Senior Network Engineer at Sappi

• We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Network Engineer to provide technical support to all stakeholders and ensure that all business units leverage from available technology and business developments in order to deliver professional, innovative, value-added projects and services pertaining to networking and communications. The role will be based in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Coastal area.

This role reports into the Lead Network Engineer

As a Senior Network Engineer you will be responsible for:

• First line support for all network and communication related incidents at sites where there is direct accountability.
• Contribute to achievement of regional operational delivery objectives. This includes direct accountability for numerous Mills and offices.
• Liaison with Service providers to expedite fault finding, resolution and root cause analysis.
• Roll-out and support of connectivity projects with Sappi regionally that includes, but is not limited to Wan / Lan links, VPN’s, Firewalls, Wireless Access Points and the like
• Facilitate local execution of the Regional Information Services Communications strategy at the different units
• Provide technical expertise, direction, and assistance to Systems Analysts, Systems Engineers, other Systems Architects, and software development teams.
• Assist with the development, documentation, and communicate plans for investing in systems architecture, budgeting, including analysis of cost reduction opportunities.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and systems flexibility.
• Assist with documenting the company’s existing systems architecture and technology portfolio; make recommendations for improvements and/or alternatives.
• Develop and execute test plans to check infrastructure and systems technical performance. Report on findings and make recommendations for improvement.

What are we looking for:

• Minimum of an IT related diploma and MCSE/MCSD or ACNT or relevant Network Certifications.
• IT related degree or equivalent would be advantageous.
• 3-5 Years of experience managing and configuring enterprise-wide LANs, WANs, WLANs, VPNs, Firewalls.
• Experience in supporting enterprise network solutions in data centre and branch office environments including routing, switching and wireless LAN technologies; application networking and delivery technologies (data centre server and global load balancing solutions); WAN, Internet connectivity & related technologies (SD-WAN, MPLS, IPSEC VPN, WAN Optimizers, Rate Limiters, QoS, etc.), Network Monitoring & Management Platforms.
• Core knowledge into WAN products and solutions (HP, Aruba and Microtek routing protocols and features (MP-BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, HSRP etc.)
• Proficiency into Load Balancing technologies (Citrix, F5 etc.), DNS (Bind, Bluecoat, Umbrella, etc.), Active Directory integration with WAN optimisation (NPS, etc.)
• First-hand knowledge in supporting network solutions to enable integration of VMWare, blade, cloud and converged network environments.
• Experience in implementing multi-vendor global WAN networks for integrated (voice, video, data) traffic using various connectivity means including SD-WAN, MPLS, IPSEC VPN and others.
• Knowledge of perimeter security solutions technologies in the data centre and branch office environments including firewalls, remote access VPNs, IPS/IDS systems and Secure Web Gateway solutions is desirable.
• Strong ability to document processes, procedures and network designs clearly and accurately for distribution to internal teams and customers.
• Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and Internet standards.
• Experience with telephony systems and VoIP.
• Excellent troubleshooting experience.