Network Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Scientific Networking Division has an opening for a talented Network Engineer to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will consult and collaborate with ESnet colleagues, ESnet users, ESnet user Sites, and peer engineering and operations teams at Research and Education (R&E) networks and Regional Optical Networks (RONs). As a member of the Network Services Group, you will help design, implement, and support network infrastructure and peering architectures to support ESnet and science requirements. In support of the ESnet production network, you will help configure, troubleshoot, and analyze network protocols (including IPv4 and v6, BGP, Segment Routing, ISIS) and advanced IP network services (including MPLS, RSVP, L2 and L3 VPNs). Additionally, you will have the opportunity to help develop, implement, and use automation (commercial and in-house-developed) and tooling technologies to measure and improve network performance. You will provide a comprehensive range of technical guidance to ESnet. Use independent judgment to determine the best course of action for strategic projects and deployments across the ESnet production network while maintaining detailed technical documentation. You will consult and collaborate across the ESnet organization, with vendors, carriers, and procurement partners to manage, support, and facilitate projects and programs critical to the daily network operations and innovative research projects for the ESnet Facility.

This position may be hired at a Level 2 or Level 3.

What You Will Do at Level 2:

• Participate on project teams and complete project tasks, including hardware procurement, coordinating the physical implementation of ESnet network, software development, and ancillary support equipment.
• Collaborate with ESnet sites and other stakeholders to understand their needs and align network and software services.
• Participate in a team to design, implement and operate ESnet’s network services including the routing, switching, optical platform, and related services.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders like vendors, network carriers and third party remote support teams to provision and modify network services.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders like operational support teams, science engagement, software engineering, and business operations to provide solutions and maximize network performance for users.
• Maximize network performance by troubleshooting problems and scheduling necessary repairs and upgrades.
• Write scripts, automations, and/or software based on user stories, specifications and designs.
• Participate in on-call rotation to resolve incidents during business and after hours.
• Work on and resolve problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Network with senior internal and external personnel in their own area of expertise.

In Addition to Above, What You Will Do at Level 3:

• Perform software development, integration, testing, and bugfixing for the networking team’s software stack
• Work at a higher level of independence when completing assignments.
• Work on and resolve complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Exercise sound judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel.
• Network with key contacts outside your own area of expertise.
• Provide technical and functional mentoring to more junior engineering colleagues.

What is Required at Level 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five (5) years of relevant networking experience including proven ability installing, testing and operating of network infrastructure components (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.).
• Experience with automation platforms, such as Ansible and/or Cisco NSO.
• Ability to develop in a Linux / Unix environment using Python.
• Experience working with a wide range of IP network services (such as MPLS, RSVP, SR-TE and QoS)
• Proficient level capabilities in configuring, troubleshooting, and using IPv4/IPv6 routing protocols, preferably BGP, Segment Routing, and/or ISIS in a WAN or LAN environment.
• Proficient level capabilities in router and/or optical configuration.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated high level of collaboration skills with technical peers, vendors, and users/customers.

In Addition to Above, What is Required at Level 3:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related field, and a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of IP networking experience, in a WAN (preferable) or LAN environment.
• Demonstrated understanding and a minimum three (3) years of experience developing software and proficiency coding in Python and/or contemporary programming languages.
• Proficient level capabilities and/or experience with network automation platforms, such as Ansible and/or Cisco NSO.
• Proficiency with Git and/or other version control systems.
• Demonstrated familiarity with web APIs such as GraphQL, REST and SOAP.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear and accurate requirements, use cases, designs and documentation.
• Demonstrated expertise with a wide range of IP network services (such as MPLS, RSVP, SR-TE and QoS).
• Expert level capabilities in configuring, troubleshooting, and using IPv4/IPv6 routing protocols, preferably BGP, Segment Routing, and/or ISIS in a WAN or LAN environment.
• Expert level capabilities in router and/or optical configuration
• Project Management experience, specifically demonstrated expertise in leading the development of technical project scope, schedule and budget.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead projects, on time and within project budgets.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral; demonstrated high level of collaboration skills with technical peers, vendors, and users/customers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with configuring and maintaining the following vendor platforms: Ciena, Infinera, Juniper and Alcatel/Nokia.
• Experience developing software network orchestration solutions
• Familiarity and experience with Agile/Scrum software engineering practices that include testing, documentation, source code management (ideally Git and Github) and release procedures
• Experience working with the Jira, ServiceNow, Google suite, Microsoft Office suite of products, Zoom, and at least one web-based diagramming application (Lucidchart, Omnigraffle, Visio, etc.)
• Experience with cloud networking in platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Network certifications (e.g., CCNP, DevNet, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of containers and Kubernetes
• Experience in managing traffic flows for and provisioning multi-domain circuits supporting large scale scientific experiments

Notes:

• This is a full time, 2 years, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• If hired at a level 2: The full yearly salary range of this position is between $109,152.00 to $136,428.00  and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $109,152.00 to $184,200.00  depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• If hired at a level 3: The full yearly salary range of this position is between  $129,948.00 to $ 162,432.00 and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $129,948.00- $219,276.00 depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for remote work. Remote workers are defined as individuals that reside in the United States, but 150 miles away from Berkeley Lab. There may be an expectation to intermittently conduct work, attend meetings and training on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.  Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.