Network Engineer, Specialist

Vanguard

Vanguard

IT

Charlotte, NC, USA

Posted on May 1, 2026
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:
    • 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.