IT Principal Network Engineer

Job Summary

• Provides Level 2 and Level 3 support, makes recommendations, leads projects and directs the development and/or research of advanced network technologies in Wireless Point-To-PointP/Point-To-Multi-PointTMP or Mesh, Cellular, Fiber, Communications Infrastructure, Operational Technology Networks, Tower Construction, Power Systems, Data Centers, Local Area Network/Wide Area Network and wireless routing/switching disciplines . Performs complex tasks related to area of technical responsibility, works on multiple assignments and projects and leads/facilitates meetings and group discussions, presentations, and technical training classes. Self-managed, mentors and coaches less experienced team members and ITS personnel, and provides leadership and technical direction on all aspects of network engineering.  Span of control: 0; this is an individual contributor job.

Key Accountabilities

• Creates and maintains project work plans and budgets; schedules and manages work activities and projects to achieve on time and in budget implementation of best-in-class solutions that meet organization and corporate goals.
• Mentors, provides guidance and technical direction to less experienced engineering and technical staff, including the provision of input in performance evaluations, but is not responsible for supervising anyone.
• Plans, schedules, and manages all operational day-to-day engineering support work activities for network technologies/infrastructures; manages trouble ticket/problem resolution and issue escalation.
• Makes recommendations in area of network infrastructure and the introduction of technology to the IT organization; participates in evaluating enabling technologies; designs and manages network architectures; leads research of advanced technologies.
• Consults on planning and issues in network design and direction; provides configurations for the network; consults with application teams on proper design and use of technologies and tools; consults on network architecture design and direction.
• Actively seeks continuous improvement opportunities and leads continuous improvement initiatives of internal processes, procedures, and standards; may consult on efforts to improve the quality of organizational processes, policies, and standards.
• Consults on operational and planning issues related to network technologies; works closely with outside vendors in planning projects, to evaluate vendor's software, and to resolve issues
• Keeps abreast of technology trends and the stated direction of the enterprise to select technology platforms that are appropriate and cost beneficial; has an established professional presence in the industry and maintains business relationships with key technical dependent industries and organizations to support the application of technology to specific business areas.
• Works as a proactive team player in dynamic environments and acts as project lead on multiple projects. Supports multiple internal and external clients.
• Supports/consults on team members' performance management; coaches team members on interacting with others outside of their work group.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• •    High School or GED and 9 years of network engineering experience OR 
  •    Associate’s degree in an applicable information technology or engineering discipline 7 years of network engineering experience OR
  •    Bachelor's degree in an applicable information technology or engineering discipline and 5 years of network engineering experience

Other Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in an Information Technology discipline
• Must have at least 8+ years of in-depth and comprehensive network engineering experience including Routing and Switching, WiFi, VoIP, Fiber (DWDM), Cellular APNs, Wireless Point-to-point, Wireless Point-to-multipoint systems and varied leased transport technologies.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in Data Center Networks including ACI, Internet Infrastructure and other quarantined networks
• Must have comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in Electric and Gas business network infrastructure & Operations.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in OT networks (SCADA, PCN) and Field Communication Networks (Substations, Wind Parks, Solar Parks, Compressor Stations)
• Must have comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience in building and administering Compliance networks (NERC, PCI, TSA)
• Must be compliant with DTE core values including Service Keys of Safety, Caring, Dependability and Efficiency
• Desirable to have knowledge and experience in designing and implementing cloud network solutions

Other Requirements

• May require initial and/or periodic drug or fitness for duty testing; the physical ability to work in a power plant environment (e.g climb stairs, work in hot, confined environments); and flexibility to perform on-call responsibilities to provide off-hours support as scheduled.
• Written and verbal communication and advocacy skills consistent with the ability to present results of projects and research to all levels of the business unit.
• Ability to influence and build relationships to foster a positive work environment and elicit support for acceptance of new technology across the enterprise.
• Business and management acumen extending beyond the incumbent's specific job, enabling him to proffer valuable insights, recommendations or challenges to policies, procedures and practices extending beyond the immediate scope of his job.
• Experience in managing projects, and scheduling and managing the work activities of others.
• Broad understanding of IT industry, e.g emerging technologies, industry standards, support services, architectures, systems design, and systems integration and an indepth knowledge of operational issues in at least one area of engineering support.
• Well-developed organization and planning skills.
• Ability to apply project planning and implementation and/or continuous improvement principles to affect tangible, positive outcomes.
• Flexibility and ability to work with shifting priorities; embrace new/evolving responsibilities.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.