📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer
Company: Photon
Location: San Francisco, CA, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Network Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 21, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site only

🚀 Role Summary

Design and support data networks for diverse environments, including data centers, corporate facilities, and retail stores.
Lead installation and configuration activities, ensuring system optimization and compliance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish strategies, standards, and capacity plans.
Oversee monitoring, system access, and resource administration, while supporting incident resolution.
Contribute to process improvements and best practices to achieve goals and stabilize emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in network design, system documentation, and project management. Familiarity with data center environments and corporate network infrastructure is essential.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Design & Support: Design and support data networks for various environments, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.
System Documentation: Document systems requirements and author solution designs, while reviewing and providing feedback on other team members' designs.
Capacity Planning: Establish and maintain system capacity plans to meet growing demands and ensure network stability.
Installation & Configuration: Lead or participate in installation and configuration activities, ensuring systems are set up correctly and optimized for performance.
System Monitoring & Administration: Oversee monitoring, system access, and resource administration, ensuring systems are secure and running smoothly.
Incident Resolution: Support incident resolution, troubleshooting network issues, and minimizing downtime.
Project Management: Work on projects of moderate complexity, overseeing team dependencies, critical paths, and providing work breakdown planning and estimation.
Risk Management & Process Improvement: Identify and mitigate risks, propose process improvements, and contribute to best practices to achieve goals and stabilize emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong technical skills in network design, configuration, and administration. Experience with data center environments and corporate network infrastructure is highly desirable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCIE) are a plus.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in network engineering, with a strong focus on data center environments and corporate network infrastructure.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in network design, configuration, and administration.
Strong knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, etc.) and network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.).
Experience with data center environments and corporate network infrastructure.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to oversee team dependencies and critical paths.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Familiarity with network monitoring tools and incident management processes.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with cloud-based network infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for network automation.
Knowledge of network security best practices and compliance standards.
Experience with network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN) technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in network engineering, coupled with experience in data center environments and corporate network infrastructure, will be well-suited for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A portfolio showcasing your network design and configuration projects, highlighting your ability to create scalable, high-performance networks.
Case studies demonstrating your problem-solving skills, risk mitigation strategies, and process improvement initiatives.
Examples of your system documentation, including network diagrams, configuration guides, and troubleshooting procedures.

Technical Documentation:

Detailed network diagrams and topology maps, clearly illustrating network components and their interconnections.
Configuration guides and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for network devices and systems.
Troubleshooting guides and incident response plans, demonstrating your ability to resolve network issues effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will demonstrate your technical expertise in network design, configuration, and administration, as well as your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is USD 38,000 to USD 133,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a reasonable and good faith estimate for the role.

Benefits:

Medical, vision, and dental benefits for full-time employees.
401k retirement plan for full-time employees.
Variable pay/incentives for full-time employees.
Paid time off and paid holidays for full-time employees.

Working Hours: Full-time employees are expected to work 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows and maintenance activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for mid-level network engineering roles in the San Francisco, CA area. Benefits are competitive and designed to support the well-being of full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Photon is a global technology company specializing in digital modernization, with a focus on powering digital experiences for Fortune 500 companies.

Company Size: Photon has grown from a few people to over 4000 team members across the globe, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and career growth.

Founded: Photon was founded in 1999 and has since established itself as a leader in digital modernization, with a strong focus on innovation and continuous learning.

Team Structure:

The network engineering team is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting network solutions for various environments, including data centers and corporate facilities.
The team works closely with cross-functional teams, including IT project managers, system administrators, and software developers, to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.
The team is structured to support the needs of the business, with a focus on high availability, optimal performance, and security.

Development Methodology:

Photon uses Agile methodologies for project management, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.
The network engineering team works closely with other teams to establish strategies, standards, and capacity plans, ensuring network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.
The team follows best practices for network design, configuration, and administration, with a strong emphasis on documentation and knowledge sharing.

Company Website: Photon

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's company culture is focused on innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration. The network engineering team plays a critical role in supporting the company's digital modernization efforts, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineer Career Level: This role is at the mid-level (2-5 years) experience level, with a focus on network design, configuration, and administration. The ideal candidate will have experience in data center environments and corporate network infrastructure, with a strong background in project management and risk mitigation.

Reporting Structure: The network engineer reports directly to the network engineering manager, who is responsible for overseeing the team's activities and ensuring network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.

Technical Impact: The network engineer plays a critical role in ensuring network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives. They work closely with cross-functional teams to establish strategies, standards, and capacity plans, ensuring network solutions are scalable, high-performing, and secure.

Growth Opportunities:

Senior Network Engineer: With additional experience and proven leadership skills, the network engineer may advance to a senior role, overseeing more complex network projects and mentoring junior team members.
Network Architect: With a strong background in network design and a deep understanding of network infrastructure, the network engineer may transition into a network architect role, focusing on designing large-scale, complex network solutions.
Team Lead/Manager: With experience in project management and team leadership, the network engineer may advance to a team lead or manager role, overseeing the activities of the network engineering team and driving strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on continuous learning and innovation. The network engineering team plays a critical role in supporting the company's digital modernization efforts, with ample opportunities for advancement and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Photon's office environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous learning. The network engineering team works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.

Office Location(s): Photon's global headquarters is located in San Francisco, CA, with additional offices in various locations around the world.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The network engineering team works in an open, collaborative workspace, with ample opportunities for interaction and knowledge sharing with cross-functional teams.
Development Tools & Resources: The team has access to the latest network design and configuration tools, as well as extensive documentation and knowledge-sharing resources.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The network engineering team works closely with other teams, including IT project managers, system administrators, and software developers, to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.

Work Schedule: Full-time employees are expected to work 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows and maintenance activities. Photon offers a flexible work arrangement, with the option to work remotely or on-site, depending on the specific needs of the role and the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's work environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous learning. The network engineering team plays a critical role in supporting the company's digital modernization efforts, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on network design, configuration, and administration tasks.
On-site Interview: A comprehensive on-site interview, including a tour of the office, meetings with team members, and a discussion of the company's culture and values.
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's goals and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your network design and configuration projects, demonstrating your ability to create scalable, high-performance networks.
Include case studies that showcase your problem-solving skills, risk mitigation strategies, and process improvement initiatives.
Provide detailed network diagrams and topology maps, clearly illustrating network components and their interconnections.
Include configuration guides and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for network devices and systems, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, etc.) and network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.).
Familiarize yourself with network monitoring tools and incident management processes.
Prepare for questions about your experience with data center environments and corporate network infrastructure.

ATS Keywords: Network Design, Network Configuration, Network Administration, Data Center, Corporate Network Infrastructure, Project Management, Risk Mitigation, Network Protocols, Network Hardware, Network Monitoring, Incident Management, Agile Methodologies, Team Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing, Continuous Learning, Innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's goals and objectives. A strong portfolio and thorough preparation for the technical assessment and on-site interview will increase your chances of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Hardware:

Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls
Arista switches
Juniper routers and switches
F5 load balancers

Network Protocols:

TCP/IP
DNS
DHCP
BGP
OSPF
EIGRP
MPLS
VLAN
QoS
ACLs
NAT

Network Monitoring Tools:

SolarWinds NPM
Nagios
Zabbix
Prometheus
Grafana

Incident Management Tools:

ServiceNow
JIRA Service Desk
Remedyforce
Freshservice

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's technology stack includes a wide range of network hardware, protocols, and monitoring tools. Familiarity with these technologies is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Innovation: Photon values innovation and encourages team members to think creatively and push the boundaries of what's possible.
Collaboration: The network engineering team works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.
Continuous Learning: Photon fosters a culture of continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and skill development.
Customer Focus: The network engineering team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The network engineering team works closely with other teams, including IT project managers, system administrators, and software developers, to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives.
Code Review Culture: The team follows best practices for network design, configuration, and administration, with a strong emphasis on documentation and knowledge sharing.
Peer Programming: The network engineering team works closely together, sharing knowledge and skills to ensure network solutions are scalable, high-performing, and secure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's network engineering team values innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus. The team works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure network solutions meet project requirements and business objectives, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and skill development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Complexity: Designing, configuring, and administering networks for complex, large-scale environments, including data centers and corporate facilities.
High Availability: Ensuring network solutions are highly available, with minimal downtime and maximum performance.
Security Compliance: Ensuring network solutions meet security compliance standards and best practices.
Emerging Technologies: Staying up-to-date with emerging network technologies and integrating them into existing infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Networking Events: Attending industry conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in network engineering.
Certification Programs: Pursuing relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCIE) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.
Mentorship Programs: Participating in mentorship programs to develop your skills and advance your career.

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's network engineering team faces a range of technical challenges, from network complexity and high availability to security compliance and emerging technologies. The team offers numerous learning and development opportunities, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Design: Describe your approach to network design, including your consideration of scalability, performance, and security.
Network Configuration: Walk through your process for configuring network devices, including your approach to best practices and documentation.
Network Administration: Explain your approach to network administration, including your strategies for monitoring, incident management, and process improvement.
Project Management: Discuss your experience with project management, including your approach to team leadership, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.
Emerging Technologies: Describe your experience with emerging network technologies and your approach to integrating them into existing infrastructure.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Describe what you value in a company culture and how you see Photon's culture aligning with your expectations.
Team Collaboration: Explain your approach to team collaboration, including your experience working with cross-functional teams and your strategies for knowledge sharing and skill development.
Continuous Learning: Discuss your commitment to continuous learning and your approach to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in network engineering.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Design: Highlight your network design projects, demonstrating your ability to create scalable, high-performance networks.
Network Configuration: Showcase your network configuration projects, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.
Network Administration: Include examples of your network administration projects, demonstrating your approach to monitoring, incident management, and process improvement.
Project Management: Highlight your project management experience, including your approach to team leadership, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's goals and objectives. Thorough preparation and a strong portfolio will increase your chances of success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this network engineer position at Photon:

Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your network engineering experience, focusing on network design, configuration, and administration. Include relevant keywords and examples of your work.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to showcase your network design and configuration projects, demonstrating your ability to create scalable, high-performance networks. Include case studies that showcase your problem-solving skills, risk mitigation strategies, and process improvement initiatives.
Research Photon: Learn about Photon's company culture, values, and technology stack. Familiarize yourself with the company's focus on innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration.
Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on your knowledge of network protocols, hardware, and monitoring tools. Prepare for questions about your experience with data center environments and corporate network infrastructure. Practice your portfolio presentation and be ready to discuss your approach to network design, configuration, and administration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and network engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Photon before making application decisions.

Network Engineer - San Francisco, CA