Lead Network Engineer

The Lead Network Engineer works closely with other teams in the Office of Information Technology to plan, design, and implement all network-related services at the University. This includes supporting all wired, wireless, and data center networks as well as internet and cloud connectivity. Related network services include DNS/DHCP, load balancing, network authentication, client and p2p VPN, WiFi and management/monitoring tools.

This position maintains the Brown community’s network through a rotating on-call schedule, leading service restoration efforts, handling outages and supporting operational requests. It requires flexibility to perform after-hours work or critical network changes. Leveraging strong technical expertise and communication skills, the Lead Network Engineer develops project proposals and plans, collaborates across teams, and manages initiatives with minimal supervision while effectively communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

In addition, the Lead Network Engineer independently researches new technologies, services, and products through a variety of methods, including correspondence with peers, vendor meetings, classes, conferences, and online forums. As opportunities are recognized, the Lead Network Engineer would develop content and present information to the team, management or others to assist in developing a technology roadmap and budget. Serving as a technical leader, this role represents the network team across all levels of the organization and mentors junior staff to foster professional growth and strengthen the team’s collective technical proficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Training/certifications (such as CCNP, CWNA) preferred.
• 7+ years of experience designing, supporting, and maintaining complex enterprise or campus networks is required, including a minimum of 5 years of experience specifically focused on the design, support, and troubleshooting of complex wireless networks.
• Experience with or working knowledge of network-focused programming and scripting tools and languages, such as Python, Ansible, and Perl.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Cisco, and HPE/Aruba switching and routing
• Experience with HPE/Aruba wireless networks and Aruba ClearPass
• Experience using DevOps practices to automate, test, manage, and deploy network configurations and changes, including the use of Git or similar version-control tools.
• Experience utilizing AI platforms to enable or enhance network automation.
• Gemini / Claude Code / ChatGPT Work
• Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Experience supporting Network Source of Truth platforms
• Experience working in an authenticated environment using technologies such as 802.1x
• Proven ability to administer an enterprise-level DNS, DHCP and NTP solution
• Advanced expertise and demonstrated experience in the following areas:
• Routing and switching on enterprise network systems
• Designing, implementing, and troubleshooting BGP, OSPF, VRF-Lite, and spanning-tree
• HA network configuration options (VSS, VPC, SVS, MC-LAG), failover, and troubleshooting
• Wireless network concepts using centralized controllers, encryption methods, authentication, and RF planning.

• Strong knowledge of the F5 product portfolio o Server load balancing using Local Traffic Manager(LTM) o DNS load balancing using Global Traffic Manager (GTM)

• Fortinet Firewall configuration and performance tuning
• Client and P2P VPN technologies, IPSec VPN, DMVPN, SSLVPN
• Monitoring protocols such as syslog, SNMP and NetFlow
• Packet capturing tools using Wireshark or tcpdump
• Experience with Disaster Recovery planning and support
• Knowledge of Private Cellular / CBRS technologies
• Experience with DWDM technologies, preferably Cisco NCS/ONS
• Must be able to independently lead cross-functional project teams
• Familiarity with Windows, OSX, and Linux operating systems
• Experience with leading small to midsize projects required.
• Customer-facing technical support role requiring verbal and written communication with customers and using a ticketing system required
• Must be able to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and the ability to work after hours to implement critical network technology changes as needed.
• Strong critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize activities
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Strong time management skills and reliable follow-through

• Good written and oral communications skills required.

• Excellent customer service skills; tact and sensitivity in dealing with a diverse user community

Successful completion of a criminal background check and education verification is required. This position is also subject to Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) requirements.

Founded in 1764, Brown is a nonprofit leading research university, home to world-renowned faculty, and also an innovative educational institution where the curiosity, creativity and intellectual joy of students drives academic excellence.

The spirit of the undergraduate Open Curriculum infuses every aspect of the University. Brown is a place where rigorous scholarship, complex problem-solving and service to the public good are defined by intense collaboration, intellectual discovery and working in ways that transcend traditional boundaries. As a private, nonprofit institution, the University advances its mission through support from a community invested in Brown’s commitment to advance knowledge and make a positive difference locally and globally.

Brown is a leading research university, where stellar faculty and student researchers deploy deep content knowledge to generate new discoveries on those issues and many more. What sets their work apart? Collectively, Brown’s researchers are driven by the idea that their work will have a positive impact in the world.

Brown students and faculty are tackling the nation’s opioid crisis. Planning the next Mars landing site. Uncovering the locations of ancient civilizations. Advising world leaders on new political models. Exploring new frontiers in multimedia arts. In each of their intellectual endeavors, our scholars and researchers are uncommonly driven by the belief that their work must - and will - have an impact in their communities, in society and the world.

We are a learning community grounded in a commitment of respect for the diversity of viewpoints that is fundamentally essential to intellectual discovery. We encourage the right of all individuals to express ideas and perspectives - and we embrace the value of vigorous debate in pursuit of knowledge.

Providence, Rhode Island - Brown’s home for more than two and a half centuries - is a vibrant place to live, work and study, a stimulating hub for innovation, and a city rich in cultural diversity.