Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Memphis, TN

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!

The Division of Administrative Services is seeking an innovative and experienced Network Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director of Technology Operations, this full-time, fiscal-year position is integral to maintaining the College's modern, secure, and high-performing network infrastructure.
This role focuses on the design, deployment, and management of advanced networking and communication systems. The ideal candidate will leverage cutting-edge technologies to ensure robust performance, scalability, and security, supporting the College's mission to deliver exceptional technology experiences.

• Next-Generation Network Infrastructure Management
  • Design, implement, and maintain high-performance local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Wi-Fi 6/6E wireless networks across all college locations.
  • Utilize software-defined networking (SDN) solutions to enhance network scalability and programmability.
  • Implement cloud-native networking solutions, including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud networking tools.
  • Configure and optimize advanced network protocols, including IPv6, BGP, and OSPF.
• Cybersecurity and Compliance
  • Deploy and manage zero-trust network architectures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., NIST, CIS, GDPR).
  • Configure and maintain next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and network access control (NAC) solutions.
  • Proactively monitor and analyze network traffic using tools like SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, LogRhythm) to detect and mitigate threats.
• Advanced System Integration
  • Integrate network infrastructure with cloud-based services (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other SaaS platforms).
  • Support and troubleshoot virtualized environments, including VMware NSX, Hyper-V, and Docker/Kubernetes networking.
  • Collaborate with DevOps teams to implement Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using tools like Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation.
• Unified Communication and Collaboration Systems
  • Deploy and manage modern VoIP and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platforms, such as Cisco Webex, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
  • Optimize E911 compliance, digital and analog trunking, SIP services, and VoIP solutions for seamless communication.
  • Manage multimedia conferencing technologies to support hybrid work and learning environments.
• Operational Excellence and Automation
  • Leverage automation tools to streamline network configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting processes.
  • Implement AI-driven network management tools to enhance network reliability and reduce downtime.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of all network systems, configurations, and processes.
• Strategic Planning and Leadership
  • Contribute to long-term strategic planning for network infrastructure upgrades, aligning with the College’s goals.
  • Develop and manage budgets for network-related projects, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
  • Provide mentorship and leadership to junior staff and project teams.

• Education and Experience
  • Associate’s degree in Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • At least 5 years of experience in managing enterprise-level networks with modern technologies.
• Technical Expertise
  • Proficiency in networking technologies, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, VLANs, and QoS.
  • Experience with Wi‑Fi 6/6E, SD‑WAN, and cloud-based networking platforms.
  • Strong familiarity with virtual networking technologies, including VPNs, VXLAN, and load balancing solutions.
  • Expertise in managing Windows and Linux/UNIX servers, including network service integration.

• Industry certifications such as CCNP, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Cisco DevNet Professional, or Palo Alto Networks PCNSE.
• Familiarity with containerized environments and networking in Kubernetes or Docker Swarm.
• Experience deploying AI/ML-driven network optimization tools.

• Strong knowledge of automation frameworks and scripting (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell).
• Hands‑on experience with monitoring tools like SolarWinds, Nagios, or Cisco DNA Center.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex networking issues efficiently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

A summary of our benefits can be found below:

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.