Principal Network Engineer

Learn what makes QTS a unique place to grow your career!

The Principal Network Engineer is responsible for architecture, design, planning, and implementation of QTS’s virtual and physical Network Infrastructure for customer services. The ideal candidate has extensive technology background and large-scale global project deployment experience in Internet Protocols, Ethernet transport, Optical Networking, Data Center architectures, Cloud and Virtualization as well as underlying service management and operational support experience for Network/Systems management. There will be significant interfacing required with customers and potential customers on the QTS differentiators for Network Services, so excellent communications and presentation skills are essential. In addition, this position will help Network Engineers across multiple technologies, including route/switch, firewalls, and load balancers with a strong focus on security and compliance.

RESPONSIBILITIES, other duties may be assigned.

• Lead development of the roadmap for the next generation of QTS Networking infrastructure, to include strategy on WAN technologies for customer and QTS Data Center connectivity, as well as technology strategy for implementing DDoS mitigation at each site
• Propose standards for customer Network implementations, including policies for shared vs. dedicated hardware
• Contribute to and manage the short, mid, and long-term Network technology roadmap, including alignment with Product, Sales, and Operations roadmaps
• Own and manage the Wide Area Network (WAN) capacity, documentation, reporting, and planning for the Architecture, Engineering, and Operations teams
• Partner with internal stakeholders from Product Development, Sales, Sales Engineering, Operations, and Customer Support to align network priorities and activities
• Perform analysis and make recommendations on network orchestration and automation as it pertains to WAN, datacenter, and Software Defined Networking (SDN)
• Assist with planning, scheduling and implementing client improvements and expansions
• Serve as a critical resource to coordinate network resources and activities on tiger-teams and during customer-impacting networking events
• Monitor and review the deployment of services to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement
• Prepare reports, analyze data, and make recommendations for improving network services and metrics

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering or other related field or equivalent professional experience
• Fifteen or more years of progressive information technology engineering experience
• Ten or more years of Networking technology experience, with dedicated responsibility for Information Technology operational support
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification (or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of Information Technology-related frameworks, standards and best practices
• Demonstrated history of network engineering and support in multi-site environments
• Prior experience leading and/or managing multiple, complex, short-term projects and incidents simultaneously
• Experience in large Data Center and/or ISP/Service Provider environments
• Design, implementation and operational experience with; Enterprise/carrier-class routers and switches
• US Citizenship for this position is required by law due to federal customer contracts

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering or other related field
• Extensive experience in BGP, OSPF, and MPLS (traffic engineering implementation) and other routing protocols
• Familiarity with Load Balancers and operational experience across multiple vendors; preferably F5and emerging SSD alternatives
• Familiar with network security features (ACLs, VPN, L2VPN, L3VPN, IPSEC, GRE) with a focus on Cisco and Juniper platforms
• Ability to manage vendors and evaluate new and emerging technologies
• Experience automating DNS and IP infrastructure and other network tools
• Proficient deploying technologies within the context of an overall architecture, and using DevOps and infrastructure-as-code frameworks, where applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills are essential as this role is customer facing and has significant management visibility and influence
• Prior experience leading and or managing multiple, complex, short-term projects and incidents simultaneously
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills are highly valued and required
• Actively invests in growing yourself and others to build the talent and capabilities required for sustained success. Provide training and mentorship for lower-level team members.

TOTAL REWARDS

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.

This position is Bonus eligible.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here:

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.