Associate Network Engineer

The Associate Network Engineer is responsible for supporting the operation, reliability, and day-to-day maintenance of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons’ network infrastructure. This position ensures secure and consistent network connectivity across correctional facilities, administrative offices, and supporting locations, enabling the Department’s critical public safety and business systems to function without interruption.

The Associate Network Engineer  performs hands-on network engineering work including running, terminating, and testing network cabling; configuring and supporting switches and routers; troubleshooting wired and wireless connectivity issues; and supporting basic network security and traffic flows. This role works collaboratively with the City’s central OIT network team while also maintaining the ability to work independently on assigned operational tasks and incident response activities within PDP facilities.

Network support is performed primarily onsite in a secure correctional environment and requires a strong focus on operational stability, documentation, and adherence to security and change-management procedures. The Associate Network Engineer plays a key role in maintaining the network services that support core department systems, staff operations, and facility communications.

Essential Functions

• Configure, deploy, and support network switches, routers, and wireless infrastructure in accordance with established standards
• Install, terminate, label, and test copper and fiber network cabling
• Troubleshoot wired and wireless network connectivity, performance, and hardware issues
• Support and maintain wireless access points and associated infrastructure
• Assist with basic firewall configurations, network segmentation, and traffic flows
• Collaborate with the central OIT network team on network operations, projects, and upgrades
• Monitor network health and respond to incidents, service requests, and outages as assigned
• Maintain accurate network documentation including diagrams, port assignments, and cabling records
• Participate in scheduled maintenance windows and occasional after-hours support
• Follow security, safety, and change-management procedures in a correctional environment

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Networking, Computer Science, or a related field
• Foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking, including IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and routing concepts
• Understanding of common network protocols such as TCP, UDP, DNS, and DHCP
• Ability to work independently on assigned network tasks while collaborating with centralized engineering teams
• Ability to work onsite in a secure correctional environment and participate in occasional after-hours maintenance or incident response

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience configuring or supporting network switches and/or routers through academic coursework, labs, internships, or professional experience
• Experience running, terminating, labeling, and testing structured network cabling (copper and/or fiber)
• Familiarity with enterprise or campus network environments
• Exposure to firewall platforms, network security principles, and traffic flow concepts
• Entry-level or associate-level networking certifications, such as:
  • CompTIA Network+
  • Juniper JNCIA-Junos
  • Cisco CCNA (or equivalent), preferred but not required
• Experience or coursework involving Juniper networking equipment and Junos OS

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals including IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and routing basics
• Working knowledge of common network protocols such as TCP, UDP, DNS, DHCP, and HTTP/HTTPS
• Basic understanding of firewall concepts, network traffic flows, and access control principles
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with centralized engineering teams
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, standards, and network diagrams
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Additional Information

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 

Starting salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications. 

All applications should include the following: 
•    Cover Letter clarifying your interest and qualifications for the role.
•    Resume
We won’t accept or review incomplete applications.

Work Setting: in-person (onsite)

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
•    We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
•    Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
•    Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
•    Generous retirement savings options are available
•    Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
•    Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
•    Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
 

About the Company

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well being.

The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.