Role and Responsibilities

• Following USPTO configuration management process and Standard Operating Procedures in maintaining and implementing configuration changes of network infrastructure equipment and devices
• Providing, on-site, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, 365 days per year enterprise network monitoring, analysis and reporting.
• Installing/uninstalling network equipment into racks, requiring the capacity to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Managing and repairing USPTO's Cisco Wireless equipment for the guest and Enterprise wireless networks (Network Control System, Mobility Service Engine, Wireless LAN Controller and Access Points) and Wide Area Networks.
• Performing regularly scheduled preventive maintenance activities on USPTO network devices (routers, switches, IPAM/DNS tools, WAN accelerators, Load Balancers, Wireless devices) following vendor guidance for device patches and technical bulletins.
• Upgrading network infrastructure hardware/software/firmware as directed by vendors upon completion of testing in non-production environments.
• Providing operations and maintenance support for Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE).
• Monitoring and updating latest security patches, release notes, and/or software.
• Reviewing syslog (daily) for potential damage from emerging security threats and risks.
• Performing capacity, security, configuration, and performance management on network infrastructure devices as required after hardware replacement due to failure.
• Tuning Network Services Branch (NSB) equipment to meet USPTO EMS monitoring requirement.
• Utilizing enterprise management tools to monitor the network infrastructure remotely to detect conditions which impact network connectivity
• Responding to and resolving USPTO's critical problems related to local and remote network connectivity incidents for all USPTO domestic sites.
• Collaborating with other teams to troubleshoot USPTO critical problems, e.g., application slowness, to isolate the causes and determine whether is network or non-network related.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills:

• Education: BS in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or other related scientific or technical discipline.
• 2 years of experience specialized in Network Administration.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate Certificate (CCNA) or equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good understanding of networking principles and technologies.
• Strong understanding of Problem Management Process.
• Broad understanding of Security Protocols including HTTPS, SSL, and SSO.
• Must have solid technical background with a focus on IT/cloud-based IT systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with remote access solutions such as Netskope and Cisco AnyConnect.
• ITIL-related certifications are a plus.
• USPTO experience preferred.