About this position
Job Description
Job Description
We invite individuals who are enthusiastic about the aviation industry and dedicated to providing a world-class experience to apply. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, supports each other's development, and embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.
Serving as Michigan's second busiest airport and recognized as the best small airport in the country by USA Today, Gerald R. Ford International Airport stands as a testament to West Michigan's vibrant growth. The airport serves over four million passengers annually, with eight commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 35 destinations. As a vital economic engine in the region, it supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes over $7 billion to the economy each year.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has received multiple awards from Airports Council International World's 2023 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, including Best airport 2 to 5 million passengers in North America; Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff in North America; Easiest Airport Journey in North America; Most Enjoyable Airport in North America; and Cleanest Airport in North America. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport is committed to creating an exceptional travel experience for our passengers while fostering growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan. Our team is dedicated, passionate, and focused on innovation, making it a great place to build a rewarding career.
JOB SUMMARY:
Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Airport's enterprise network and telecommunications environment. This role is responsible for supporting the organization's wired and wireless network infrastructure, telecommunications systems, network security, remote connectivity, and operational technology (OT) communications that enable critical airport operations.
This is a hands-on engineering role requiring both network architecture knowledge and deep technical implementation capability, with a strong focus on enterprise networking, wireless infrastructure, telecommunications, secure connectivity, network segmentation, and operational resilience.
Plays a critical role in ensuring the Airport's network and telecommunications environment is secure, reliable, scalable, and aligned with operational, regulatory, and business requirements.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Designs, implements, and maintains enterprise network and telecommunications infrastructure.
- Designs, implements, and supports wired, wireless, and remote connectivity solutions across airport facilities.
- Configures and manages core switching, routing, firewalls, VPNs, network access control, and secure communications.
- Implements and maintains network segmentation, zoning, and secure connectivity strategies supporting enterprise and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Designs and supports high-availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery solutions for critical network infrastructure.
- Monitors network performance, capacity, availability, and operational health.
- Supports telecommunications systems, including voice, wireless, carrier services, DAS, and related communications technologies.
- Collaborates with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure network architecture and implementation.
- Implements Zero Trust networking principles in coordination with cybersecurity initiatives.
- Supports connectivity for enterprise applications, cloud services, operational technologies, airline systems, and third-party vendors.
- Ensures alignment with regulatory requirements (TSA, FAA, NIST).
- Supports audits, assessments, vulnerability remediation, and network risk management activities.
- Develops and maintains network standards, documentation, and operational procedures.
- Evaluates networking technologies, telecommunications services, and vendor solutions.
- Provides technical leadership and guidance for network and telecommunications initiatives.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Enterprise Networking – Working knowledge of enterprise LAN, WAN, wireless networking, routing, switching, network segmentation, software-defined networking, and high-availability network design.
- Telecommunications – Working knowledge of voice systems, SIP, VoIP, carrier services, distributed antenna systems (DAS), wireless technologies, fiber infrastructure, and telecommunications architecture.
- Network Security – Working knowledge of firewalls, VPN technologies, network access control (NAC), Zero Trust networking, secure remote access, segmentation, and intrusion prevention technologies.
- Cloud & Connectivity – Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking, hybrid connectivity, VPN gateways, ExpressRoute, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise cloud networking concepts.
- Monitoring & Performance – Working knowledge of enterprise network monitoring, performance optimization, traffic analysis, troubleshooting, capacity planning, and operational support.
- Strong hands-on network engineering capability.
- Ability to design and implement secure, scalable, and resilient network environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to operate independently and lead network initiatives.
- Strong communication skills with both technical and executive audiences.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise networking and telecommunications.
- Proven experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructure.
- Demonstrated experience supporting large-scale wired, wireless, telecommunications, and secure network environments.
- Experience supporting Microsoft Azure networking and hybrid connectivity solutions is preferred.
- Experience supporting mission-critical or regulated environments including aviation, transportation, government, or healthcare is preferred.
NOTES:
- Candidate must be able to pass required FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
CONTACTS:
This position has frequent contact with:
- Airport Authority staff and airport tenants.
- Technology vendors, telecommunications providers, airlines, consultants, contractors, and external partners.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Preferred certifications include one or more of the following:
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Enterprise)
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) (preferred)
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
- Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) or Fortinet Certified Professional
- Aruba Certified Professional or equivalent enterprise wireless certification
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
- Equivalent education, experience, and certifications may be considered.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to occasionally lift and move networking and telecommunications equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work in telecommunications rooms, data centers, equipment closets, terminal facilities, rooftops, and airport operational environments.
- Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer.
- Ability to travel throughout airport facilities as required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Critical infrastructure environment supporting airport operations.
- Participation in on-call escalation support, network maintenance, and operational response activities.
- Collaboration across IT domains including infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, operations, airlines, telecommunications providers, and external technology partners.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- May provide technical guidance, project leadership, and work coordination for network and telecommunications initiatives. Direct supervisory responsibilities may be assigned as organizational needs evolve.
Location and commute
3970 S Greenbrooke Dr Se, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-2998261496.