*This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Ann Arbor, MI. During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week. Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week.

Technical Operations consists of talented, enthusiastic people who are at Merit because they believe in Merit's mission, and because they enjoy what they do. Technical Operations are driven by Merit values and are committed to making a difference in Merit communities.

As part of Technical Operations, the Network Operations team provides high performing network services, infrastructure, security and support to Merit members, customers and staff.

The Associate Network Engineer will report to the Executive Director of Network Operations.  The qualified individual will be responsible for network operations to install, operate, administer and assist in setting the technical direction of Merit Network staff and customers.  

This position will require flexible hours, participation in on-call rotation, and work outside normal business hours to support network changes and upgrades during defined maintenance windows.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/ 

Have questions about the role or want to learn more before applying? 

Join our informal, open-forum Zoom sessions to connect with the hiring team! Drop in at any time during the hour and stay as long as you'd like - whether you have specific questions or just want to listen in. 

Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 12pm-1pm EST | Click Here to Join The  Zoom Meeting

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E). 

As the Associate Network Engineer,  this position's key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Operational Support Activity (60%)

• Configure and install Core, Metro and Edge network equipment with inter and intra-routing sessions. (E) 
• Contribute to network troubleshooting resolution for routing and other service related issues. (E) 
• Configure and support BGP peering sessions with external peers and customers. (E)
• Sales support, including meeting on site with members, phone consultations and developing scope of work plans for members. (E)

Network Engineering, Planning, and Project Activity (30%)

• Recommend technologies and equipment to management for new network service requirements. Work with product development on new services to be carried on the Merit network. (E)
• Participate in network engineering planning and change review teams. 
• Initiate data entry and create data management tracking processes. (E)
• Support network monitoring and resolution activities applicable to ongoing network maintenance and implementation efforts. 

Miscellaneous (10%)

• Establish group subject matter expertise in infrastructure platforms and back up and participate in knowledge transfers with team members. 
• Provide operational/supplemental analysis and reporting as needed for operations, IT and finance partners. 
• Participate in professional development activities to continually improve skills and knowledge in the areas of, networking services and customer service. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.  

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and up to weights throughout the office or building.

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related major, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience with network engineering infrastructure and/or field service engineering
• Hardware knowledge and problem solving skills are essential.
• Understanding of Network-based service monitoring and management tool experience with focus on trouble and service issue resolution
• Ability to work alone as an individual contributor.
• Experience with using diagnostic tools
• Ability to support ongoing  network solutions and procedures for a statewide regional network that carries unified services to an educational, research and medical community.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with technical tools, updating database software, Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat pro.
• Strong desire to provide exceptional service to the Merit community.
• Ability to contribute and collaborate effectively as a member of a highly-functioning and productive team.
• Be available to work overtime on short notice when required and participate in on-call duties.

• Knowledge of Layer 2 technologies using cross platform switching fabrics.
• Valid certification CCNA/CCNP and/or JNCIA/JNCIS.
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN systems, networks and applications, including TCP/IP networking, sub-netting and routing protocols, multicast, IPv4, IPv6, VOIP and PBX experience desired.
• Ability to present solutions to team and community members.
• Optical network knowledge and experience.
• Public speaking and technical writing experience.
• Experience working with higher education, K-12 educational institutions, libraries, research institutions, governmental organizations, and other public sector non-profit organizations is a plus.

Starting salary range is $65,000-$70,000, depending on experience and credentials. 

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance
• Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career
• And more, discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits 

If you have any other questions regarding this role, please contact hr@merit.edu.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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