📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer (VA3) (1716)
Company: CoreSite
Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Network Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 30, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site (with on-call rotation)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Provide 8x5 support for network infrastructure, troubleshoot and resolve network issues, manage small projects independently, and ensure network reliability and scalability.
Key Technologies: Ethernet, TDM, MPLS, VPLS, trunking, port configuration, SONET, DWDM, BGP routing, and network monitoring tools.
Team Context: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal network performance and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on customer service and the ability to work effectively with various teams to resolve network-related issues promptly.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Support: Provide 8x5 support for network infrastructure, including troubleshooting and resolution of network-related issues.
Network Monitoring: Continuously monitor network equipment via network monitoring systems (NMS) and respond to SNMP trap alarm notifications.
Network Configuration & Maintenance: Configure and maintain network equipment, including Ethernet switches, MPLS routers, DWDM, and BGP routing.
Project Management: Manage small projects independently, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Customer Support: Provide support on general customer-related questions and special requests, such as rDNS name changes and traffic utilization.
Maintenance Windows: Implement maintenance windows for software upgrades, hardware failures, and migrations.
Inventory Management: Maintain inventory database for network equipment.
Special Projects: Assist in deploying and configuring network equipment and participate in special projects as assigned.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure, as network issues can arise at any time and may need to be resolved promptly to minimize customer impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or trade school degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum 5 years of networking experience with Brocade/Extreme, Nokia, and Cisco OS or equivalent.

Required Skills:

Good knowledge of switched network topologies, MPLS, VPLS, trunking, and port configuration.
Good knowledge of network tools such as ping, traceroute, ssh, and nslookup.
Good understanding of the OSI Reference Model and digital hierarchy: DS0, DS1, DS3, and SONET networks.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Experience working with SONET network elements and DWDM.
Good understanding of peering or experience working with Internet Exchange Points.
Experience working in a data center environment.
Experience dealing with Tier 1 & 2 carriers, ISPs, etc.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Understanding of copper and fiber cabling.
Proficient with MS Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel and Visio.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with network automation and scripting.
Familiarity with network virtualization and SDN concepts.
Knowledge of network security best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, having experience with network automation and scripting would be highly beneficial for this role, as it would enable the candidate to streamline network management tasks and improve overall efficiency.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of network topologies, protocols, and configuration techniques.
Showcase experience with network monitoring tools and troubleshooting methodologies.
Highlight successful network projects, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
Include any relevant certifications, such as Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or similar, to validate your expertise.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed network diagrams and documentation for complex network projects.
Include network configuration files and scripts, demonstrating your ability to manage network infrastructure efficiently.
Showcase your understanding of network security best practices and how you've implemented them in previous projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-curated portfolio will help demonstrate your technical proficiency and commitment to network infrastructure management, making you a strong candidate for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Network Engineer with 5-10 years of experience in the United States)

Benefits:

First-day medical insurance through Cigna with generous premium cost coverage.
Dental insurance through Delta Dental.
Vision insurance through VSP.
Telemedicine through MDLive for Cigna.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) plans.
Health saving account (HSA) plans for employees participating in the High Deductible Health Plan.
Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance fully paid by the company.
Voluntary coverage benefits for supplemental life, critical illness, accident, and hospital insurance.
First-day eligibility for 401(k) savings plan through Fidelity, which includes an attractive matching company contribution with a 5% company match.
Discretionary annual bonus and equity incentive plan.
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) with a 15% discount.
16 days of paid time off (PTO), 11 paid company holidays, and additional floating holidays.
Additional paid time off for school events, elder care, volunteering, bereavement, jury duty, voting, parental leave, and disability leave.
Free parking or a company contribution toward a public transit pass.
Wellness Reimbursement Program: Yearly stipend of $500 for employees and $300 for dependents, up to $800 total for the family.
Wellness Incentive Program: Participate in various wellbeing activities to earn up to $450 per year in cash incentives.
Technology Stipend: $100 monthly stipend.
Educational Reimbursement Program: Work-related learning and development with reimbursement on qualifying degree programs, up to $5,250 per year.
Giving Back: Charitable donation matches up to $5,000 per year and nominate organizations for Company Foundation grants.
Financial Management: Access to financial coaching, digital tools, and services to manage and pay student loan debt quicker.
Pet Insurance: Keep your furry friends healthy and happy.
Family Planning: Benefits and services related to fertility, pregnancy, menopause, adoption, and surrogacy.
Employee Assistance Program: 24x7 service to support family, work, money, health, legal, and life challenges.
Counseling and Caregiving Programs: Including access to mental health services, licensed counselors, and caregiving tools including membership for finding care.
Referral Bonus: Receive a $3,000 cash bonus if referred candidate is hired and meets eligibility requirements.
Discounts: Discounts, cash back offers, and perks on thousands of brands.
LinkedIn Learning Membership: Support your development when accessing LinkedIn’s online library of courses and videos.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite offers an extensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and various wellness and financial management programs. This package demonstrates CoreSite's commitment to supporting the well-being and professional growth of its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Center and Network Services

Company Size: Medium to Large (approximately 500-10,000 employees)

Founded: 2001

Team Structure:

The Network Engineer role will work closely with the Network Operations team, collaborating with various teams, including Network Engineering, Data Center Operations, and Customer Support.
The role will report directly to the Senior Network Engineer or Manager of Network Operations.

Development Methodology:

CoreSite follows industry-standard network engineering practices and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework for service management.
The company uses Agile methodologies for project management and continuous improvement.

Company Website: www.coresite.com

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's culture emphasizes operational excellence, innovation, and a relentless drive for improvement. The company fosters a collaborative environment where every team member is valued, and ownership is part of its DNA.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineer Career Level: Mid-level to Senior, responsible for managing network infrastructure, providing technical support, and driving network optimization and expansion projects.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Network Engineer or Manager of Network Operations, with opportunities to lead small teams or mentor junior engineers as experience and skills develop.

Technical Impact: The Network Engineer role has a significant impact on network performance, reliability, and scalability, ensuring optimal customer experience and supporting CoreSite's growth and expansion initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

Network Architect: Transition into a network architecture role, focusing on network design, strategy, and long-term planning.
Senior Network Engineer: Progress to a senior-level role, managing a team of network engineers and driving network operations and maintenance strategies.
Technical Trainer: Develop expertise in network technologies and tools, becoming a technical trainer and mentor for junior engineers.
Vendor Management: Build relationships with network equipment vendors, negotiating contracts, and driving product adoption and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite offers various growth opportunities for Network Engineers, including technical leadership roles, architecture-focused positions, and vendor management. These paths enable engineers to develop their skills and advance their careers within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a hybrid work arrangement for some roles, including the Network Engineer position.

Office Location(s): Reston, Virginia, United States

Workspace Context:

CoreSite's data centers are state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide secure, reliable, and scalable network infrastructure.
Network Engineers will work in a collaborative environment, sharing office space with other technical teams and support staff.
The workspace includes multiple monitors, network tools, and other resources necessary for effective network management and troubleshooting.

Work Schedule:

The Network Engineer role operates on an 8x5 support schedule, with on-call rotation for 24x7 coverage.
The work schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support network operations and maintenance activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The company provides the resources and support necessary for Network Engineers to excel in their roles and advance their careers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess communication skills and technical proficiency.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on network configuration, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and other team members, focusing on cultural fit, team dynamics, and long-term career goals.
Final Decision: A review of the candidate's performance throughout the interview process, with a final decision made by the hiring manager.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight network projects that demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.
Include network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation that showcase your ability to manage complex network infrastructure.
Emphasize your understanding of network security best practices and how you've implemented them in previous projects.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on network protocols, configuration techniques, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Familiarize yourself with network tools and monitoring systems, such as ping, traceroute, ssh, and nslookup.
Review network topologies, including Ethernet, MPLS, VPLS, and SONET, and practice configuring and managing network equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's interview process focuses on assessing technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your network engineering expertise, you'll increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Infrastructure:

Core Network: MPLS, VPLS, and Ethernet connectivity, with BGP routing and OSPF protocols.
Access Network: Ethernet connectivity, with VLAN tagging and QoS (Quality of Service) policies.
WAN Connectivity: TDM circuits (T1, E1, DS3, OCx), IP/MPLS, and Ethernet over Copper (EoC) services.
Network Equipment: Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and Brocade routers, switches, and firewalls.
Network Monitoring: SolarWinds, Nagios, and other network monitoring tools.

Data Center Infrastructure:

Server Platforms: Dell, HP, and Cisco server platforms.
Storage: EMC, NetApp, and Dell storage solutions.
Power & Cooling: Liebert, APC, and Raritan power and cooling systems.
Cabling: Fiber optic and copper cabling infrastructure.

Cloud & Virtualization:

Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Virtualization: VMware, KVM, and Hyper-V virtualization platforms.
Containerization: Docker and Kubernetes containerization platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's technology stack includes industry-leading network, server, and cloud infrastructure solutions. Familiarity with these technologies and platforms will be essential for success in the Network Engineer role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineer Values:

Customer Focus: Prioritize customer needs and ensure optimal network performance and reliability.
Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to resolve network-related issues promptly and efficiently.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with emerging network technologies and best practices.
Proactive Problem Solving: Anticipate and address network issues proactively to minimize customer impact.
Attention to Detail: Maintain a strong focus on network configuration, documentation, and inventory management.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with data center operations, customer support, and other technical teams to ensure optimal network performance and customer satisfaction.
Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to improve network configuration and management practices.
Peer Mentoring: Collaborate with junior engineers and other team members to share expertise and foster a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's network engineering team values customer focus, collaboration, and continuous learning. By embracing these values and working effectively with cross-functional teams, Network Engineers can drive network optimization, improve customer satisfaction, and advance their careers within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Complexity: Manage complex network topologies, including MPLS, VPLS, Ethernet, and SONET, with a focus on performance optimization and scalability.
Legacy Infrastructure: Maintain and upgrade legacy network equipment, balancing the need for modernization with budget and resource constraints.
Emerging Technologies: Stay current with emerging network technologies, such as SDN, NFV, and network automation, and evaluate their potential impact on CoreSite's network infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Network Certification: Pursue industry-recognized network certifications, such as Cisco CCNA, CCNP, or similar, to validate your expertise and advance your career.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events, such as Cisco Live, Interop, or other network-focused events, to stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.
Mentorship Programs: Participate in mentorship programs, both as a mentee and mentor, to develop your technical skills and leadership abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: CoreSite's technical challenges and growth opportunities enable Network Engineers to develop their skills, drive network optimization, and advance their careers within the organization. By embracing these challenges and pursuing continuous learning, Network Engineers can make a significant impact on CoreSite's network infrastructure and contribute to the company's success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Fundamentals: Demonstrate a strong understanding of network protocols, configuration techniques, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Network Architecture: Explain network topologies, including Ethernet, MPLS, VPLS, and SONET, and discuss their application in real-world scenarios.
Network Security: Describe network security best practices and how you've implemented them in previous projects.
Network Monitoring: Discuss network monitoring tools and strategies, and explain how you've used them to identify and resolve network issues.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Explain what you understand about CoreSite's company culture and how you can contribute to a positive work environment.
Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in a team environment and how you've contributed to team success in previous roles.
Problem-Solving: Provide examples of complex network issues you've faced and how you've resolved them, demonstrating your ability to think critically and act decisively under pressure.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Projects: Highlight network projects that demonstrate your technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex network infrastructure.
Network Documentation: Include network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation that showcase your ability to manage complex network infrastructure effectively.
Network Security: Emphasize your understanding of network security best practices and how you've implemented them in previous projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: By preparing thoroughly for CoreSite's technical and company-specific interview questions, you'll increase your chances of success in the interview process and demonstrate your commitment to the Network Engineer role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Network Engineer (VA3) (1716) position at CoreSite:

Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your network engineering experience, technical skills, and relevant certifications. Include specific examples of network projects, troubleshooting scenarios, and problem-solving methodologies.
Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your network engineering expertise, including network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation. Highlight your understanding of network security best practices and how you've implemented them in previous projects.
Technical Interview Preparation: Brush up on network protocols, configuration techniques, and troubleshooting methodologies. Familiarize yourself with network tools and monitoring systems, and practice solving network-related problems and challenges.
Company Research: Learn about CoreSite's company culture, values, and mission. Research the company's network infrastructure, technology stack, and customer base to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company's needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with CoreSite before making application decisions.

Network Engineer (VA3) (1716)