Purdue University logo

Purdue University

Senior Network Engineer

🇺🇸 West Lafayette, IN 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $83K - $88K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ June 2nd, 2026
Ansible DHCP Python

Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University is hiring a Senior Network Engineer to architect, test, support, and maintain the university's WAN, LAN, wireless networks, and security devices. The role involves leading network design and implementation, providing documentation, coaching junior staff, and delivering Tier 3 support across multiple campus locations.

Highlights
  • Lead design and implementation of campus network infrastructures including routing, data centers, wireless, and security devices.
  • Provide Tier 3 support and perform on-call duties during network outages and special projects.
  • Support multiple Purdue campuses with multi-vendor network environments.
  • Required technical skills include Cisco networking technologies, network routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS, STP), and network security controls.
  • CCNP/CCDP certification or equivalent knowledge is required.
  • Preferred experience in wireless management, AI, cloud technologies, and DevOps tools such as Python and Ansible.
  • Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, networking, engineering, or related field with at least 4 years of network engineering experience.
  • US citizenship and valid driver's license are mandatory.
  • Compensation ranges from $82,560 to $87,720 annually, depending on experience and education.
  • Background check required; position classified as exempt from overtime.

Senior Network Engineer Full Description

Job Summary
This senior level network engineer is a seasoned professional contributor under limited supervision who is responsible for architecting, testing, supporting, and maintaining the University’s WAN, LAN, Wireless networks, and security devices. The incumbent will
 
  • Lead network design and implementation for one or more areas of the campus network infrastructure (e.g. Routing, Optical networks, Data Centers, Access Networking, Wireless, Firewalls, VPN Services, DNS, DHCP, Authentication, Monitoring, etc.)
  • Provide documentation for projects and processes.
  • Coach less experienced network administrators and engineers.
 
The network engineering team supports Purdue West Lafayette, Purdue Northwest (Hammond/Westville), Purdue Ft. Wayne, and Purdue Indianapolis. This position requires being local to Purdue West Lafayette. We support a multi-vendor and location environment, and a successful senior network engineer must be able to work with staff across institutions using the most appropriate technologies to meet the needs of all campuses.
 
The Senior Network Engineer will work in the Network Engineering team to improve operational stability by evaluating new technologies and conducting root cause analysis. The candidate will provide Tier 3 senior level support and perform on-call duties. This position works a standard 40-hour week with hours between 8 am and 5 pm. Network outages and special projects will require work outside these hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays). Network operations and engineering operates an on-call schedule for unplanned events.
 
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in telecommunication, networking, engineering, IT, or a related field
  • Four (4) years of experience in network engineering, architecture design, supporting and deploying solutions for infrastructures including LAN, WAN, and Wireless networks
  • US Citizen
  • Valid driver’s license
 
Skills Required:
  • In-depth technical knowledge of Cisco and other vendors’ networking technologies, network standards and best practices, and network security and controls
  • CCNP/CCDP certification or knowledge
  • Deep understanding of network routing protocols and their applications and characteristic behaviors like BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and STP
  • Practical knowledge of project management, including planning, collaboration, and documentation
  • Verbal and written communication skills
 
Preferred:
  • Certification or knowledge of other vendors’ product suites, as well as other routing, switching and wireless products.
  • Strong understanding of Wireless configuration and management
  • AI experience
  • Cloud experience
  • DevOps experience (Unix Shell Scripting, Python, Ansible, and other automation tools)
 
Additional Information:
  • Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
 
Career Stream
Professional 3
  • Pay Band S075
  • Job Code #20003622
 
The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $82,560 to $87,720 commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
 
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.