Network Systems Specialist

We are looking for someone who understands networking fundamentals and wants to develop into a highly capable network systems specialist. This is not a basic help-desk or access-point installation position. The right person will install and support the complete UniFi ecosystem, learn UISP and wireless ISP infrastructure, configure MikroTik routers and grow into diagnosing and resolving Layer 2 and Layer 3 network problems.

You do not need to know every system we use on your first day. You do need the technical foundation, curiosity and discipline to learn them.

What You’ll DoUniFi systems

• Install and configure UniFi gateways, switches, wireless access points and cameras
• Configure VLANs, networks, DHCP, DNS, NAT, firewall rules, port profiles and PoE
• Support UniFi Network, Protect, Access, Talk, Identity and Site Manager
• Configure UniFi Talk phones, users, voicemail, call routing and number assignments
• Help diagnose VoIP issues involving SIP registration, NAT, QoS, voice VLANs, call routing and one-way audio
• Monitor customer sites, manage firmware and backups, and troubleshoot remotely or on-site
• Document installations, configurations and network changes

UISP and wireless infrastructure

• Adopt, configure and monitor devices through UISP
• Work with Ubiquiti airMAX, LTU, airFiber and Wave equipment
• Assist with point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless systems
• Provision subscriber equipment and customer connections
• Diagnose signal, alignment, interference, capacity and performance issues
• Determine whether problems originate at the physical, RF, Layer 2 or Layer 3 level
• Perform field installations, equipment replacements and network upgrades

Routing and network operations

• Configure and support MikroTik RouterOS
• Work with interfaces, bridges, VLANs, DHCP, NAT, firewall rules and static routes
• Diagnose connectivity using ping, traceroute, ARP tables, MAC tables, logs and packet captures
• Access equipment through controllers, web interfaces, SSH and console connections
• Back up configurations and follow controlled change procedures
• Progress into VPNs, policy routing, OSPF, BGP and ISP core-network operations
• Participate in outage response and after-hours support after completing training, During your first several months, you will work with our experienced network staff to learn CIS standards, systems and network architecture.

Your development will generally progress through:

• UniFi installations, support and documentation
• UniFi Talk and other UniFi applications
• UISP monitoring and subscriber provisioning
• Wireless link configuration and troubleshooting
• MikroTik switching, routing and firewall configuration
• Independent Layer 2 and Layer 3 troubleshooting
• OSPF, BGP and ISP core-network operations

The successful candidate will gradually take ownership of customer networks and smaller infrastructure sites before progressing into more consequential production-network changes.

Why Join CIS?

This position offers the opportunity to work across a much broader technology stack than a conventional IT support role. You will gain practical experience with customer networks, enterprise Wi-Fi, VoIP, fixed wireless infrastructure, network routing and the operation of a growing local ISP.

We are looking for someone who wants to build systems, solve difficult problems and grow into a trusted network engineer-not someone who only wants to follow installation checklists.

• Practical understanding of Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking
• Working knowledge of Ethernet, switching, VLANs, subnetting, DHCP, DNS, NAT and firewalls
• Experience configuring managed network equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot systematically instead of guessing
• Comfort working with command-line interfaces, SSH and unfamiliar systems
• Ability to learn new platforms through documentation, testing and hands-on work
• Strong attention to configuration accuracy and documentation
• Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers and customers
• Dependability and willingness to take ownership of problems through resolution
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to customer and network sites in the Missoula area
• Ability to safely perform field work involving ladders, rooftops, equipment racks and outdoor installations

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following is highly valuable:

• UniFi Network, Protect, Access, Talk or Identity
• UISP, airMAX, LTU, airFiber or Wave
• MikroTik RouterOS
• VoIP, SIP or hosted telephone systems
• Wireless ISP or telecommunications networks
• VLAN and managed-switch configuration
• IPv4 subnetting, static routing, OSPF or BGP
• RF troubleshooting and wireless link alignment
• Network monitoring and packet analysis
• CCNA, Network+, MikroTik or Ubiquiti training or certification

We will consider candidates with strong experience in either the UniFi ecosystem or ISP routing and wireless infrastructure. You must, however, demonstrate the ability and motivation to learn the portions of the technology stack you do not already know.

Pulled from the full job description Professional development assistance Employee discount Flexible schedule, * Employee discount

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

CIS is a locally owned internet service provider and technology company serving residential, business and multi-family customers throughout the Missoula area. We build and operate our own network while providing customers with managed internet, Wi-Fi, voice, security and technology services.