week and for activities that require in-person presence, such as team collaboration, service delivery, or campus events. Specific on-site expectations are determined in coordination with the supervisor and must align with departmental needs and institutional policy. Remote work privileges may be revoked at any time.

On-call Responsibilities:

The position includes rotating on-call duties for after-hours incident response and requests.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not include direct supervisory responsibility but may provide informal guidance or mentorship to colleagues as needed. The role reports administratively and functionally to the Manager of Network Infrastructure.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is necessary

Experience and Skills:

• 3-5 years of relevant experience is necessary

• Working knowledge of enterprise network infrastructure technologies, including switching, routing, structured cabling, and network connectivity principles is necessary

• Ability to independently implement and support routine to moderately complex network infrastructure solutions using established engineering standards is necessary

• Skill in troubleshooting and resolving network infrastructure issues through systematic analysis and proven technical methodologies is necessary

• Ability to create and maintain accurate technical documentation, network diagrams, and implementation records that support operational continuity is necessary

• Effective collaboration and communication skills for coordinating work across project teams, contractors, vendors, and technical stakeholders is necessary

• Ability to identify improvement opportunities, exercise sound technical judgment, and deliver reliable results with minimal rework is necessary

• Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary

Information Technology’s Guiding Principles:

• Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand.

• Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity, accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.

• Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos.

• Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive, self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.

• Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.

• Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university.

• Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.

• Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.