Principal Network Engineer

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The Principal Network Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, planning, and implementation of QTS’s virtual and physical Network Infrastructure for customer services. The ideal candidate has an extensive technology background and large-scale global project deployment experience in Internet Protocols, Ethernet transport, Optical Networking, Data Center architectures, Cloud, and Virtualization, as well as underlying service management and operational support experience for Network/Systems management. This role involves traveling, attending tech conferences, and researching the latest networking technologies. The Principal Network Engineer will work with multiple vendors to ensure the best solutions are implemented. They will also make recommendations to senior leadership on the latest and greatest technologies to improve networking infrastructure. Significant interfacing with customers and potential customers is required to highlight the QTS differentiators for Network Services, making excellent communication and presentation skills essential. Additionally, this position will support Network Engineers across various technologies, including route/switch, firewalls, and load balancers, with a strong emphasis on security and compliance.

RESPONSIBILITIES, other duties may be assigned.

• Lead development of the roadmap for the next generation of QTS Networking infrastructure, to include strategy on WAN technologies for customer and QTS Data Center connectivity, as well as technology strategy for implementing DDoS mitigation at each site
• Propose standards for customer Network implementations, including policies for shared vs. dedicated hardware
• Contribute to and manage the short, mid, and long-term Network technology roadmap, including alignment with Product, Sales, and Operations roadmaps
• Own and manage the Wide Area Network (WAN) capacity, documentation, reporting, and planning for the Architecture, Engineering, and Operations teams
• Partner with internal stakeholders from Product Development, Sales, Sales Engineering, Operations, and Customer Support to align network priorities and activities
• Perform analysis and make recommendations on network orchestration and automation as it pertains to WAN, datacenter, and Software Defined Networking (SDN)
• Assist with planning, scheduling and implementing client improvements and expansions
• Serve as a critical resource to coordinate network resources and activities on tiger-teams and during customer-impacting networking events
• Monitor and review the deployment of services to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement
• Prepare reports, analyze data, and make recommendations for improving network services and metrics

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering or other related field or equivalent professional experience
• Fifteen or more years of progressive information technology engineering experience
• Ten or more years of Networking technology experience, with dedicated responsibility for Information Technology operational support
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification (or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of Information Technology-related frameworks, standards and best practices
• Demonstrated history of network engineering and support in multi-site environments
• Prior experience leading and/or managing multiple, complex, short-term projects and incidents simultaneously
• Experience in large Data Center and/or ISP/Service Provider environments