IT Staff Engineer

As an IT Staff Engineer at M-KOPA, your core responsibilities will include designing, installing, and managing our enterprise and cloud network, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring security. You'll configure routers, switches, and firewalls while utilizing automation tools to streamline network operations. Providing tier 3 support for escalated network issues will also be a key part of your role, along with documenting network configurations and engaging in disaster recovery planning.

To qualify for the IT Staff Engineer position at M-KOPA, you should have at least 5 years of experience in network infrastructure engineering. A solid background in network administration and architecture is essential, alongside familiarity with network operating systems like Cisco IOS. Experience with networking tools, automation frameworks such as Ansible, and handling cloud environments like AWS and Azure will give you a strong advantage.

M-KOPA is deeply committed to nurturing your career growth as an IT Staff Engineer. We offer diverse development programs, coaching partnerships, and on-the-job training to empower our employees to own their careers. Our culture encourages continuous learning and provides opportunities for you to progress in a supportive environment aimed at achieving professional excellence.

The work environment for an IT Staff Engineer at M-KOPA is tailored for flexibility, creativity, and collaboration. As a fully remote role, you will have the autonomy to manage your time and tasks while engaging with colleagues across different markets. The team-oriented culture promotes teamwork while also allowing you to take ownership of individual projects, enhancing both your professional journey and contribution to M-KOPA's mission.

At M-KOPA, as an IT Staff Engineer, you will work with a variety of advanced technologies, including network automation tools such as Ansible and Python, as well as management of cloud environments like AWS and Azure. You will also gain hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, along with monitoring tools like SolarWinds and PRTG. This exposure will significantly enhance your technical skill set.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences you have had in network administration, mentioning the protocols and technologies you've worked with, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. Be sure to give examples of projects or challenges you have successfully handled and emphasize your problem-solving abilities.

To respond effectively, outline your systematic approach to troubleshooting, starting from identifying the symptoms to performing root cause analysis. Discuss tools you typically use, such as monitoring software or command-line utilities, and mention how you document your findings and solutions for future reference.

Discuss your experience with automation tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef. Provide concrete examples of how you have used these tools to streamline configurations or improve operational efficiency. Highlight the impact of your automation efforts on reducing manual tasks and errors.

When answering, focus on a specific project where you played a leadership role. Outline your responsibilities, challenges faced, and how you managed the team. Emphasize your success metrics and any feedback received from stakeholders, showcasing your leadership and project management skills.

Here, you should detail your hands-on experience with cloud networks, particularly if you've worked with AWS, Azure, or GCP. Discuss specific tasks you've performed, such as configuring VPNs, managing security settings, or integrating on-premises networks with cloud services, demonstrating your understanding of cloud architecture.

To answer this, talk about your commitment to continuous learning. Mention specific resources you use, such as online courses, tech blogs, community forums, or industry conferences. Discuss any recent trends in networking you've learned about and how they might influence your work.

Discuss the various security protocols you adopt to safeguard networks, such as implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control measures. Provide examples of how you've identified vulnerabilities and improved security through best practices and compliance with industry standards.

When tackling this question, explain the concept of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), discussing their benefits in segmenting network traffic and improving security. Provide examples of how you've implemented VLANs in past roles, including any configurations and troubleshooting you performed.

Describe your approach to incident response, including the protocols you follow when a network issue arises. Highlight specific incidents where you successfully identified and mitigated problems, detailing the processes you followed from detection to resolution, and the lessons learned.

Discuss the importance of documentation in network management and your strategies for keeping accurate records. Mention any tools you use for documentation and how you ensure that your documentation is updated routinely, which helps streamline future troubleshooting and audits.