Network Engineer – Level 1

Job details:

Role: Network Engineer Level 1

Start Window: ASAP

Duration: 6 to 12 months

Work Location: Palo, IA

Primarily onsite at the Duane Arnold Nuclear Facility.

Job description:

• Looking for candidate with 1-3 years of hands-on Cisco networking experience, strong Layer 1/2 troubleshooting, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing/switching, infrastructure deployment (rack & stack, cabling, fiber), network monitoring tools, and preferably CCNA certification with experience in regulated or industrial/OT environments.
• Looking for Network Engineer I to support network infrastructure buildout and deployment activities. The engineer will assist with installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of network equipment supporting critical plant operations and site modernization initiatives.
• The ideal candidate will possess foundational networking knowledge, strong troubleshooting abilities, and experience supporting enterprise network environments. This individual will work closely with senior network engineers, project managers, security teams, and field personnel to ensure successful deployment and operation of network infrastructure within a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with deployment and installation of network infrastructure including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, and structured cabling.
• Perform Layer 1 and Layer 2 network troubleshooting.
• Provision and configure Cisco network devices according to established standards.
• Support VLAN implementation and network segmentation initiatives.
• Participate in infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and expansion projects.
• Monitor network performance and respond to network-related incidents.
• Create and maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, and asset inventories.
• Support network testing, validation, and turn-up activities.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams regarding secure network practices.
• Follow all nuclear facility safety, security, and operational procedures.
• Escalate complex issues to senior engineering resources when appropriate.
• Support after-hours maintenance windows as required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking, or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of network support or network engineering experience.
• Basic understanding of:
  • TCP/IP
  • DNS
  • DHCP
  • VLANs
  • Routing and Switching
  • Network Security Fundamentals
• Experience working with Cisco networking equipment.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Ability to interpret network diagrams and technical documentation.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
• Experience supporting utility, energy, industrial, manufacturing, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Understanding of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) or Operational Technology (OT) networks.
• Knowledge of network access control solutions.
• Experience with fiber optic infrastructure.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and regulated environments.
• Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure deployment projects.

Technical Skills

Networking

• Cisco IOS
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Networking
• VLANs
• STP
• Routing Protocols (Static Routing preferred; OSPF knowledge a plus)
• Wireless Networking

Tools

• SolarWinds
• Wireshark
• Cisco DNA Center (preferred)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems

Infrastructure

• Structured Cabling
• Fiber Optics
• Rack and Stack Activities
• Patch Management
• Equipment Turn-Up and Validation

Soft Skills

• Detail-oriented with strong documentation practices.
• Ability to follow strict operational procedures.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Commitment to safety and security standards.
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Primarily onsite at the Duane Arnold Nuclear Facility.
• Work within a highly secure and regulated operational environment.
• May require PPE and compliance with nuclear site access policies.
• Some lifting of network equipment and extended periods in data center or equipment room environments.