Network Engineer

Role Overview

The role involves end-to-end responsibility for the physical deployment, connectivity validation, and logical verification of network infrastructure. The engineer will troubleshoot and resolve issues across OSI Layers 1, 2, and 3, ensuring alignment between physical installations and logical configurations.

Advanced Rack Installation & Hardware Deployment

• Interpret and implement Rack Elevation Diagrams (REDs) for accurate installation of high-density equipment (e.g., Cisco Nexus 9K, Catalyst 9500, 1U/2U devices).
• Ensure proper use of rack mounting hardware (rails, cage nuts, stabilization kits) and maintain optimal load distribution.
• Connect dual power supplies to redundant PDUs (A+B feeds) and validate connections through physical checks.

Structured Cabling & Fiber Management

• Handle Single Mode (SMF) and Multi-Mode (MMF) fiber with precision, including cleaning and inspection using industry tools.
• Install and manage transceivers (SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28) and troubleshoot link issues (wavelength compatibility, signal levels).
• Perform structured patching and cable labeling in accordance with industry standards (ANSI/TIA-606-B).

Patch Panels & Cross-Connect Operations

• Coordinate with telecom providers to extend circuits from Meet-Me Rooms (MMR) to racks via cross-connects.
• Terminate and manage copper and fiber patch panels (RJ45, LC, SC, MPO).
• Conduct testing using tools like Visual Fault Locators (VFL) to verify connectivity paths.
• Support media transitions using converters or transceivers where required.

Remote Access & Console Management

• Configure Out-of-Band (OOB) management solutions (e.g., Opengear, Lantronix, Cisco ISR) for remote device access.
• Troubleshoot serial connectivity issues (baud rate mismatches, cabling, adapters).
• Provide onsite support for console access and low-level troubleshooting using laptops and serial interfaces.

Routing & Switching (L1–L3 Support)

Layer 1 (Physical)

• Strong expertise in Ethernet, fiber cabling, transceivers, and high-speed links (10/20/40G).
• Hands-on experience with vendor hardware (Cisco, Arista, etc.), including modules such as SFP, PIC, NIM.

Layer 2 (Switching)

• Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, VTP, STP, port mirroring, and packet capture.
• Identify and resolve issues like broadcast storms and switching loops.

Layer 3 (Routing)

• Support configuration of SVIs and routed interfaces.
• Validate IP addressing, subnetting, and gateway connectivity.

Protocol Validation

• Verify routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF using CLI tools after installation or changes.
• Configure and troubleshoot Link Aggregation (LACP/EtherChannel) ensuring alignment between physical and logical setups.

Required Skills

• Hardware & Cabling: Hands-on experience with Ethernet and fiber installations across platforms (Cisco, Arista, Palo Alto, F5)
• Networking: Ability to work with Cisco IOS, NX-OS, Arista EOS, PAN-OS for monitoring and basic configuration
• Tools: Experience with fiber testing and inspection tools (VFL, light meters, fiber scopes)
• Certifications: CCNA (mandatory)
• CCNP Enterprise (preferred)
• Incident Management: Experience handling critical network incidents in enterprise or data center environments
• Languages: Proficiency in English and relevant local languages (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, China, Japan)

Summary

This role combines deep hands-on data center operations (rack, cabling, hardware) with practical L2/L3 networking expertise, requiring both physical deployment skills and logical troubleshooting capabilities.