Network Engineer III / Information Technologist III

Working/Functional Title

Network Engineer III

Position Summary

The Network Planning team designs and engineers MSU’s wired and wireless networks, provides escalation support for complex issues, and leads infrastructure initiatives that support teaching, research, and business operations across the university. Reporting to the Network Planning Manager, the Network Engineer III will primarily perform the following duties:

• Design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and other network devices.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to plan and execute network expansion and upgrade projects.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for network architecture, configurations, and procedures.
• Respond to and resolve complex network issues and emergencies in a timely manner.
• Work within established configuration and change management policies to ensure awareness, approval and success of changes made to the network infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior technicians and support staff.
• Take part in on-call duty rotation during off/non-business hours.

Michigan State University (MSU) is ranked #29 among public universities and #64 overall in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2026. Located in East Lansing, three miles east of the state’s capitol, the MSU community includes more than 12,000 faculty, academic and support staff, as well as over 51,000 students. MSU offers an extensive benefits package to its employees including health care, prescription, and dental coverage, and a base retirement program with a University matching contribution, as well as basic life insurance. In addition, MSU offers educational benefits including a course fee courtesy program and educational assistance.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting information technology (IT) across MSU. MSU IT offers technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, and advancing engagement.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field; and five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, etc.); network monitoring, network diagnostic, and network analytics tools; supporting enterprise network security architectures, including firewall design and troubleshooting; and  experience overseeing large, complex or critical information technology projects; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Network certifications a plus.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, JNCIP, JNCIS) highly desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of network protocols, IP addressing, routing, switching, and security principles.
• Experience with MPLS, EVPN-VXLAN, private cloud connectivity, and data center networking technologies.
• Proficiency with Unix/Linux operating systems, network monitoring, and management tools.
• Strong communication, collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading complex troubleshooting efforts, mentoring technical staff, and implementing network changes with minimal service disruption.
• Experience configuring dynamic routing on Palo Alto firewalls preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions

Please provide three professional references who are knowledgeable of your work.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

tech.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November 10, 2026, at 11:55 PM