Associate Network Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

Are you passionate about designing, building, and optimizing networks that keep communities connected? Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, collaborating across teams, and seeing the direct impact of your work on customers and network performance?

IdeaTek is looking for a Network Engineer to support the continued growth and reliability of our expanding fiber network. In this role, you'll design, implement, monitor, and optimize network infrastructure while partnering with teams across the organization to ensure our customers receive a fast, reliable, and resilient experience.

Whether you're deploying new technologies, troubleshooting network performance, or supporting large-scale expansion projects, you'll play a key role in advancing IdeaTek's mission of bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities.

A Day in the Life

You'll start your day reviewing network health, monitoring alerts, and addressing priority issues impacting system performance. Throughout the day, you may design new network infrastructure, troubleshoot complex routing or connectivity challenges, collaborate with field operations during deployments, or evaluate opportunities to improve system performance through upgrades and automation.

You'll work internally cross departmentally and with vendor partners to ensure projects stay on schedule, network performance remains strong, and future expansion efforts are successfully implemented.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities include:

• Design, configure, deploy, and maintain network infrastructure that supports IdeaTek's growing fiber network.
• Monitor network performance, analyze system health, and proactively identify opportunities to improve reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network, routing, and connectivity issues while minimizing customer impact.
• Plan, implement, and support network upgrades, preventive maintenance, and new technology deployments.
• Manage technical projects by coordinating timelines, budgets, vendors, and cross-functional resources to ensure successful execution.
• Evaluate network initiatives and provide technical recommendations that support business objectives and long-term growth.
• Translate technical concepts and project updates into clear, actionable information for leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments to provide technical expertise, support network expansion initiatives, and improve operational processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network designs, configurations, and implementation activities.

What We're Looking For

To be considered for this role, you'll need the following required qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in Network Engineering or a related networking role.
• Strong understanding of network architecture, routing, switching, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience managing technical projects and balancing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

What Will Help You Stand Out

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience implementing or supporting telecommunications or broadband networks.
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting VoIP technologies.
• Experience with wireless networking technologies including Ubiquiti UniFi/UNMS, Siklu PtP/PtMP, or Enterprise WiFi.
• Experience deploying and supporting GPON technologies.
• Experience with eLAN and eLINE network deployments.
• General knowledge of telecommunications services including internet, voice, and wireless technologies.
• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, or equivalent.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Desired Attributes

Beyond the qualifications, these attributes are what make someone a great fit for our team:

• Analytical – You enjoy solving complex technical problems and identifying root causes.
• Collaborative – You build strong partnerships and work effectively across teams.
• Adaptable – You remain calm and flexible as priorities shift in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-Focused – You understand how your work impacts customers and strive to deliver reliable network performance.
• Organized – You can effectively manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Continuous Learner – You're curious about emerging technologies and committed to expanding your technical expertise.

Why Join IdeaTek?

IdeaTek is a cutting-edge telecommunications company dedicated to bringing fast, reliable internet to underserved communities. We're a passionate team of innovators and problem-solvers committed to making a difference in the lives of our customers. At IdeaTek, we value our employees and foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and community involvement.

A few of the key ways we strive to make employees feel valued include:

• Competitive pay + bonus potential
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and 401(k) with match
• Free coaching/counseling for employees & families
• Free internet service (if available in your area) or internet reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• Culture that values results, effort, and integrity

Our Core Values

• We are Trustworthy – We build confidence through transparency, follow-through, and dependability.
• We count on Big Thinkers – We don't just imagine the future—we create it with bold, actionable ideas.
• We have a Resilient Spirit – We embrace challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and keep striving for more.
• We stand on Belief – We believe everyone deserves access to technology that helps them learn, grow, and thrive.
• We foster Connectedness – Our work goes beyond broadband—we build real connections within our team and our communities.
• We drive Innovation – We're always looking for ways to improve and redefine what's possible.

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to help build the future of broadband and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!