Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Switching Engineer to support the deployment and implementation of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching solutions across our access network. This role is execution-focused, responsible for delivering high-quality network changes with speed, precision, and adherence to established design standards.The ideal candidate thrives in an implementation-driven environment, leveraging structured design packages, automation tools, and operational best practices to ensure successful network deployments. This role partners closely with Design Engineering and Operations to enable scalable, reliable, and efficient network growth and lifecycle management across a nationwide broadband and cable footprint.For contract-to-hire positions, we are open to hiring remote if we find the right talent in any of the following states: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT.
Implementation & Deployment
- Execute Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching deployments at the access layer based on approved designs.
- Implement configurations including VLANs, STP/RSTP/MSTP, trunking (802.1Q), port channels (LACP), QoS policies, and access control mechanisms.
- Perform network turn-ups, migrations, augmentations, and decommissioning activities across multi-vendor switching platforms, such as Cisco, Juniper, Ciena, Adva, and Nokia.
- Execute changes during scheduled maintenance windows with a focus on speed, accuracy, and minimal service impact.
- Support new site deployments, equipment refreshes, and end-of-life migration programs with structured execution against project timelines.
Change Management & Validation
- Utilize ServiceNow to create, manage, and close change records in accordance with established change management workflows and SLAs.
- Leverage NetBrain for network topology visualization, pre-change baselining, and post-change validation to ensure network integrity.
- Follow established Methods of Procedure (MOPs), including pre-checks, step-by-step implementation sequences, rollback plans, and escalation paths.
- Perform pre- and post-deployment validation checks to confirm success criteria are met before closing change records.
- Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all changes, configurations, and outcomes within ServiceNow and related documentation platforms.
Operational Excellence
- Maintain high implementation success rates with low failure and rollback percentages.
- Collaborate with Design Engineering to provide field feedback on deployment challenges and opportunities to improve design standards.
- Partner with NOC and Operations teams for seamless implementation handoffs, issue escalation, and resolution.
- Support BAU (Business As Usual) work and lifecycle management activities for existing access layer infrastructure.
- Respond to escalations as needed related to access layer switching.
Automation & Efficiency
- Leverage automation tools and scripting (Python, Ansible, NetBrain automation, or similar) to improve deployment efficiency and reduce manual configuration effort.
- Identify repetitive implementation tasks and contribute to automation development, template standardization, and process improvement.
- Support adoption of automation frameworks and API-driven workflows to scale team throughput without sacrificing accuracy.
- Engage with network management platforms such as NetBrain to build or execute automated diagnostics and validation routines.
Job Requirements Required
- 5+ years of experience in network engineering with a focus on switching and access layer implementation in a production environment.
- Strong knowledge of Layer 2 technologies: VLANs, STP/RSTP/MSTP, 802.1Q trunking, LACP/port channels, port security, and MAC address management.
- Strong knowledge of Layer 3 technologies: inter-VLAN routing, static routing, OSPF fundamentals, BGP basics, and IP addressing/subnetting.
- Hands-on experience implementing network changes in live production environments with structured change control processes.
- Experience with ITSM and change management platforms, specifically ServiceNow or equivalent.
- Ability to execute detailed technical procedures (MOPs) with precision, consistency, and adherence to rollback criteria.
- Experience with multi-vendor switching platforms in an ISP, telecommunications, or large-scale service provider environment.
Preferred
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Routing & Switching / Enterprise.
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Enterprise or Data Center.
- Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS-ENT or JNCIS-DevOps).
- Experience with network automation and scripting languages: Python, Ansible, NETCONF/YANG, or REST API-based tooling.
- Familiarity with NetBrain or similar network automation and orchestration platforms.
- Exposure to cable/broadband access network environments (HFC, DOCSIS, fiber/XGS-PON, commercial services).
- Experience with Git for version-controlled configuration and script management.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced, execution-oriented environment supporting critical multi-brand network infrastructure.
- Scheduled overnight maintenance windows are a regular expectation of this role.
- Opportunity to work with next-generation access technologies and emerging automation frameworks in a growing broadband footprint.
- Close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Network Intelligence, NOC, and Operations.
Mon-Fri; Includes scheduled overnight maintenance windows as required