Python Application Developer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Company Overview: 

For more than 50 years, NISC has developed and implemented enterprise-level and customer-facing software solutions for over 1,200+ utilities and broadbands across North America. Our mission is to deliver technology solutions and services that are Member-focused, quality driven and valued priced. We exist to serve our Members and help them serve their communities through our innovative software products, services and outstanding customer support. NISC has been ranked in ComputerWorld's Best Places to Work for twenty-two years, and we are looking for qualified individuals to join our team. 

Our Members have over 18 million end customers (residential and businesses who receive power, internet, television and/or telephone services) that our enterprise software solution enables our Members to compete effectively in the industry, while excelling in customer service. 

Position Overview: 

Ready to grow your career with a company that's moving fast and going places? NISC is looking for driven talent to join our Platform & Infrastructure division and help keep our network infrastructure running strong - and secure.

As part of the Cloud Networking team, you'll work alongside a skilled group dedicated to building resilient, highly available network solutions and keeping our members' services running smoothly day in and day out. Security is built into everything we do - you'll help design and maintain solutions that protect our members' data and keep our network defenses strong, without losing sight of speed and reliability.

We're looking for people who thrive on learning new technologies, take pride in delivering top-notch service to the members we support, and build with security in mind from the start.

If you're ready for a role where no two days look the same and your work truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Work Schedule: 

• Hybrid from one of our office locations: 
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Lake Saint Louis, MO
  • Mandan, ND
• Hybrid Schedule: Minimum of working 3 day per week out of an office location and ability to work up to all 5 days a week from an office location.
• Required Days from an Office Location: Tuesday and Wednesday - the third required day will be up to the candidate and their supervisor to choose.

Essential Duties:  

• Build KPI dashboards that track networking and application response time SLAs
• Lead design and development of low-latency infrastructure for distributed systems
• Lead hybrid cloud network topology design and build using industry best practices
• Lead design and build of containerized network topologies
• Manage key vendor relationships and drive internet connectivity strategy
• Advise on vulnerability best practices and own resolution
• Design and automate network patching aligned with our Vulnerability Management Policy
• Develop maintenance plans and coordinate cross-team impacts and best practices
• Maintain documentation, SOPs, and our knowledge base
• Perform compliance audits
• Own a cost-control budget for public cloud resource usage
• Leverage generative AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving within the scope of the role
• Participate in on-call rotation (evenings/weekends) and occasional after-hours maintenance
• May be requested to mentor other team members
• Commitment to NISC's Statement of Shared Values
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred: 

• 1-5 years of related experience in networking, cloud infrastructure, systems administration, software development, or a related technical field.
• Knowledge of networking concepts and protocols including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, ARP, NTP, OSPF, BGP, VPNs, and network security fundamentals.
• Experience with or exposure to networking platforms such as Palo Alto Networks, SonicWall, Arista Networks, Extreme Networks, or similar technologies.
• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems and command-line administration.
• Experience developing scripts or applications using Python, Java, PowerShell, or other programming languages.
• Familiarity with infrastructure automation concepts and tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or similar technologies.
• Basic understanding of cloud networking concepts and public cloud platforms, preferably AWS.
• Knowledge of containers and container orchestration technologies, including Docker and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of high availability, redundancy, load balancing, and disaster recovery concepts.
• Exposure to monitoring, logging, and observability tools.
• Knowledge of firewall administration, network segmentation, and VPN technologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a desire for continuous learning.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the position. 

NISC's Shared Values & Competencies: 

• Integrity - We are committed to doing the right thing - always.
• Relationships - We are committed to building and preserving lasting relationships.
• Innovation - We promote the spirit of creativity and champion new ideas.
• Teamwork - We exemplify the cooperative spirit by working together.
• Empowerment - We believe individuals have the power to make a difference.
• Personal Development - We believe the free exchange of knowledge and information is absolutely necessary to the success of each individual and the organization. 

Benefits:  

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with $100 monthly contributions from NISC.
  • Like to walk? Improve your overall wellness knowledge? Ability to earn up to $800 additional dollars into your HSA each year through our Wellness Rewards program.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) thru Paylocity.
• Fully covered life insurance up to x3 annual base salary.
• Fully covered short- and long-term disability.
• 401(k), traditional or Roth, with employee match up to 6% and employer 4% salary base contributions.
• PTO accrual levels dependent on years of service, 120 Life Leave Event hours, 9 paid holidays and an annual holiday week.
• $2,500 Interest-FREE technology loan program.
• $25,000 employee educational assistance program.
• Volunteer, Wellness, Family Events and other employee fun supplied by our committees.
• Employee Assistance Program; assisting employees and dependents with virtually any life event
• Benevolence Committee to support employees with financial hardships like unexpected medical bills, funerals and other unfortunate hardships. 

Education Preferred: 

Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity, Networking, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, a business-related field or equivalent experience. 

Other Qualifications/Certifications Preferred: 

• Certification in Amazon Web Services (AWS) or other public cloud technology.
• Industry recognized certifications are a plus. 

Minimum Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this position, employees must be able to see and communicate. Employees are regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move, and operate computer keyboards or office equipment. 

Disclaimer: 

Management may modify this job description by assigning or reassigning duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Key Words:  
Cloud Networking | Network Engineering | Infrastructure Development | AWS | Hybrid Cloud | Kubernetes | Docker | Infrastructure Automation | Terraform | Python | Linux | Network Security | Routing | Switching | Firewalls | VPN | Arista Networks | Palo Alto Networks | DevOps | Systems Engineering