SR Network Design Specialist

Kinder Morgan Inc

HOUSTON, TX

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Analysis Skills, Architectural Services, Automation, BGP, Best Practices, Budgeting, C Programming Language, C++ Programming Language, CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional, CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional, CCSP - Cisco Certified Security Professional, CCVP - Cisco Certified Voice Professional, Capacity Management, Capacity and Performance Management, Cisco Certifications, Cisco IOS (Internetworking Operating System), Cisco Network Systems, Cloud Computing, Communication Skills, Computer Science, Customer Support/Service, DNS (Domain Name System), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Detail Oriented, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Establish Priorities, EtherPeek, Ethernet, Firewalls, Frame Relay, Genetics, ICMP, IP (Internet Protocol), IPsec (IP Security), ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library), Identify Issues, Internet Protocols, Internet Service Providers, Internet/IP Telephony, Intrusion Detection Systems, Intrusion Prevention Systems, JNCIE - Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert, Juniper Networks Certifications, Juniper Networks JUNOS, Juniper Routers, Knowledge Transfer, Leadership, Load Balancing, Local Area Network (LAN), MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching), Maintain Compliance, Medical Conditions, Mentoring, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Internet Explorer Browser, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Windows Azure, Microsoft Windows Operating System, Microsoft Word, Military, Network Administration/Management, Network Architecture/Engineering, Network Configuration Management, Network Design, Network Monitoring, Network Performance/Analysis, Network Protocols, Network Router Configuration, Network Routers, Network Security, Network Switching, Network System Hardware, Network Test Tools, Network Testing, Network Traffic Analysis, Open Shortest Path First Protocol (OSPF), Organizational Development/Management, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Perl Programming Language, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Regulatory Compliance, Relational Databases (RDBMS), Research Skills, Risk Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Routing Protocols, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), SSL-TLS (Secure Socket Layer - Transport Layer Security), Safety/Work Safety, Security Analysis, Security Compliance, Sniffer, Software Patches, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Strategic Planning, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Telnet, Test Plan/Schedule, Time Management, UDP (User Datagram Protocol), Unix Shell Programming, VPN (Virtual Private Network), Vendor/Supplier Selection, Wide Area Network (WAN), Wireless LAN, Wireless WAN, Wireshark (Ethereal), Writing Skills
LOCATION
HOUSTON, TX
POSTED
3 days ago

What We Are Looking For

As a SR Network Design Specialist, you are responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and securing Kinder Morgan's network infrastructure. This role goes beyond basic support-you'll provide leadership, architecture guidance, and strategic planning. A SR Network Design Specialist is both a technical expert and a strategic leader.

What You Will Do

A SR Network Design Specialist's primary job responsibilities are:

  • Design scalable, secure, and high-performing network solutions (LAN, WAN, WLAN, cloud networks).
  • Develop network architecture diagrams and documentation.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools.
  • Lead the installation and configuration of routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs.
  • Oversee network upgrades, migrations, and expansions.
  • Ensure minimal downtime during deployments.
  • Monitor network performance, uptime, and reliability.
  • Perform regular maintenance, patching, and updates.
  • Troubleshoot complex network issues and outages.
  • Implement and maintain network security controls (firewalls, IDS/IPS, zero-trust models).
  • Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analysis.
  • Ensure compliance with security standards and policies.
  • Analyze network traffic and usage patterns.
  • Optimize bandwidth, latency, and overall performance.
  • Capacity planning for future growth.
  • Design and manage connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments (Azure, AWS, etc.).
  • Implement VPN tunnels and cloud networking services.
  • Mentor junior engineers and network admins.
  • Collaborate with IT, security, and application teams.
  • Provide technical guidance during projects.
  • Create test plans for network changes.
  • Maintain detailed documentation (network diagrams, SOPs, configs).
  • Ensure knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
  • Act as an escalation point for major incidents.
  • Perform root cause analysis (RCA).
  • Implement long-term fixes to prevent recurrence.
  • Align network infrastructure with business goals.
  • Plan long-term improvements and investments.
  • Assist in budgeting and vendor selection.

What You Need

A bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is preferred but not required. A minimum of ten years of direct work experience in large-scale corporate networks or service-provider networking may be considered a substitute for a degree.

REQUIRED

  • A minimum of seven years of direct work experience in large scale coorporate or service provider networking is required.
  • In-depth knowledge of routing protocols.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with frame relay and service provider MPLS-based networks (e.g., AT&T Private IP), Cisco Systems' IOS, Juniper Networks' JunOS, IPSEC VPNs, and SSL VPNs.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Windows 10.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Project, Visio, and PowerPoint.
  • Competence with network administration and testing tools, including but not limited to Telnet, ping, traceroute, and NSLookup.
  • Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
  • Must have well-developed organizational skills, be proficient in oral and written communications, and be able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
  • Must maintain regular, dependable attendance and a high level of performance.
  • Need to maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of the company, employees, and the general public.
  • Use personal judgment and specialized knowledge to provide and safeguard confidential information.
  • Be able to speak clearly in person and by telephone, using high verbal skills with the ability to listen carefully to details.

PREFERRED

  • At least ten years of direct work experience in network engineering or designing and implementing networks.
  • Experience working for a managed services provider or ISP/carrier as a tier 3/4 support engineer or architectural role on the core infrastructure side.
  • Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols and Internet standards, including Cisco Systems' entire product line, TCP/UDP, IP, ICMP, DNS, SNMP, OSPF, BGP, Ethernet, Verizon Private IP, xDSL, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), IPSec, WLAN, content networking, and copper and fiber standards. Juniper experience with routers, switches and VxLAN is a plus.
  • Working knowledge and experience with network management and capacity trending tools, Cisco Secure ACS, and packet capture/analysis (e.g., EtherPeek, Sniffer, or Wireshark).
  • Experience and success with LAN, WAN and wireless LAN/WAN design and implementation.
  • Experience with network capacity planning, security principles, and general network management best practices.
  • Knowledge of IP telephony systems, a plus.
  • Network automation experience, preferably in Python.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: C/C++, Perl, Python, shell scripting
  • Relational database management system (RDBMS)
  • Juniper Networks certification(s) at the "Expert" level (JNCIE-ENT, JNCIE-SP).
  • Cisco Systems certification(s) at the "Professional" level (CCDP, CCNP, CCSP, CCVP).
  • Cisco Systems certification(s) at the "Expert" level (CCIE).
  • ITIL v3 Foundation
  • Good understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.

Competencies/Skills

  • Proven experience in network infrastructure design, installation, analysis, management, operation and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), pay attention to details, follow work rules and adhere to work schedules.
  • Must be detail-oriented and possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize daily work in a high-pressure environment and maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to perform all essential job functions and multiple, high-priority tasks concurrently with strict and often short deadlines.
  • Must be self-motivated and perform the required and expected duties with minimal supervision.
  • Must possess good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization in a professional, diplomatic, and tactful manner.
  • Ability to conduct independent research into networking issues and products as required.
  • Must possess a strong customer service orientation.

Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.

About the Company

K

Kinder Morgan Inc