Job Specifications
Job Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled NOC Analyst administrator to monitor and control our computer systems and networks. As a NOC Analyst, you will be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving any IT issues, installing and configuring hardware and software, and supporting the rollout of new applications. Our ideal candidate is proficient in managing network infrastructure and adept at using network management tools. Ultimately, the role of the NOC Analyst is to ensure the smooth running of our networks to provide maximum performance and availability for our users and customers.
This is a full-time position working in the remote model with travel to the greater Manchester, U.K. if needed.
Here are the core functions, responsibilities, and expectations for this role:
Monitoring the operations and security of all computer networks and systems.
Responding to service outages and interruptions.
Network Troubleshooting and Optimization: Monitoring, Diagnosing and resolving network issues, analyzing network performance, and optimizing network infrastructure to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance.
Documentation and Reporting: Creating and maintaining network documentation, diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Generating reports on network performance, security incidents, and compliance status for management review.
Performing network maintenance, system upgrades, including service packs, patches, hot fixes and security configurations.
Communicating with third-party vendors and technicians for additional support.
Testing and evaluating network systems to eliminate problems and make improvements.
Additional tasks associated with this position may be assigned in response to company initiatives and business needs.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field is strongly preferred. Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, CISSP) are a plus.
Experience
Proven experience (typically 2+ years) in a networking operations role, with a focus on supporting enterprise-scale network infrastructures.
Cloud Environments:
AWS and/or GCP network experience is necessary, and general experience is required.
Experience supporting, and maintaining Juniper, and Palo Alto hardware and software for Datacenter and Campus environments.
Knowledge of SD-WAN technologies such as Palo Alto, Aruba/Silverpeak, or Cisco/Viptela is a plus.
Site to Site VPN and/or RA VPN: Be able to support Route based and Policy based VPN.
MPLS: Knowledge is a plus.
AAA: Be able to support, and maintain Radius and Tacacs+ for both device access management and NAC (e.g., 802.1x). SAML-based authentication is a plus.
Network Monitoring: Must be able to support, and use: Netflow, SNMP, and related enterprise tools (e.g., Solarwinds, Nagios, LiveNX).
FW Technologies and Traffic Flow: Understand stateful vs non-stateful rules, symmetric vs non-symmetric, NAT types, order of operation, etc.
L3 Routing Protocols: Knowledge of OSPFv2, OSPFv3 and BGP. Knowledge of others such as ISIS and mBGP is a plus.
L3: Knowledge of IPv6. IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack is a plus.
Layer 2: Understand rSTP, dot1q, vlan, L2 security
Wireless: Good understanding wireless, roaming, troubleshooting
HA: Understand FHRP (VRRP, HSRP, etc.), LACP, BFD, switch stacks.etc.
TCP/IP: Understand path MTU discovery (ICMP), basic TCP flags, etc.
Knowledge of DNS, DHCP, ARP, Neighbor Discovery.
Segment Packet Frame troubleshooting: Comfortable packet captures and utilizing tools like Wireshark and tcpdump.
Ideal Candidate Profiles, Talents, And Desired Qualifications
In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, including TCP/IP, VLANs, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VPNs, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, etc.
Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices, including firewall configuration, intrusion detection/prevention, encryption, and secure remote access.
Proficiency in network hardware and software, such as Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Aruba, etc. Experience with SDN, SD-WAN, and cloud networking is desirable.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and mentor junior staff.
Attention to detail, organization, and documentation skills, with a commitment to maintaining accurate network documentation and following standard procedures.
Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, methodologies, and tools to keep pace with evolving business needs and industry trends.
Knowledge of automation and Infrastructure as Code (IAC):
Ability to create, implement, and maintain automation using Terraform and Ansible.
Proficiency with GIT.
Comfortable with JSON, YAML, and XML.
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