Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer - (2600002G)

Description

SALARY

$122,076.65

Position Summary

Under direction, plans and designs the Authority’s network infrastructure and network solutions and provides high level support and direction in troubleshooting, installing, implementing, and administering network systems. Performs analysis of capacity issues and develops capacity planning models and ensures planned testing activities are executed to accurately meet Authority business needs.

Qualifications

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Installs, configures, and maintains network hardware and software infrastructure according to best practices.
  • Installs and configures equipment, including routers, switches, Wi-Fi controllers, firewalls, web-filtering software/appliances, according to Authority systems.
  • Provides hands-on technical support while working with APN technologies (IPSEC, SSL, VPN, AnyConnest, etc.).
  • Performs daily network maintenance and problem resolution with documentation for future reference.
  • Monitors network performance, ensures capacity planning is performed, and is proactive in assessing and making recommendations for improvement.
  • Implements performance tuning to increase efficiency.
• Performs analytical, technical, and cost analysis work in planning designing and installing network upgrades. Coordinates and conducts testing of network upgrades, installations, changes, and relocations to ensure they are operating according to network standards and protocols.
• Troubleshoots network equipment problems and identifies deficiencies and needs. Provides recommendations of solutions that are efficient, effective, and meet budget needs.
• Documents network problems and resolutions for future reference. Translates documentation into business metrics and creates and maintains standard reports for management use.
• Researches and proposes improvements to network functionality, quality, or development and supports productivity with advanced network engineering techniques, tools, utilities, and technology advancements.
• Work closely with colleagues to meet team goals, provides timely, detailed, effective written and verbal communication on the risks, and complex process administration.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

Management Responsibilities

Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:

Job Title

• Senior Coordinator, Optical Network Systems
• Senior Coordinator, Network Systems

CHALLENGES

• Supporting a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation.
• Keeping abreast of new and emerging technology and industry trends.
• Implementing continuous technology upgrades within budget.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT) or related field, plus five (5) years of experience as a Network Engineer installing and maintaining large enterprise network systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.
• Experience designing and/or implementing large scale IP/MPLS networks required.
• Experience designing and implementing large scale wireless networks required.
• Experience with cyber security hardening and mitigation of networks
• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) within areas of Data Center, Switching/Routing, Security, and Wireless required.
• Experience working on networking devices from various vendors such as: Cisco, Nokia, Alcatel, Zhone, Eastern Research, Teleste preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, and fingering for working with computer keyboards.
• Requires stooping, bending, kneeling, standing, climbing, or walking on ballasted track and in subway tunnels.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Detailed knowledge of IP/MPLS network architecture principles.
• Detailed knowledge of routing protocols including BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, and RIP.
• Detailed knowledge of multicast protocols including PIM, UDP, and IGMP.
• Detailed knowledge of video streaming protocols including RTSP, RTP, and RTCP.
• Detailed knowledge of VoIP and IP Telephony architectures and protocols including SIP
• Detailed knowledge in network protocols and performance tuning.
• Detailed knowledge of network management and configuration principles.
• Detailed knowledge of networks, security guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Detailed knowledge of a wide variety of operating and server systems.
• Detailed knowledge of enterprise systems monitoring and management tools such as SolarWinds Orion, Wireshark, Websense, NMAP.
• Advanced skill in solving complex technical problems involving integrated operating systems and hardware platforms.
• Strong analytical, organization and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to effectively manage architectural activities in areas of expertise on projects and roadmap activities.
• Ability to lead others and develop strong teamwork ethic.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other employees, and vendors.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment.
• Required to travel to various locations within the CTA.
• Occasionally works along elevated, ballasted, and subway tracks adjacent to moving rail vehicles, and energized power rails, as well as CTA bus garages and other CTA facilities
• Subject to prevailing weather conditions when conducting field work.
• On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment
• Solarwinds, Cisco Prime, Navis INC, Teleste Video VMX,
• Systems and applications, hardware and software associated with current optical networking technology. Including, but not limited to SONET and CISCO equipment, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, and light sources.
• Microsoft Office, Visio, and database systems.

Additional Details Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [email protected] prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

During the hiring process, CTA's Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.

Please click link below to review the benefits offered at the CTA.

Primary Location

: USA-Illinois-Chicago

Job

: Information Technology

Job Posting

: Feb 6, 2026, 3:40:41 PM

Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)