Sr. Network Administrator

Luna Data Solutions has an immediate contract FOR HIRE position opening (contract term approximately 6 months before converting to a full time employee of the client's) with our client located in San Marcos, TX. *This is a 100% onsite position.

*Note: All candidates must be able to work on a W2 basis.

Role: Sr. Network Administrator

Positive Overview:
The Senior Network Administrator with Engineering and Architecture responsibilities will design, engineer, secure, and maintain the institution s enterprise network infrastructure. This role blends high-level architectural planning with hands-on engineering and operational support. The ideal candidate brings prior experience working within higher education environments, understanding the unique networking, security, and compliance needs of academic and research institutions.
Key Activities/Responsibilities:
Network Architecture & Design

• Architect scalable and secure network solutions for campus-wide LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center environments.
• Design network topologies for multi-campus institutions, research facilities, residence halls, and high-density wireless spaces.
• Implement routing architectures (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and advanced switching technologies (VLANs, STP, VxLAN, QoS).
• Develop Zero Trust and micro-segmentation strategies suitable for diverse academic user populations.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies aligned with institutional goals.

Network Engineering & Implementation

• Deploy and configure enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure across academic buildings, labs, and administrative offices.
• Engineer hybrid cloud connectivity (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform) and support cloud-based instructional technologies.
• Implement SD-WAN and modern campus network architectures.
• Use automation tools (Python, Ansible) for configuration management and network efficiency.
• Lead major network upgrades, migrations, and large-scale Wi-Fi deployments for campus environments.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee network availability and performance across academic facilities, dorms, research centers, and event venues.
• Provide Tier-3 support for complex network issues impacting instructional, administrative, and research operations.
• Manage DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, NTP, and IPAM systems.
• Maintain accurate documentation, campus network diagrams, and ITIL-based change records.

Security & Compliance

• Manage firewall policies, NAC, IDS/IPS, and secure remote access.
• Support compliance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST and CIS benchmarks.
• Partner with cybersecurity and IT governance teams to protect sensitive academic and research data.
• Lead network security architecture for campus-wide initiatives.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate with academic technology teams, research groups, facilities, and IT leadership.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior network staff.
• Act as a subject-matter expert on network architecture and strategy for higher-ed stakeholders.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Previous hands-on network experience in a higher education environment is required.
  • Experience supporting multi-building or multi-campus academic networks.
  • Familiarity with classroom technologies, research network needs, and identity/Wi-Fi systems used in higher ed.
• 7 10+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or administration.
• Strong expertise with networking platforms such as Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Aruba.
• Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, and network security fundamentals.
• Experience designing high-availability enterprise/campus networks.
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform) and hybrid architectures.
• Proficiency with monitoring and diagnostic tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, Wireshark, NetFlow).
• Experience with automation (Python, Ansible, PowerShell).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Higher education focused credentials such as:
  • Experience with eduroam, identity federation, Shibboleth, or campus authentication systems.
  • Experience supporting research networks, HPC environments, or grant-funded technology initiatives.
• Advanced certifications such as:
  • CCNP / CCIE
  • JNCIP / JNCIE
  • PCNSE, Fortinet NSE
  • AWS/Azure Networking Specialty
• Experience with VoIP, campus SD-WAN, wireless controllers (Aruba/Cisco), and EVPN/VXLAN.

Key Competencies

• Understanding of the unique operational needs of academic, research, and student environments.
• Strong communication skills for working with faculty, staff, students, and IT peers.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and support mission-critical campus services.
• Strategic thinking, leadership, and thorough documentation habits.

What we Offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits including health, dental, vision, voluntary life, STD, LTD insurance options, and more!

Luna Data Solutions, Inc. (LDS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment. LDS prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type regarding age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, national origin, genetics, protected veteran status, and/or disability status.