Associate Director, Senior Architect

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Communications Engineer designs, implements, manages, and maintains network communications systems and supporting systems. Provides network communications support to IT and corporate personnel. Participates in IT projects as a subject matter expert as necessary.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Provides recommendations and assessment of development/test/production environments for interrelated areas (server, desktop, telecom, security) design, implementation, documentation (standards, processes, controls) and operational management of infrastructure related products and services.
• Provides feedback on any technical assessment and technical architecture improvements from each of the infrastructure related groups
• Designs and deploys company LANs, WANs, wireless networks and VPNs.
• Configures, installs, manages and maintains a variety of network devices including switches (wired and wireless), routers, VPN devices and firewalls.
• Collaborate with management and department leaders to assess near- and long-term network capacity needs.
• Works with network providers/ISP's to install, manage and troubleshoot WAN/Internet circuits.
• Configures networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes.
• Monitors network performance and troubleshoots problem areas as needed.
• Ensures network connectivity of all servers, workstations, telephony equipment, printers/multifunction devices, and other network appliances.
• Works with global Otsuka companies and business partners to design, implement, maintain, troubleshoot and monitor various communications links across diverse communications platforms and networking environments.
• Designs and implements network communications systems such as Blackberry, and client remote access systems.
• Works in conjunction with the telephony services to support IP Telephony quality of service, and ensure proper configuration of network devices to support IP telephony. Assists with the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of IP Telephony system and IP Telephony network devices.
• Works in conjunction with the Network Security Analyst to implement, maintain and configure network security devices such as firewalls, SPAM system, web filtering and vulnerability scanners.
• Creates and maintains documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network qualification, administration, usage, and disaster recovery.
• Practices network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information.
• Provides network performance and availability statistics and reports periodically or as needed.
• Conducts research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry.
• Works with project groups as a subject matter expert to procure, design, implement and maintain IT systems.
• Provides tier 3 support to helpdesk and other IT functional areas for network communication issues.
• Manages and/or provides guidance to junior members of the team.

Qualifications/ Required

• Excellent knowledge and broad understanding of current information technologies (e.g. Internet, Windows, Linux, enterprise LAN/WAN systems, virtualization, groupware, etc)
• Expert technical knowledge of current network hardware and network protocols
• Expert knowledge of IP protocols and troubleshooting methodologies
• Expert knowledge of general network management best practices
• Ability to work with technology vendors and business partners to form strategic alliance and partnerships
• Ability to think critically and adaptable to our fast paced high-tech environment
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to articulate and integrate multiple information technologies to meet business needs
• Ability to work effectively in a virtual team environment
• Experience with LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPN design and implementation
• Experience with network capacity planning, network security principles, and hardware troubleshooting experience
• Experience with IP Telephony QOS and protocols including SIP
• Experience with change control procedures and methodologies
• 5 years experience working with enterprise class switches and routers implementing VLANs, routing protocols, LACP, etc.
• Experience in supporting IT operations in compliance with 21 CFR Part 11, CO