Network System Engineer

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Under minimal supervision, performs professional and advanced technical work designing, developing, implementing, maintaining and supporting Tucson Airport Authority’s (TAA) systems and network infrastructure. Ensures the operational availability, performance, reliability, and effectiveness of all TAA network and computing systems both on premise and cloud instances using VMWare.  Installs and configures new technology infrastructure and network equipment, including servers, routers, switches, firewalls, access points and other types of devices.  Maintains and ensures the integrity of the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and fiber backbone.  Performs network and systems security checks and security system installations/updates.  Supports IT customers in the operation and use of TAA IT technology systems and network equipment. May support and maintain other specialized IT systems including but not limited to: Access Control Systems (ACS), Electronic Video Information Displays (EVIDS), paging systems, and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

Essential Functions: 

The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA.

• Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals.
• Manages performance and capacity planning for network systems.  Identifies, analyzes, and resolves network and related system problems.  Installs, configures, and troubleshoots network equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, cabling systems, and other network hardware.
• Installs and tests software patches, upgrades, and other configuration changes.
• Monitors and optimizes network systems performance.
• Implements, upgrades and maintains servers (including virtual and hybrid cloud) and associated operating systems, storage systems and enterprise backup systems using latest versions of VMWare.
• Monitors and tests system performance and provides solutions for any problems identified while maintaining and patching systems for optimal performance and security.
• Assesses, recommends, implements, and maintains solutions for systems security, including vulnerabilities associated with all types of cyber risks and threats. Identifies gaps in IT security for infrastructure and applications, including vulnerabilities and risks, using standard scanning tools, techniques and procedures. 
• Ensures technology infrastructure and network equipment are secure from unauthorized access based on best practices and federal mandates.
• Ensures all designated data is backed up and recoverable.
• Researches, recommends and plans for the expansion, replacement, or upgrade of technology infrastructure and network equipment and related software. Identifies gaps or inefficiencies and resolves.
• Collaborates with vendors, contractors, management, and other technical experts planning for modernization of current technology infrastructure and the design/installation of new systems. Serves as the subject matter expert on specific technology infrastructure and network equipment.
• Creates and maintains configuration documentation, service records, and procedures for technology infrastructure and network equipment and network management.
• Designs, submits, and performs configuration changes through TAA Change Management/Control Procedure.
• Documents airport copper/fiber cable infrastructure for new and existing technology infrastructure using TAA established standards and methods.
• Supports and performs technology infrastructure and network disaster recovery planning and business continuity initiatives.
• Acts as the technical lead and provides advanced technical information about TAA technology infrastructure, supporting other projects, analysis, and planning initiatives.
• Attends instructor-lead technical education or completes online training to keep current on changing technology. Mentors others and ensures knowledge transfer between team members.
• Communicates and interacts effectively with all types of internal and external contacts and customers to resolve technical problems with technology infrastructure and network equipment.
• Keeps current with emerging technologies and how advances may be leveraged to increase the efficiency/effectiveness of TAA’s business processes.

• Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize Incident Management System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders.

The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements.

Position Requirements: 

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university with major coursework in Information Technology (IT), Business, Information/Cybersecurity.
• Seven (7) years of experience in medium to large network infrastructure environments.
• TAA will consider any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to demonstrate aptitude for the position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Windows operating systems, characteristics, protocols, commands and components applicable to TAA systems architecture, including local and wide area networks (LANs, WANs), virtual networks and virtual private networks (VPN).
• Routers, switches, firewalls, secure wireless, High-Availability (HA) environments and remote access (especially Cisco devices and Zscaler technologies).
• Principles, practices and methods of systems and network administration and maintenance, including procedures for establishing network connectivity.
• Network architecture and basic theory and principles of network design.
• Advanced methods, principles, practices and techniques for troubleshooting and determining the causes of system, computer and related hardware errors and failures.
• Technology Infrastructure security standards and protocols including Software Defined Networks (SDN).
• TAA cable and wiring standards.
• MS Office 365 and MS Teams
• Federal, state and local laws/codes and regulations pertaining to use of hardware and software.
• Project management tools and techniques.
• Hybrid cloud datacenter design and function.
• Capacity planning and monitoring within VMware infrastructure.

Skill in:

• Critical thinking, analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations or taking prudent actions.
• Configuring, maintaining, managing and tuning the operations of complex operating and network systems to achieve optimal technical performance and user support.
• Troubleshooting intricate system hardware, software, and network connectivity problems and make or recommend modifications.
• Installing and configuring all types of network/computer hardware, peripheral equipment and devices, or other technology.
• Preparing clear, concise, and accurate documentation, policies, work reports, and other written materials.
• Communicating to establish and maintain professional effective customer focused working relationships with managers, vendors, consultants, employees and others.

Ability to:

Environmental Requirements

• Work primarily in a typical, temperature controlled administrative office setting in a semi-enclosed work space.
• At times, work in a high noise environment and, periodically, in high heat outdoor conditions. 

Mental Requirements

• Learn and understand complex principles and techniques.
• Remain focused and decisive in stressful situations using sound judgement and perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and function in a fast-paced work environment with deadlines and multiple projects.
• Understand and apply technology principles to evaluate, operate, troubleshoot complex systems hardware, software, or other problems and make repairs or recommend actions to solve or prevent problems.
• Work independently or collaboratively in a team environment with limited instruction/supervision.
• Research information and organize data in a meaningful way to facilitate problem solving and decision making.

Physical Requirements

• Perform tasks with a full range of bodily movements, including lifting (up to 50 pounds), pushing, standing (for periods of two to three hours at a time), walking, reaching bending, kneeling, twisting, and crawling.
• Perform work in a confined space that may require regular and prolonged bending, working on irregular surfaces, and pulling/pushing job related material or equipment.
• Climb and work while on a ladder.
• Hear and communicate using the telephone, cell phone, or radio with sufficient clarity to be understood by others.
• Distinguish colors by a practical test in all lighting conditions.
• Read, write, and speak the English language in an articulate and fluent manner.

General

• Represent TAA effectively in meetings on a variety of technology issues.
• Maintain a discreet and professional sense of confidentiality.  Understand that dissemination of information outside of the job requirements is based on “need-to-know”.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports and other written materials. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, other TAA personnel, representatives of other agencies, the local business community and the public and airport users.
• Use Microsoft Office software, computers, and other office equipment.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• A valid Arizona Driver’s license.

• Meet and maintain the ability to drive personal or airport vehicles and obtain authorization to access the non-movement areas on the AOA (Air Operations Area).
• Must obtain and maintain access to the Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA).
• Successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 course requirements and certification within the first year of assuming the position.
• As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response, and must respond to airport incidents as requested/required.
• Will serve at the pleasure of the President/CEO and is not covered under the appeals process.