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Western Carolina University

Network Engineer - #270004

🇺🇸 Cullowhee, NC 🕑 Full-Time 💰 TBD 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ July 4th, 2026
Ansible

Edtech.com's Summary

Western Carolina University is hiring a Network Engineer to design, maintain, and enhance campus data and voice network services within the IT Division’s Networking and Communications department. The role involves collaborating with team members to support voice, video, data, and CATV networks, maintaining network management systems, ensuring network security, and keeping accurate network documentation.

Highlights
  • Design, maintain, and enhance campus network services including data, voice, video, and CATV.
  • Support and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure and services.
  • Maintain network management systems and assist in network security.
  • Knowledge of enterprise networking principles such as routing, switching, wireless, and telecommunications systems.
  • Strong skills in implementing, administering, and troubleshooting medium to large enterprise networks.
  • Ability to analyze network performance and resolve issues effectively.
  • Manage multiple projects and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Effective communication of technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Required: Bachelor's degree and 4 years experience in network support; legal authorization to work in the US without sponsorship.
  • Preferred: Master’s degree, experience with Juniper, EVPN/VXLAN, Aruba wireless, 802.1X, Ansible, Palo Alto firewalls, F5 load balancers, BlueCat DDI, and VoIP technologies.

Network Engineer - #270004 Full Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

Network Engineer - #270004 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

Applicants must apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references.

For questions or additional information, please contact Brian Foster ([email protected])
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number EHRA1095P
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34433
Classification Title IT Network Administrator III
Working Title Network Engineer - #270004
Department Networking & Communications
Anticipated Hiring Range
About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The network engineer works within the IT Division’s Networking and Communications department to design, maintain, and enhance the campus data and voice network services. The engineer leverages their knowledge of network technologies to create and maintain a robust and reliable network that meets the needs of the campus. The engineer collaborates with the networking team and IT Division staff to support all aspects of the campus voice, video, data, and CATV networks. Additionally, the engineer maintains network management systems, assists in maintaining the security of the campus network, and maintains accurate network documentation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of enterprise networking principles, including routing, switching, wireless networking, network security, and telecommunications systems.
  • Skill in the implementation, administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of enterprise network infrastructure and services.
  • Ability to analyze network performance issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment while maintaining effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
  • A Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience supporting medium to large networks. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree and 4 years of experience supporting medium to large networks
  • Experience supporting one or more of the following technologies in an enterprise environment:
    • Juniper EX and QFX networking equipment
    • EVPN/VXLAN architectures
    • Aruba wireless infrastructure and ClearPass
    • 802.1X wired and wireless authentication
    • Ansible or similar automation platforms
    • Palo Alto firewalls and GlobalProtect
    • F5 load balancers
    • BlueCat DDI solutions
    • VoIP, cellular, and contact center technologies
Position Type Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week 40
Number of Months Per Year 12
Posting Text
Open Date 07/02/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

Applicants must apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references.

For questions or additional information, please contact Brian Foster ([email protected])
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. Resume
  3. List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

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