Network Architect II

UCF IT Information Technology:

UCF IT Telecommunications serves as the technological backbone for one of the largest universities in the United States. Our dedicated team is responsible for the design, installation, support, and security of the telecommunications and network infrastructure that underpins the entire UCF community. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, cost-effective, and innovative communication solutions at an enterprise level. Our specialized teams, including Network Services, Network Security, Cellular/Radio/DAS, and Installation Maintenance & Repair, work collaboratively to meet these objectives.

With strong leadership spanning from the Chief Information Officer (CIO) down, we ensure that UCF's technology strategies are well-defined and effectively communicated at all organizational levels. This clear vision and direction to success guide our efforts as we continue to empower and support the university's academic and operational excellence.

The Opportunity: 

UCF IT is seeking to hire an experienced Network Architect II. This role will play a crucial element in designing, implementing, and maintaining our LAN infrastructure. This position will be responsible for creating robust and scalable network solutions that ensure high performance, reliability, and security. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our network environment.

This is an Auxiliary funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

Responsibilities:

LAN Design and Optimization:

• Develop comprehensive LAN architecture and design plans based on business requirements.

• Evaluate and recommend network hardware and software solutions to enhance LAN performance and reliability.

• Optimize LAN configurations for maximum efficiency and scalability.

Network Security:

• Implement security protocols and measures to safeguard the LAN infrastructure from potential threats.

• Stay updated on emerging security threats and proactively address vulnerabilities.

Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

• Establish network monitoring processes to identify and address issues promptly.

• Diagnose and resolve complex network problems, ensuring minimal downtime.

Vendor Management:

• Collaborate with vendors to evaluate and select networking equipment and services.

• Manage vendor relationships, including contract negotiations and performance monitoring.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate documentation of LAN architecture, configurations, and changes.

• Generate reports and performance metrics to evaluate network performance and recommend improvements.

Capacity Planning:

• Analyze network traffic and usage patterns to forecast future capacity needs.

• Plan and execute network upgrades and expansions as required.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including system administrators, network engineers, and IT support, to ensure seamless integration of LAN with other systems.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network professionals.

Wireless Network Design:

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to support the Wireless Architect in crafting wireless network designs that are in harmony with the organization's objectives. This entails strategizing coverage areas, assessing capacity needs, and defining security protocols and other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma (or equivalent) and 6 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Network LAN Architect or a similar role in designing and managing LAN environments.

• In-depth understanding of data center networks.

• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCIE, Juniper JNCIE, or equivalent are highly desirable.

• In-depth knowledge of LAN protocols, technologies, and best practices.

• In-depth knowledge of wireless technologies, protocols, and standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ac, WPA3). highly desirable.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Detail-oriented with a focus on documentation and reporting.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

This position must be available 24/7 in case of an emergency and maybe asked to work during emergency situations including early, late, weekend, holiday hours and/or University closures such as during a hurricane. Since UCF IT Telecommunications is considered a Mission Essential component of UCF's operational capability. Additionally, a person in this position maybe asked to work a flexible schedule that includes nontraditional hours to perform essential job functions that cannot be performed during normal business hours.

This is an Auxiliary funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?  

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck. 

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers: 

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program   

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays  

• Retirement savings options   

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions   

• Education assistance   

• Flexible work environment 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.   

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF. 

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

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As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.