Infrastructure Network Specialist

IT Infrastructure Specialist

This role involves managing on-prem and cloud network infrastructure, to support day-to-day operations, ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of our IT systems. You will collaborate closely with the cybersecurity team to ensure compliance with security standards to maintain the secure operation of the infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, and maintain network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and cloud environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Implement network upgrades and expansions as needed.
• Collaborate with external vendors and other teams within the organization to integrate network solutions with overall IT infrastructure.

Infrastructure Operations and Management:

• Oversee and continuously monitor and manage network Security infrastructure and IT platforms, including servers, routers, firewalls, and other devices, to detect and resolve issues proactively.
• Monitor and troubleshoot infrastructure performance, identifying and resolving issues promptly to ensure system uptime and reliability.
• Implement and maintain security best practices, including firewalls, access controls, and data protection measures.
• Project management and track of installation, configuration, and maintenance of servers, storage systems, and other IT/Security infrastructure.
• Plan and execute infrastructure upgrades and migrations to support business growth and technological advancements during maintenance window to minimize service disruption.
• Maintain documentation of infrastructure configurations, processes, and procedures.
• Apply CIS benchmarks to harden Windows and network devices environments and conduct regular compliance reviews.
• Perform regular patch management, support server hardening, and remediation of findings from vulnerability scans.

General IT and Security Operations and Processes:

• Perform routine maintenance and updates on network and security devices, servers, workstations, and other IT equipment.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls.
• Manage system backups, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity strategies.
• Maintain documentation for infrastructure configurations, processes, and procedures.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve infrastructure efficiency and scalability.
• Provide technical support and assistance to end-users.
• Develop and enforce IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance and security.
• Provide technical support for infrastructure-related incidents and participate in on-call rotations.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers.
• Evaluate and select vendors based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Oversee vendor contracts, negotiations, and performance to ensure service level agreements are met.
• Coordinate with vendors for the procurement, installation, and maintenance of IT equipment and services.
• Prepare project documentation, timelines, risk assessments, and regular progress updates.

Job Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in network engineering, IT infrastructure management, and IT administration.
• Certifications such as CCNA, RHCE, MCSE, VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or equivalent.
• Experienced in maintaining Security systems such as PAM, QRadar, SIEM, NCM, FortiGate/Palo Alto firewalls is an added advantage.
• Strong proficiency in managing and troubleshooting physical server administration (HPE/Hitachi), Switches (Cisco/Aruba), F5 LTM, Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) and networking protocols.
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies such as Microsoft 365, VMware, Hyper-V, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, IT infrastructure, and general IT processes.
• Understanding of storage systems (SAN, NAS) and database administration.
• Familiarity with infrastructure security principles, access controls, patching, vulnerability management, and server hardening.
• Possess good communication skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experienced in managing external IT vendors is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and attention to detail.