Principal Network & Systems Engineer

As a Principal Network & Systems Engineer at Otto Aviation, you'll be responsible for overseeing the company’s network and systems architecture, ensuring high availability and performance. Key duties include managing network hardware, performing regular upgrades, supporting user onboarding, resolving technical issues, and adhering to best practices in incident and capacity management. You'll also take the lead on high-profile projects while maintaining comprehensive documentation to track outcomes.

To be considered for the Principal Network & Systems Engineer position at Otto Aviation, you should ideally have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, along with over seven years of experience in network and systems administration. Certifications like CCNA and Microsoft MCSA are preferred. Familiarity with various network systems, server management, and a strong scripting background will also enhance your candidacy.

Experience with companies that focus on advanced technologies, particularly in the aviation or aerospace industries, will be beneficial for the Principal Network & Systems Engineer role at Otto Aviation. Familiarity with networking technology vendors and product lines, such as Cisco and VMware, can enhance your expertise and align with our innovative approach to aircraft development.

Essential skills for the Principal Network & Systems Engineer role at Otto Aviation include strong networking expertise (LAN, WAN, SDWAN, etc.), systems administration skills (Windows Server, Active Directory, VMware), and excellent problem-solving abilities. Additionally, interpersonal skills like active listening, teamwork, and strong communication are crucial for collaborating effectively with various teams within the company.

The Principal Network & Systems Engineer at Otto Aviation will work on-site at our Meacham Airport facility in Ft. Worth, TX. This role requires multitasking across various high-profile projects, engaging with team members and vendors, and availability for shift rotations to support critical infrastructure. Work will often involve sitting at a desk for extended periods, alongside some physical activities like lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally.

In your response, reflect on your journey in network administration, emphasizing specific projects and technologies you worked with. Highlight your familiarity with networking protocols and hardware, such as Cisco systems, and pair this with examples of how you improved network performance or security in previous roles.

Describe a situation where you faced a significant technical challenge, detailing the steps you took to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve the issue. Be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills, the technologies involved, and the positive outcome of your efforts.

Discuss your commitment to professional development. Mention specific resources like online courses, industry conferences, or tech forums you engage with. Share how implementing new technologies or guidelines can enhance operations, drawing from your past experiences.

Offer insights into your past experiences managing vendor relationships, including how you negotiated contracts, worked on deliverables, or resolved conflicts. Explain how these experiences can enhance operational efficiency and foster strong partnerships, especially in a tech-driven environment like Otto Aviation.

Identify the scripting languages you are well-versed in, such as PowerShell or Bash, and give concrete examples of how you used scripting to automate tasks, simplify processes, or troubleshoot issues. Highlight the value these skills can bring to the Principal Network & Systems Engineer role by enhancing efficiency.

Discuss your organizational strategies, such as creating task lists, using project management tools, or focusing on deadlines and project scopes. Provide examples of how you successfully managed competing priorities in the past and the outcomes of your efforts.

Explain your understanding of capacity planning and its importance. Share methodologies you’ve used in the past, perhaps leveraging monitoring tools to analyze usage trends and plan for future growth. Highlight how your experience can contribute to effective capacity management at Otto Aviation.

Describe your philosophy regarding documentation, emphasizing how thorough documentation aids in troubleshooting, compliance, and knowledge transfer. Provide examples of how your documentation practices benefited your previous teams or projects.

Share your method for user onboarding, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition for new employees. Talk about specific steps like account creation, training protocols, and the tools you utilize to ensure users are comfortable with the technology, relating it back to the team's mission at Otto Aviation.

Craft a compelling narrative about your admiration for Otto Aviation’s innovative approach to aircraft development and how your skills align with their mission. Connect your passion for aviation and advanced technology with the potential for professional growth within the company.