Job Details

Network Engineer - 270004

Position Number: 7298202
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Computing - Network/System Administration

Network Engineer - 270004

Western Carolina University

Department: Networking & Communications

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The network engineer works within the IT Divisions Networking and Communications department to design, maintain, and enhance the campus data and voice network services. The engineer leverages their knowledge of network technologies to create and maintain a robust and reliable network that meets the needs of the campus. The engineer collaborates with the networking team and IT Division staff to support all aspects of the campus voice, video, data, and CATV networks. Additionally, the engineer maintains network management systems, assists in maintaining the security of the campus network, and maintains accurate network documentation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of enterprise networking principles, including routing, switching, wireless networking, network security, and telecommunications systems.
Skill in the implementation, administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of enterprise network infrastructure and services.
Ability to analyze network performance issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment while maintaining effectiveness in high-pressure situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
A Bachelors degree and 4 years of experience supporting medium to large networks. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters degree and 4 years of experience supporting medium to large networks
Experience supporting one or more of the following technologies in an enterprise environment:
- Juniper EX and QFX networking equipment
- EVPN/VXLAN architectures
- Aruba wireless infrastructure and ClearPass
- 802.1X wired and wireless authentication
- Ansible or similar automation platforms
- Palo Alto firewalls and GlobalProtect
- F5 load balancers
- BlueCat DDI solutions
- VoIP, cellular, and contact center technologies

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

Applicants must apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references.

For questions or additional information, please contact Brian Foster (fosterb@wcu.edu)

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34433