Senior Network Engineer

University of Pennsylvania

Senior Network Engineer managing Cisco and Juniper enterprise networks for Penn’s university IT infrastructure. Automating routing, monitoring, and operations with Python across campus, data center, and WAN environments.

Posted 8/19/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $84,961 - $125,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expert knowledge in IPv4 and IPv6 routing, dynamic routing protocols, and overlay technologies, with a strong ability to implement and manage complex enterprise networks. Proficient in network automation using Python and familiar with industry-standard tools for network management and monitoring.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Expert Knowledge Of IPv4 And IPv6Expert Knowledge Of BGP And OSPFExperience With MPLS And VXLANPython Scripting For Network AutomationExperience With Cisco And Juniper Equipment

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Network Performance MonitoringRouting And Switching SolutionsNetwork TroubleshootingNetwork Design And ImplementationCapacity PlanningNetwork AdministrationDynamic Routing ProtocolsOverlay TechnologiesLinux AdministrationNetwork Automation

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsCollaboration SkillsMentoring And Training AbilitiesRelationship BuildingTechnical Leadership

Tools & Technologies

Cisco CatalystCisco NexusNautobotNetBoxCisco Catalyst CenterDX NetOpsSolidServerAkipsKentikCiena WaveserverAI

Industry Keywords

Enterprise Network ManagementHigher Education NetworkingMulti-Vendor EnvironmentsNetwork Standards And Best PracticesShared On-Call Rotation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonSwitching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan, design, install, and manage a complex multi-vendor dual-stack enterprise network
Maintain network performance and capacity through monitoring, troubleshooting, and problem resolution
Design, implement, and support Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Nexus, and Juniper routing and switching solutions across campus, data center, and WAN environments
Define standards, methods, and best practices for routing, switching, automation, and monitoring
Engineer and support IPv4 and IPv6 routing using BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS
Plan, implement, and maintain MPLS, VXLAN, and related network overlays for multi-tenant and segmented services
Build Python-based automation for network deployment, configuration management, and operational workflows
Collaborate with campus partners, internal teams, Internet service providers, and external partners
Provide daily network administration, maintenance, changes, modifications, and improvements
Plan for throughput and capacity growth and evolving technology requirements
Research networking technologies, industry best practices, and emerging standards
Bridge network design and operations to ensure scalable, supportable solutions aligned with business needs
Provide technical leadership and participate in strategy planning
Lead technical discussions and build trust with technical and non-technical audiences
Participate in shared after-hours on-call rotation, including occasional early-morning, evening, or weekend work
Mentor, collaborate with, and train operations staff and junior engineers
May supervise staff or lead major network projects
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
Expert knowledge of IPv4 and IPv6
Expert knowledge of dynamic routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF
Expert knowledge of overlay technologies such as MPLS and VXLAN
Experience with network management and monitoring tools, specifically Cisco Catalyst Center
Proven experience managing large enterprise networks
Experience with Linux administration and Python scripting
Experience with open-source tools and automation frameworks such as Nautobot and NetBox
Experience with Cisco and Juniper enterprise-grade networking equipment
Experience building relationships with peers and partner teams to align on network strategy and execution
Ability to define and enforce standards, methods, and best practices
Ability to take ownership of initiatives from concept through implementation and operational support
Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional initiatives
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred: Experience with network automation tools such as Nautobot or NetBox
Preferred: Experience with SolidServer, Cisco Catalyst Center/DNA Center, DX NetOps/Spectrum, Akips, or Kentik
Preferred: Experience with optical equipment such as Ciena WaveserverAI
Preferred: Experience working in higher education
Ability to participate in a shared after-hours on-call rotation
Must be able to respond to incidents on Penn’s campus within one hour
Candidates will be required to meet in person with the hiring team
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans
Substantial paid time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household