Principal Comm. & Network Technical Analyst - 136094

UC San Diego is ranked the 9th best public university in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is the largest employer based in San Diego County.

Reporting to the VC-CFO, Information Technology Services (ITS) delivers Enterprise information technology services to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) under the leadership of the campus Chief Information Officer (CIO). Information Technology Services (IT Services) uses world-class services and technologies to empower UC San Diego's mission to transform California and the world as a student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public university. As a strategic member of the UC San Diego community, IT Services embraces innovation in their delivery of IT services, infrastructure, applications, and support. IT Services is customer-focused and committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are core values at UC San Diego and within Information Technology Services. Crafting a culture around these values allows us to more deeply connect with and appreciate our employees, students, and campus partners. Information Technology Services is continuously working to build a community where we all feel safe, empowered, and encouraged to bring our authentic selves to work. We do this not only because it is what's right, but because we know that diversity drives insight and innovation. We are proud to partner closely UC San Diego's Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as their dedication to this mission helps us all to drive change.

The Enterprise Network & Telecommunications teams design, implement and manage UC San Diego network and telecommunications focusing on wired/wireless data network operations, network architecture, installation and repair, voice and video, outside plant management, and telecom planning.

We are seeking a highly experienced Network Architect to lead the design and development of mission-critical networking projects that power our entire campus. Reporting to the Executive Director of Enterprise Network and Voice Services, you will set the vision and strategy for networking infrastructure, shaping how our university connects, communicates, and innovates.

As the subject matter expert, you will:

• Architect and oversee large-scale local and wide-area networks with institution-wide impact.

• Develop sustainable support models, processes, and engineering standards to ensure high performance, security, and reliability.

• Drive the planning, design, and implementation of next-generation network infrastructure and services.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex networking issues, including those with no established precedent.

• Provide technical expertise for pilot technology trials and cutting-edge initiatives.

This role requires deep technical expertise and a strategic mindset. You will be recognized as a thought leader both on campus and within the broader networking industry.

Responsibilities:

• Design & Strategy - Architect and lead large-scale campus, medical center, and regional networks; set vision and strategy for next-generation infrastructure, including core, distribution, data center, WAN, and advanced research networks.

• Innovation & Emerging Technologies - Evaluate and pilot new data, voice, video, and wireless technologies; develop test-bed implementations; participate in national experimental networks (e.g., Internet2, CENIC); transition emerging technologies to production.

• Technical Leadership - Serve as the campus subject matter expert and primary technical contact for advanced networks; design complex routing policies (e.g., EIGRP, eBGP, OSPF, MPLS); consult with research groups, departments, and external partners on high-level networking challenges.

• Performance & Reliability - Establish monitoring, measurement, and traffic analysis strategies; troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues at the protocol level; ensure high availability, security, and reliability across all network segments.

• Planning & Project Management - Lead large-scale project planning, cost analysis, vendor evaluations, and capacity forecasting; provide technical input for long-term ITS strategic planning.

• Collaboration & Representation - Represent UCSD on technical advisory boards and working groups; collaborate with other UC campuses, research universities, and industry partners to advance networking for higher education.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing - Anticipate technical skill needs, guide professional development, and share best practices across ITS and campus units.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Expert knowledge of professional communications concepts in the completion of complex and diverse assignments.

• Expert knowledge of the principles and practices within the field.

• Demonstrated ability to apply highly developed technical skills and knowledge to improve the effectiveness of the function.

• Expert understanding of core networking protocols including a thorough understanding of all OSI layers.

• Experience successfully applying protocols to independently solve networking problems, up to and including the most complex.

• Advanced experience with network design and application of network technologies. Strong theoretical knowledge of and advanced work experience with communications technologies including switches and routers, telecommunications software applications including network management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10 years + experience on Cisco IOS XE

• 10 years + experience on JUNOS

• Cisco CCNP, CCIE

• Juniper JNCI

• This position has the option of working a hybrid or remote schedule.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results.

• Employee must be available to work evenings and weekends.

• Employee must be available to travel as required.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.