Title: Network & Systems Engineer

Last revised date: 6/2025

Department: Tidal Network

Location: Remote (Preference for Southeast Alaska)

Covered Position: Yes

Exemption Status: Exempt

Pay Grade(s): 15-16

Reports To: Broadband Network/Systems Architect

Purpose: The Network & Systems Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day technical operation, maintenance, and documentation of a small ISP’s infrastructure, encompassing routing and switching, Linux systems administration, fixed wireless broadband delivery, and telecommunications support. The role requires broad technical competence and the ability to work independently while collaborating across a small, multi-disciplinary team.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Manage operational responsibilities for ISP routing, switching, and firewall infrastructure, using platforms such as MikroTik, Nokia, Juniper, and Peplink.
• Support Linux-based server environments (primarily Ubuntu, also CentOS, Fedora, Amazon Linux) hosted both on-premises and in AWS.
• Participate in implementation of network and infrastructure projects, including upgrades, expansions, and maintenance tasks.
• Document systems, network configurations, changes, and operational procedures in tools such as NetBox, Powercode, LibreNMS, LucidChart, Starlink, BEC, Plume and vendor portals.
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to ensure quality and timely delivery of services and equipment.
• Provide input into technical roadmaps and future planning; expected to grow into strategic planning roles.
• Participate in field visits on a regular basis to familiarize with or assist at remote sites in Southeast Alaska.
• Work in environments ranging from remote desk-based work to occasional exposure to outdoor, wet, and cold conditions.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• Demonstrates high standards of professional and ethical conduct.
• Works independently with minimal supervision and maintains a self-directed approach to project work.
• Maintains effective and respectful collaboration with peers, leadership, vendors, and field staff.
• Creates and maintains clear, accessible documentation to support knowledge sharing across the team.
• Maintains awareness of ISP compliance and security best practices, including BDC, CALEA, DMCA, and implements operational standards accordingly.
• Supports quality improvement initiatives and contributes to operational continuity.
• Familiarity with ISP-grade protocols and infrastructure (e.g., BGP, eVPN, VLANs, IPv6, firewalls).
• Experience administering Linux systems, particularly in cloud-hosted environments (AWS).
• Familiarity with optical networking equipment (SMF/MMF, SFPs) and basic telecom concepts.
• Exposure to scripting or automation tools preferred (e.g., Bash, Python, Ansible).
• Understanding of how RF performance metrics (e.g., RSSI) affect service delivery in FWA networks.
• Basic awareness of FCC systems (e.g., ULS) and compliance environments.
• Proficient in use of network and systems monitoring/documentation tools.
• Capable of managing and prioritizing technical tasks effectively.
• Strong self-direction and ability to work independently.
• Clear technical writing and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and support operational goals.
• Capacity to lift up to 75 lbs. and work in physical IT environments (e.g., server racks).
• Knowledge of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with ISP-grade protocols and infrastructure (e.g., BGP, eVPN, VLANs, IPv6, firewalls).
• Experience administering Linux systems, particularly in cloud-hosted environments (AWS).
• Familiarity with optical networking equipment (SMF/MMF, SFPs) and basic telecom concepts.
• Exposure to scripting or automation tools preferred (e.g., Bash, Python, Ansible).

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Associate’s degree in Information Technology, Networking, or a related field
• Four (4) years of experience spanning network engineering, systems administratoin, and telecom support, ideally within an ISP or similar environment

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Engineering, or a related field
• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or MikroTik certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Primarily remote work environment.
• Travel to field sites in Southeast Alaska (<20%).
• May include after-hours work for maintenance or urgent issue resolution.
• May maintain company-provided network equipment in home lab for training/staging purposes.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Some travel may be required on small aircraft or ferry.
• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.