IT Consultant

This position ensures the stability and integrity of network and enhancements (data, wireless and Mesh network services). This is achieved by planning, designing, and developing local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and operating network management tools across the organization. This position is also responsible for analysis of network characteristics and recommendations for procurement, removals, and modifications to network components., + Perform detailed network package capture and analysis to resolve complex technical issues.

• Analyze, design, develop, implement, and continuously improve data communication network infrastructure.

• Design, implement and provide ongoing support for cellular, wireless, and wired technology-based solutions in electrical substations, power plants, offices, and data center environments.

• Perform analysis at physical, data, control, and higher order protocol layers and develops/prototypes network/communications systems. Participate in the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links.

• Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records using Word, Excel, Visio, Service-Now, and other tools.

• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot problem areas as needed using SolarWinds, Wireshark, Nessus and other tools

• Oversee and implement new and existing equipment, hardware, and software upgrades.

• Interact and coordinate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.

• Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry.

• Configure networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes.

• Develop automation workflows to reduce manual intervention and improve operational efficiency.

• Create and maintain scripts (Python, PowerShell, Bash) to automate: Network monitoring and alerting, Device configuration and firmware updates, Data extraction and reporting from network management systems.

• Support day-to-day operations of the combined AMI/DA infrastructure

• Understand principles of network design, especially radio-frequency mesh technology.

• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports.

• Respond as the Data Network representative in an 'on-call' 24x7 rotation to resolve emergent issues in both Corporate, Automated Metering/Distribution Automation and NERC CIP network environments.

Minimum Education required for this position

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Computer Science or equivalent work experience.

Master's degree is a plus.

Minimum Experience required for this position

IT Consultant: 6+ years of relevant experience, 3+ years' solution design experience is a plus

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position:

• Demonstrated knowledge / experience in Network Technologies including but not limited to networking protocols, TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, WINS, network management tools, use of packet capture and other troubleshooting tools.

• Understanding of router and switch devices.

• Demonstrates understanding of routing protocols RIPv1/v2, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, NAT, Access-Lists, route re-distribution, IP Multicast, VLANs, and spanning tree.

• Priority given to previous networking experience maintaining NERC CIP environments, demonstrated experience with Software Defined Networking / Application Centric Infrastructure, Aruba wireless environments, VMWare, a plus.

Any certificates, licenses, required of this position:

CompTIA Network+ , Security+, Cisco networking certifications and Cisco Academy Certifications also a plus.

**Additional Responsibilities:** As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties., As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.