Associate Network Engineer - job 12 of 21

As an Associate Network Engineer at our Foster City office, you'll be tasked with designing and implementing WAN, LAN, and wireless networks, providing high-level technical support, and collaborating with various teams to meet engineering requirements. You'll also manage vendor relations and assess network performance.

The ideal candidate for the Associate Network Engineer role in Foster City should have a solid understanding of network protocols, experience with WAN and LAN design, and familiarity with network troubleshooting techniques. Relevant networking certifications and a degree in computer science or a related field can enhance your application.

In the Associate Network Engineer role at our Foster City location, the hybrid work model allows for flexibility, combining remote work with in-office collaboration. Team members are expected to spend about 60% of their time in the office, facilitating teamwork while retaining the benefits of remote work.

Success as an Associate Network Engineer in our Foster City office requires strong problem-solving skills, excellent vendor management abilities, and proficiency in network design documentation. Additionally, familiarity with compliance and security standards is crucial for protecting our network infrastructure.

Absolutely! As an Associate Network Engineer at our Foster City location, you’ll have the opportunity to receive training and guidance from experienced professionals. You’ll also play a key role in training the network support teams, helping to foster a continuous learning environment.

When designing a WAN, I'd first assess the business's requirements regarding capacity, speed, and reliability. I'd consider the locations to be connected and the types of data that will be transmitted. Choosing appropriate technologies like MPLS, VPN, or dedicated leased lines depends on these factors. I'm also keen on ensuring security and compliance throughout the entire design.

To troubleshoot network performance issues, I would first gather data from monitoring tools, then look for patterns in network traffic that might indicate bottlenecks. I’d analyze the network hardware and configuration settings and run diagnostics on the associated components. Lastly, collaborating with team members can often provide additional insights.

In ensuring compliance with security standards, I regularly consult with the Information Security team throughout network design and implementation phases. This includes aligning designs with industry regulations, applying encryption protocols, and maintaining updated security policies to safeguard against vulnerabilities.

One challenging issue I resolved involved a frequent disconnection of remote users. After conducting a thorough analysis, I discovered a misconfiguration in our VPN settings. By reconfiguring the VPN setup, ensuring robust authentication, and enhancing the bandwidth allocation, I was able to improve connectivity for our users.

I am well acquainted with various network monitoring tools such as Wireshark, SolarWinds, and PRTG Network Monitor. These tools have been instrumental in analyzing network performance, diagnosing issues, and ensuring optimal operation of network components.

I prioritize multiple projects by assessing each project's impact on business operations and deadlines. Using project management tools helps me keep track of tasks and deadlines. Regular communication with team members ensures I'm aligned with everyone's progress, allowing for efficient task delegation.

To stay updated on networking technologies, I regularly read industry blogs, participate in workshops, and engage with online tech communities. I also pursue continuing education courses and webinars focused on the latest advancements in networking and cybersecurity.

Handling vendor relationships involves clear communication from the start. I ensure that our requirements are well defined, establish performance benchmarks, and maintain regular check-ins throughout the project to address any potential issues quickly. This helps in building a strong, collaborative partnership.

Documentation is crucial in my role as an Associate Network Engineer. It ensures that everyone involved has a clear understanding of network configurations and designs. Comprehensive documentation aids in troubleshooting processes and serves as a vital reference for future projects.

In my previous roles, I took an active role in mentoring junior staff by providing them with hands-on training and opportunities to shadow me on projects. I find that creating a supportive learning environment fosters their growth and equips them with the necessary skills to thrive in their roles.