Network Engineer II

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The Network Engineer II is responsible for designing, installing, administering, and troubleshooting network systems and equipment throughout the enterprise. This is inclusive of network WAN/LAN, hybrid cloud services, telecoms, IoT, and workplace (pc, video, audio) devices. This role will assume one or many of the roles detailed below, and mentor support to the rest of the team to support customers and end-users. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

General Duties:

• Coordinate and schedule resources supporting our goals and projects and communicate with all internal Business leaders and vendors.
• Stay current with the applicable product lines and available technologies, test proof of concept technologies, and make recommendations that will benefit our organization.
• Maintain documentation standards as required.
• Cross-train and mentor other Network Engineers on the knowledge of these systems.
• Enforce all network and security best practices and policies.
• Maintain consistent builds and standards.
• Maintain a robust, stable, and secure data and system environment.
• Cost-effective planning and tracking of all expenses related to running applicable areas.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.
• Routine Patch/change management of core systems and devices.
• Support customer requests as required.
• Provide end-user training as required.

Network Administration

• Network project planning, designing, deployment, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Proficient with Layer 2/3 configurations, and advanced complex changes with vendor support.
• VOIP project planning, design, deployment, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Audit all firewalls/routers/switches routinely and maintain consistent secure and reliable configurations.
• Routinely test failover network scenarios (VPN backup, Wireless backup, etc.)
• Maintain and monitor the effective and efficient use of WAN/LAN resources by systems and end-users.
• Management and design of all Microsoft networking services (DHCP, DNS, DFS, etc.)
• Experience with scripting to support system automation and management.