Senior Network Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
The Information & Technology Services department is looking for a Senior Network Engineer with a technical leadership focus on designing, implementing, and advancing the enterprise network infrastructure at San Diego International Airport. This role serves as a subject matter expert for complex networking environments, including routing, switching, wireless, security, data center technologies, and software-defined network systems within a high-availability airport operation.
Working across technical teams, vendors, and project stakeholders, this position will lead and support network modernization efforts, including wireless upgrades within Terminal 2 and infrastructure buildouts aligned with Terminal 1 Phase 1B construction. The Senior Network Engineer will provide design review, configuration, implementation, troubleshooting, and performance recommendations to ensure new and existing environments are secure, resilient, and built to support evolving airport operations.
The ideal candidate will bring strong enterprise networking expertise, sound technical judgment, and the ability to lead complex assignments with a high degree of independence. They are methodical in troubleshooting, proactive in identifying risks and improvements, and committed to building clear documentation, diagrams, standards, and procedures that support long-term operational continuity. This role also requires strong communication and collaboration skills to guide technical decisions, partner with stakeholders, and support team members through complex infrastructure work.
This role offers the opportunity to shape critical network infrastructure in a dynamic airport environment where reliability, security, and thoughtful design matter. The Senior Network Engineer will partner with stakeholders to develop clear standards, diagrams, and documentation that strengthen SAN's long-term operational continuity.
While construction projects shape what passengers see, the Senior Network Engineer helps lead the invisible infrastructure that powers every connection, transaction, and operational system across the airport campus.
What You'll Do:
- Network Design & Implementation: Design, configure, implement, and maintain enterprise routing, switching, wireless, firewall, VOIP, and VPN technologies within a Cisco-based environment.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Lead and perform hands-on network design, configuration, and buildout work for wireless upgrades in Terminal 2, Terminal 1 Phase 1B, and other airport construction projects.
- Cisco Catalyst Center Operations: Configure and manage wired and wireless network infrastructure through Cisco Catalyst Center, formerly DNAC, supporting network policy, access control, and operational monitoring within a Software Defined Access environment.
- Data Center & Security Systems: Design, configure, and support Cisco ACI, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Secure Firewall technologies, and related monitoring and analytics platforms.
- Network Performance & Reliability: Monitor network health and availability; analyze capacity and performance; recommend and implement patches, firmware updates, and configuration improvements to maintain uptime.
- Advanced Troubleshooting & Incident Resolution: Diagnose and resolve routine to highly complex network issues; perform root cause analysis and collaborate with stakeholders to restore service and prevent recurring incidents.
- Enterprise Systems Analysis: Develop a comprehensive understanding of current and legacy network environments, including system dependencies, integrations, and data flows, to support effective troubleshooting, project transition, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Documentation & Standards: Develop and maintain detailed network diagrams, as-built designs, architecture documentation, and standard operating procedures to support operational continuity and knowledge sharing.
- Project Leadership: Serve as a hands-on technical lead on complex network projects; coordinate with vendors, senior engineers, internal teams, and stakeholders to review designs, implement changes, and support infrastructure lifecycle initiatives.
- Disaster Recovery & Compliance: Develop and support contingency planning, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security audits to ensure resilient and secure infrastructure. Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support critical network operations.
- Operational Driving: Frequently drives an Airport Authority vehicle on the airfield to access sterile areas and other secure facilities across the airport campus., Information & Technology Services (I&TS) is a mission-driven, campus-wide team that enables the Airport Authority's operations through reliable, secure, and forward-looking technology. I&TS supports critical business applications used by staff, maintains passenger-facing systems such as flight information displays and paging, and designs, operates, and secures the infrastructure that connects the entire airport campus. Our team is responsible for system access, data storage, cybersecurity, and operational continuity-ensuring technology is available when and where it matters most.
We foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on partnership, accountability, and continuous improvement, working closely with departments across the campus to deliver solutions that keep the airport running safely, efficiently, and securely.
The Network team designs, operates, and secures the enterprise-grade wired and wireless networks that serve as the digital backbone of San Diego International Airport. The team is responsible for ensuring reliable, resilient connectivity that supports airport operations, tenants, airlines, and passenger-facing throughout campus and capital projects of all scales. With a strong focus on availability, security, and performance, the Network team plays a direct role in enabling safe, efficient, and seamless experience for passengers, tenants, airlines, and staff campus-wide.
Requirements
Do you have a valid Driver's License license?, Do you have experience in Team leadership?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department., * Analytical Problem Solving-Evaluates complex technical issues, researches root causes, and applies sound judgment to implement effective, sustainable solutions.
- Communication-Clearly documents technical designs and procedures and communicates effectively with engineers, stakeholders, and vendors.
- Technical Judgment-Exercises discretion in change management, system configuration, and security practices within a high-availability environment.
- Collaboration-Works effectively with cross-functional teams while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities and deliverables.
- Project Leadership - Leads or coordinates complex network infrastructure projects by prioritizing work, aligning stakeholders, managing technical deliverables, and supporting successful implementation.
- Technical Proficiency- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of enterprise networking principles across wired, wireless, wide-area, security, and data center environments.
Technology Environment
- Cisco DNAC
- Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE)
- 802.1x Authentication
- ASA and FTD
- Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC)
- Cisco ACI Data Center, * Five years of progressively responsible experience in information Technology and associated systems, networking, or security systems of which one year of experience was serving in a project lead or supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in computer science, management information systems, or a closely related field.
- Completion of the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification may substitute for 2-years of the educational requirement.
Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :
- Maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority's vehicle insurance policy.
- Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.
Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Security, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+ or Security+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Solutions Architect - Associate, Microsoft Azure (AZ-700) certification, or Microsoft Azure Network Engineer Associate
- Driving is an Essential Function
This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver's license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role.
Benefits & conditions
Pulled from the full job description
- Tuition reimbursement
- Parental leave
- Paid time off
- Gym membership
- Pension plan
- Paid holidays, * Salary: The hiring salary for Senior ITS Engineer is $139,081-$159,943. The full pay range for Senior ITS Engineer is $106,985-$171,177.
- Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 - 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities-and much more!
- Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.