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Network Engineer, Specialist

Today Charlotte, NC

Sr. Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer - (Tier 3)

Position Summary
The Senior-Level NOC Engineer (Tier 3) functions as the highest technical escalation point within the global Network Operations Center. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, architecture-level insight, and deep subject matter expertise across complex, multi-vendor network infrastructures. Tier 3 support engineers lead root-cause analysis, oversee major incidents, influence network design standards, and partner with engineering teams to drive stability, scalability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Advanced Incident & Problem Management
- Acts as the final escalation point for all high-severity incidents, providing advanced packet analysis, protocol decoding, and cross-platform correlation.
- Performs deep-dive RCA, producing engineering-quality post-incident documentation and recommending long-term corrective actions.
- Leads network recovery efforts during outages involving routing instability, security events, hardware failures, or cloud connectivity issues.

Architecture-Level Network Expertise
- Expert proficiency with Cisco IOS, Nexus OS, ACI, and Juniper Junos, with the ability to interpret and troubleshoot complex multi-tier architectures.
- Designs and validates routing topologies, including large-scale enterprise BGP and OSPF deployments, multi-homing, route reflectors, graceful restart, fast reroute, and policy-based routing.
- Deep understanding of F5 LTM/GTM, load-balancing behaviors, DNS architectures, and SSL offloading.

Security, Cloud, & Advanced Platforms
- Expert-level support for Cisco ASA, Palo Alto NGFW, IPSec architecture, segmentation policies, and security posture validation.
- Advanced experience with AWS Direct Connect, cloud routing, hybrid architectures, and troubleshooting cloud edge connectivity.
- Leads analysis of Wi-Fi performance across Aruba WLANs, RF tuning, interference mitigation, and controller-based troubleshooting.

Tools, Automation & Visibility
- Mastery of packet analysis tools: Solarwinds, APCON, Wireshark, netflow/sflow platforms.
- Develops automation scripts for configuration validation, monitoring, and incident response workflows.
- Evaluates and integrates new operational tools and observability platforms.

Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partners with Network Engineering to validate new designs, perform pre-deployment testing, and influence standards.
- Mentors junior and mid-level NOC engineers, providing technical coaching, lab guidance, and training material.
- Engages directly with vendors for escalated TAC cases, hardware escalations, and architectural reviews.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in network administration, including advanced troubleshooting, network design, and implementation.
  • Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, IT, Electronics & Communication) or MCA, or equivalent practical experience.
    CCNA, CCNP, or CCDP certifications preferred.
  • Extensive enterprise network operations and engineering experience, supporting large-scale, complex environments, with exposure to Tier 3 escalations and high-availability architectures.
  • Expertise in routing, switching, and WAN technologies, including:

    • Advanced BGP, OSPF, and VRF design and operations
    • MPLS fundamentals, L2/L3 architectures, and enterprise WAN solutions
    • Load balancing and resilient network design
  • Strong network security expertise, including:

    • Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS
    • Hands-on experience with security-centric platforms and policy-driven architectures
  • Cloud networking experience across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, including hybrid connectivity and cloud-integrated network designs.
  • Proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnostics, including:

    • PCAP analysis, deep packet inspection, and root-cause analysis
    • Advanced troubleshooting across routing, switching, security, and cloud networks
  • Hands-on experience with leading networking and security platforms, including:

    • Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Aruba, Palo Alto, and F5 ecosystems
  • Proficiency with network monitoring and operations tools, such as:

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  • SolarWinds, Wireshark, and enterprise Operations Monitoring platforms
  • Automation and scripting capabilities using Python and PowerShell to improve network efficiency, reliability, and operational scale.
  • ITSM and workflow tool experience, including ServiceNow and Jira, supporting incident, problem, change, and escalation management.
  • Strong operational leadership skills, including the ability to:

    • Lead and coordinate major incidents under pressure
    • Provide clear, effective communication during outages and escalations
    • Drive resolution across cross-functional technical teams
  • Participation in 24x7 Tier 3 escalation rotation, including support for after-hours change execution and major network event coverage as required.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, with proven ability to manage complex network issues, escalations, and operational monitoring responsibilities.

  • Preferred Skills:

    Cloud networking experience across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, including hybrid connectivity and cloud-integrated network designs.

    Special Factors

    Sponsorship
    Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

    About Vanguard

    At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.

    To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

    How We Work

    Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.

    Client-provided location(s): Charlotte, NC, Wayne, PA
    Job ID: Vanguard-177250
    Employment Type: FULL_TIME
    Posted: 2026-05-01T20:28:05

    Perks and Benefits

    • Health and Wellness

      • FSA
      • HSA
      • Health Reimbursement Account
      • Fitness Subsidies
      • On-Site Gym
      • HSA With Employer Contribution
      • Health Insurance
      • Dental Insurance
      • Vision Insurance
      • Life Insurance
      • Short-Term Disability
      • Long-Term Disability
      • Mental Health Benefits
      • Virtual Fitness Classes
      • Pet Insurance
    • Parental Benefits

      • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
      • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
      • Fertility Benefits
      • Adoption Assistance Program
      • Family Support Resources
      • Adoption Leave
    • Work Flexibility

      • Flexible Work Hours
      • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Office Life and Perks

      • Company Outings
      • Commuter Benefits Program
      • Casual Dress
      • Happy Hours
      • Snacks
      • Some Meals Provided
      • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Vacation and Time Off

      • Personal/Sick Days
      • Paid Holidays
      • Paid Vacation
      • Volunteer Time Off
      • Leave of Absence
    • Financial and Retirement

      • Relocation Assistance
      • Performance Bonus
      • 401(K) With Company Matching
      • 401(K)
      • Financial Counseling
      • Profit Sharing
    • Professional Development

      • Promote From Within
      • Mentor Program
      • Shadowing Opportunities
      • Access to Online Courses
      • Tuition Reimbursement
      • Internship Program
      • Lunch and Learns
      • Leadership Training Program
    • Diversity and Inclusion

      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
      • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

    Company Videos

    Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Vanguard.