Network Systems Research Engineer, Levels III, IV, Sr I

College Station, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid vacation

sick leave

Holidays

Defined benefit retirement plan

Defined contribution retirement plan

Tuition Assistance

wellness programs

Job Description

Texas A&M University System Offices is a prestigious higher education system comprising 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, and multiple state agencies. It is one of the largest university systems in the United States, dedicated to providing education, research, technology commercialization, training, and public services to the state of Texas and beyond. The system offers an inclusive and competitive benefits package including health benefits, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, a defined benefit retirement plan through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS), a defined contribution retirement plan through an approved ORP vendor, voluntary tax-deferred annuity options, tuition assistance, and wellness programs designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Located in Bryan, Texas, the Network Systems Research Engineer (Levels III, IV, Senior I) position is a staff-level role within the Center for Applied Communications and Networks of the Texas A&M University System Offices. This role is essential in advancing the research mission of the System Offices by conducting and supporting basic and applied research related to next-generation networks and networked applications. The engineer will apply their expertise in current networking technologies to design, implement, test, and evaluate innovative networking solutions that address emerging challenges in research networks.

In this role, the engineer participates as a subject matter expert on various research projects that require deep technical understanding and problem-solving skills. The position entails collaboration with researchers, systems administrators, contractors, and vendors to develop detailed network designs, establish standards for new or upgraded research networks, and ensure compliance with security protocols and operational best practices. Responsibilities include developing and executing work plans that outline project phases and personnel requirements; configuring, installing, and certifying research networks; performing diagnostics and repairs on complex hardware and software issues; and contributing to reporting and presentation of research outcomes to sponsors.

The role further includes staying abreast of emerging technologies through continuous training and professional development, as well as providing technical leadership and mentorship to student teams, helping foster their growth and aligning their efforts with project goals. Essential functions demand flexibility including some travel to various campus locations and vendor sites, and the ability to work outside standard office hours when necessary. This position requires a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident eligible to obtain Secret-level security clearance and a U.S. passport for domestic and international travel. Work is generally office-based but may involve occasional outdoor activities under varying weather conditions. The salary is commensurate with experience, reflecting the specialized skills and responsibilities of this role. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced network systems engineer seeking to contribute to cutting-edge research in a vibrant, educational environment.

Job Requirements

bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
six to nine years of network/wireless networking experience depending on level
ability to obtain a US Passport and travel domestically and internationally
ability to obtain Secret-level US security clearance based on a background check
sit or stand for extended periods
walk, use a step stool
climb ladders to reach radio locations
able to occasionally work outside normal office hours
able to install/remove networking equipment
ability to multitask and work cooperatively
U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
complete employment application including cover letter and resume
pass criminal history investigation

Job Qualifications

bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
six years of network/wireless networking related experience for Level III
eight years of network/wireless networking related experience for Level IV
nine years of network/wireless networking related experience for Senior Level I
ability to obtain a US Passport and ability to travel domestically and internationally
ability to obtain Secret-level US security clearance based on a background investigation
knowledge of LANs and L2 switching such as copper, fiber, WiFi, VLANs, spanning tree
knowledge of IP networking and L3 switching/routing such as IP subnetting, direct, static, and dynamic routing
knowledge of supporting services such as DHCP, NTP, DNS
skilled at using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications to produce professional-quality proposals and documentation
excellent verbal and written communication skills
ability to work digitally using Microsoft 365, Adobe, and other tools
willing and able to occasionally work outside normal office hours
able to install/remove equipment such as servers, switches, radios and antennas in racks or mounted on walls or poles or other locations
ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others

Job Duties

conducts evaluation and analysis of technical approaches to research opportunities
conducts research and evaluation of appropriate equipment, protocols, designs, procedures, and tools to address research requirements
produces network designs and other technical aspects of the research proposal submission
establishes standards and plans for new or upgraded research networks
collects and evaluates input from researchers, systems administrators, contractors, and vendors to develop specifications, requirements, and plans for networks
designs activities for network research projects
recommends research network designs
establishes standards and processes used to detail network engineering designs, and assists with planning and mapping methods, procedures, problems, and repairs to those standards and processes
designs research network system security measures, configuration backup, and security methods
collaborates with research team and develops work plans and time schedules for projects including outlining phases, identifying personnel, and networking requirements
establishes standards for the implementation of new technology deployments and research network integration and interoperability testing
configures, installs, and tests research networks
tests the methods and plans used to certify sophisticated research networking projects to required installation design standards
establishes protocols and processes for problem management and support
provides Tier I, II and III support for network issues and assists the rest of the research team as needed on other support issues
performs diagnostics and repair of complex hardware and software problems
monitors and evaluates effectiveness of established processes and protocols
establishes procedures for compliance with network security regulations
performs security assessments and audits to ensure compliance with government standards
designs and implements security measures, data backup, and protection methods
develops disaster recovery plans for network equipment and systems
drives to other locations on campus, on other campuses, and to vendor and other locations for meetings and to assist with research network installation and operations
supports researchers with gathering data, such as packet captures, for research and other projects
contributes to the preparation of monthly/quarterly updates to project sponsors
contributes to the presentation of monthly/quarterly project updates to project sponsors
collects technical updates for monthly/quarterly updates to project sponsors
collaborates with the research team to help define the contents of project deliverable reports
collects data and other artifacts needed for project reporting
assists with the preparation of project deliverables and reports
assists with the preparation of presentations to project sponsors and at industry symposia
stays abreast of emerging technologies and best practices
engages in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance technical skills and knowledge in research computing engineering
provides technical leadership to student teams
leads, motivates, develops, and coaches Graduate Assistant and Student Technicians
models ethical, regulatory, and performance standards
models and promotes the open sharing of information, dedication to the team’s mission, customer commitment, collaboration, and cooperation
participates in training and professional development with emphasis on leadership development, management, industry related acumen, and project and operations management
conducts professional development trainings for team members
performs other duties as assigned