Job Description

Strategic Staffing Solutions is currently looking for a Telecom Engineer, a W-2 contract opportunity!!

Telecom Engineer 

Locations: Charlotte, NC

Type: W-2 Contract (NO C2C)

Schedule: Hybrid- 3 days in office

IT Telecom Analyst – Data (Telecom Network Support | NERC CIP Operations Focus)

Position Overview

This role is part of Telecom Operations on the Telecom Network Support (TNS) team and is responsible for executing key NERC CIP Telecom Operations tasks in partnership with the Telecom Operations Compliance (TOC) team. The analyst will serve as the primary liaison to TOC and will perform compliance-driven operational work such as Open Gear configuration and troubleshooting, Cisco/Open Gear password changes, ACL changes, IOS/OS upgrades, and patch mitigation plan (PMP) review, with work tracked through Footprints and ServiceNow. Ansible playbook development and execution to support these operational activities is a strong plus.

This position requires an understanding of datacenter and network security technologies. Familiarity with network automation and monitoring are additional skills that are highly valued. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who excels with little supervision and works with small teams using Agile engineering principles.

 
Responsibilities

• Support internal data networks with focus on improving reliability.
• Perform NERC CIP operational support activities in coordination with Telecom Operations Compliance (TOC), including:
• Open Gear configuration and troubleshooting.
• Password changes on Cisco devices and Open Gear.
• ACL changes on network devices.
• Perform IOS/OS upgrades on Cisco devices and support scheduled upgrade initiatives.
• Review and support execution of Patch Mitigation Plans (PMPs) and related patch activities.
• Develop, maintain, and execute Ansible playbooks to support repeatable operational tasks (configuration changes, password updates, ACL modifications, and related automation).
• Enter, update, and manage Change Requests / tickets in Footprints and ServiceNow associated with device changes and compliance-driven operational work.
• Collaborate across all tiers of the operations organization and partner closely with TOC to ensure operational readiness and consistent execution of transitioned responsibilities.
• Contribute to and participate in network improvement initiatives and operational process improvements.
• Perform troubleshooting and analysis of network devices and related appliances (as applicable).

Basic/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (or related discipline) from a four-year college plus two (2) years of related experience.
• In lieu of Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience: High School/GED plus six (6) years of related experience.
• Demonstrated network operations experience troubleshooting enterprise networks using strong TCP/IP fundamentals.
• Network maintenance: Experience performing Cisco IOS/OS updates/upgrades and completing required validation checks.
• Ticketing / change documentation discipline: Experience creating/updating operational tickets and documenting device changes in enterprise ticketing/change systems (Footprints and/or ServiceNow experience preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear documentation and follow controlled operational procedures.
• Networking Protocols: Proficiency configuring and troubleshooting common networking protocols and technologies.
• Routing & Switching: Ability to troubleshoot routing and switching issues in a production environment.

 Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience providing network operations support in an enterprise environment.
• Experience executing operational changes on network devices, including Cisco IOS/OS upgrades and post-change validation.
• Familiarity working in a regulated / compliance-driven environment (e.g., supporting NERC CIP operational activities) with strong attention to procedural adherence and documentation.
• Hands-on experience with Open Gear configuration and troubleshooting (or similar console/terminal server platforms).
• Experience implementing device security changes such as password changes and ACL modifications on Cisco/Open Gear/network devices.
• Ansible automation experience—playbook execution preferred; playbook creation/maintenance is a strong plus.
• Experience creating and managing operational change documentation/tickets in ServiceNow.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations and compliance partners.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CCNA.

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