Networking Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Networking Manager 
Southern Linc - Southern Company 

JOB SUMMARY 

The Networking Manager provides leadership and technical direction for the design, implementation, and operation of Southern Linc's core IP network infrastructure within its datacenters. This position blends IP networking and telecommunications engineering expertise to plan, procure, install, and maintain mission-critical systems supporting Southern Linc's 4G LTE packet core. 

The successful candidate will oversee the team that manages Southern Linc's network equipment such as datacenter switches, routers, firewalls, and proprietary telecommunications systems. They will also collaborate with operations and monitoring teams to ensure reliability and performance. The manager will also establish and enforce installation, operational, and cybersecurity standards consistent with industry and Southern Company's best practices. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Design and implement virtualized network and server infrastructure to support capacity growth and lifecycle upgrades. 

• Develop and maintain technical documentation and standard operating procedures. 

• Serve as an escalation point for Southern Linc's Customer Care and Network Operations Center. 

• Collaborate with IT Security to support assessments and remediation activities. 

• Manage network issues and tickets; participate in an on-call rotation, including nights and weekends. 

• Provide input for annual capital and O&M budgets. 

• Supervise and mentor Core Network Engineering team members; manage performance and development. 

• Lead long- and short-term business planning for the Core Network Engineering team. 

• Oversee network performance improvement initiatives and budgeting for the Core Network Engineering group. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field preferred. 

• Minimum of 4 years of experience maintaining IP routing and switching equipment. 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience designing and implementing networking systems in collaboration with vendors. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Deep understanding of networking fundamentals and protocols, including OSI model, Ethernet, 802.1Q, IP, TCP/UDP, OSPF, BGP, and IPSec. 

• Strong knowledge of firewalls and stateful inspection principles. 

• Experience with Syslog, SNMP, and other network monitoring protocols and tools. 

• Proficiency with network traffic analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark). 

• Excellent troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills. 

• Proven leadership and team management abilities. 

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills. 

• Ability to innovate, prioritize, and work independently in a fast-paced environment. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP, or higher). 

• Experience with firewall policy management (Palo Alto preferred). 

• Familiarity with software-defined networking (SDN) concepts and solutions (Arista CCF/EOS preferred). 

• Experience with VMware and NSX-T virtualization technologies. 

• Knowledge of LTE cellular technology, signaling, and best practices. 

• Experience with carrier network deployments or MPLS traffic engineering. 

• Understanding of intrusion prevention systems and cybersecurity best practices. 

WORK LOCATION 

• Alabama Power Corporate Headquarters- Birmingham, AL 

• Hybrid work environment may be available based on business needs. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

• Occasional travel to datacenter sites or vendor locations may be required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Standard office and datacenter environments. 

• Participation in on-call rotation, including nights and weekends. 

• May require lifting and installation of network equipment. 

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES 

• Safety-focused and committed to Southern Company's values. 

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and teamwork. 

• Customer-focused with a commitment to reliability and service excellence. 

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and business teams.

• Candidate will need to pass Southern Co ITP certification