Associate Network Engineer Field Technician

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. 

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD. 

We are a dynamic and rapidly growing organization dedicated to delivering high-performance network solutions. Our team thrives on innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional service. We are seeking a hands-on Network Engineer who is passionate about infrastructure deployment and eager to travel nationwide to support our growth.

The Network Engineer will be responsible for the physical installation of network hardware, infrastructure cabling, ensuring optimal power and cooling configurations, and base configurations of equipment. This role involves regular travel across the U.S. to various sites for deployments, upgrades, and maintenance.

• Rack, stack, and cable network hardware including switches, routers, UPS, and other network infrastructure devices.
• Install and manage structured cabling systems (fiber optics and copper) to industry standards.
• Assess and optimize data center and network closet power distribution and cooling requirements.
• Perform site surveys and audits to evaluate and document network infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, cabling, and connectivity issues onsite as part of project engagements.
• Participate in customer facing calls, status meetings, etc.
• Excellent customer service skills! Ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical customers. Professional conduct is a must.
• Collaborate with network/project leads to implement network configurations, develop port maps, rack elevation documentation, and participate during scheduled project maintenance windows.
• Maintain professional documentation of installations, configurations, and procedures.
• Ensure all deployments follow safety and compliance regulations.
• Use hand tools, including various punch tools, test equipment, and various power tools.

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience. Degree not required with excellent experience and high level of professionalism.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with network hardware installation and structured cabling.
• Experience with network hardware from vendors such as Cisco, Arista, Aruba, Dell, or similar.
• Experience working within a statement of work/set of hours or expectations.
• Depth of knowledge with industry cabling standards (TIA/EIA, BICSI).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in diverse environments.
• Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills.
• Proven ability to develop and/or implement labeling schemes.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 100% across the U.S, with occasional opportunity for international travel (less than 1%).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly, and up to 75 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to work from heights such as man lifts, scissor lifts, and ladders, reach overhead, and kneel for long periods.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to read blueprints and architectural, mechanical, and electrical documents.
• Ability to follow company processes, travel bookings, receipt documentation, and expense reporting.  

• Relevant certifications (CompTIA Network+, CCNA, BICSI Installer, or equivalent).
• Experience with data center operations and management.
• Knowledge of safety protocols related to electrical and mechanical systems.

Nationwide Travel required for this role. Chicago, St. Louis, or Atlanta Preferred.

Why AHEAD:

Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.

We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.

USA Employment Benefits include: 

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

- 401(k) 

- Paid company holidays 

- Paid time off 

- Paid parental and caregiver leave 

- Plus more! See benefits https://www.aheadbenefits.com/ for additional details. 

The compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings (“OTE”) for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.