Salary : $108,056.00 - $169,998.40 Annually
Location : Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 04136
Department: Administrative Services
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
DescriptionThe City of Irvine seeks an experienced Network & Communications Engineer to be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team. The selected individual must have a strong learning aptitude and willingness to learn new technologies. The successful candidate will need to pass a Public Safety polygraph exam as part of the recruitment process.
Your Impact- Design and architect complex network solutions based on business requirements and industry best practices.
- Lead the implementation and deployment of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAPs, and VPN concentrators.
- Configure, optimize, and maintain network components to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance.
- Continuously monitor network performance, proactively identifying and resolving issues to minimize downtime and optimize efficiency.
- Utilize network monitoring tools and traffic analysis techniques to troubleshoot and enhance network traffic flow and bandwidth utilization.
- Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for troubleshooting complex network issues escalated from junior engineers and support teams.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve network-related incidents and problems.
- Perform capacity planning exercises to forecast network growth and ensure scalability for future business needs.
- Recommend, plan, and implement network upgrades and enhancements to support increased bandwidth and new technologies.
- Manage relationships with vendors, service providers, and contractors, ensuring optimal service delivery.
- Evaluate vendor proposals, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement of network hardware and services.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers and support staff, fostering professional development.
- Foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and professional development.
- Ensure network infrastructure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., CLETS, CJIS).
- Implement and enforce network security policies, procedures, and controls to safeguard sensitive data and ensure data integrity.
- Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, procedures, and operational guidelines.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management on network performance, project status, and improvement recommendations.
- Participate in on-call rotation and promptly respond to critical incidents during non-business hours including nights and during weekends.
- Ensure highly available internet connectivity at all City sites.
- Find additional information in the job description.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field and five (5) years of information technology experience, with one of those years acting in a lead or expert capacity performing a variety of progressively responsible technical or analytical tasks for computer systems or services in one or more functional areas, or a closely related or emerging information technology field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Best Fit- Advanced knowledge of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.
- Expertise in network hardware including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and proxy servers.
- Experience in designing and implementing complex network architectures that align with business needs.
- Experience planning and implementing SD-WAN.
- Strong understanding of scalable network design principles for high availability and performance.
- Proficiency in implementing and maintaining network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and access control policies.
- Familiarity with security best practices and compliance requirements (e.g., CLETS, CJIS).
- Familiarity with wireless networking standards (e.g., 802.11ac, 802.11ax) and technologies and experience in designing and securing wireless networks for optimal performance and coverage.
- Strong understanding of access control models and network security frameworks.
- Hands-on experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., LogicMonitor, SolarWinds).
- Solid expertise in network operating systems (e.g., Cisco IOS).
- Advanced troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex network issues efficiently.
- Able to mentor junior engineers and teach advanced troubleshooting techniques.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Experience in implementing QoS policies to prioritize network traffic and optimize performance for critical applications.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective solutions under pressure.
- Proficiency in creating and maintaining detailed network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures.
- Ability to prepare and deliver reports and presentations on network performance, projects, and initiatives for management and stakeholders.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with emerging network technologies and industry trends.
The ProcessThe selection process will include an examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment which includes a This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.
Benefits PackageThe City of Irvine offers competitive compensation and benefits packages. Click to view the benefits available for this position.
