University Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: 

Provide leadership, technical direction, and people management for the Network Engineering & Architecture team within HCIS Technical Operations. This is a working manager role that blends team leadership with direct technical contribution, responsible for the architecture, design, standards, lifecycle, and delivery of the enterprise network environment for University of Iowa Health Care faculty, staff, and affiliated entities. The position leads and develops a team of network architects and engineers, sets and enforces architectural and operational standards, drives proactive lifecycle and capacity planning, and engages directly in complex design and troubleshooting when required. As the Network & Infrastructure Services organization matures, responsibilities may flex across engineering and operations functions to support evolving needs.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop a team of network architects and engineers, including hiring, performance management, goal setting, scheduling, and professional development. 

• Balance team leadership with direct technical contribution, engaging directly in complex design, implementation, and troubleshooting when required. 

• Set, enforce, and maintain architectural, configuration, and operational standards, and hold the team accountable for execution, quality, and service delivery. 

• Lead communication, coordination, and change readiness across teams and with other HCIS and enterprise partners. 

• Own architectural direction and long-term strategy for the enterprise network, including core routing and switching, WAN, wireless, and network assurance and monitoring platforms. 

• Direct site preparation, installation, testing, and lifecycle maintenance of complex networking equipment including routers, switches, Wi-Fi, and network management platforms; perform this work directly when required. 

• Maintain complete physical and logical network documentation, design baselines, and standards, ensuring they are kept accurate and current. 

• Lead the analysis of networking requirements and the design of new systems and services. 

• Provide technical guidance, consulting, and service-improvement recommendations to other departments. 

• Serve as an escalation point and provide technical leadership for operational incidents and post-incident root cause analysis (RCAs). 

• Provide scheduled 24x7 on-call coverage as part of a team rotation. 

• Manage commercial carrier and ISP relationships, including obtaining quotes and service agreements, coordinating with contracts and purchasing, and tracking carrier contracts, billing, and circuits over time. 

• Drive proactive lifecycle, capacity, and risk management aligned to capital and budget planning. 

• Provide project management, project estimates (cost, time, and resources), and financial management and input for the team's initiatives. 

• Prepare written and oral recommendations for leadership regarding system and service improvements. 

• May develop, track, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), ITSM and ticket status, and alert management in support of Network & Infrastructure Services operations. 

• May assume operational oversight responsibilities, including network health and monitoring review, incident management, and ticket ownership and accountability, as functions and roles shift across the organization. 

• Stay well-informed of trends and technical developments in the field by utilizing self-study materials, seminars, courses, and conferences. 

• Follow policies and procedures in accordance with the guidelines of The University of Iowa Health Care and Health Care Information Systems (HCIS). 

• Perform other duties as delegated in support of overall HCIS and division activities. 

 Health Care Information Services (HCIS) provides and supports information and communication systems and technology that facilitate quality patient care, progressive medical education, and innovative research. HCIS services Iowa Health Care by delivering comprehensive, high-level support for patient care delivery, internal and external communication, technology innovation, medical education, and research-creating and maintaining a positive, productive, and rewarding environment for information technology and communication staff.

Pay Grade: 6B https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/professional-and-scientific-compensation/professional-and-scientific-job-classifications-pay#accordion-item-15011-0

The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days of paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits.

Percent of Time:  100%

Location: Onsite 3281 Ridgeway Dr, Coralville, IA  52241

Staff Type: Professional & Scientific

Type of Position: Regular

Education Requirement: 

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Reasonable experience (5-7 years) with data communications hardware and software. 

• Experience with routers, switches, Wi-Fi, and network management platforms. 

• Reasonable experience (1-3 years) in working with and training end-users. 

• Reasonable experience (1-3 years) with network troubleshooting utilizing a variety of tools. 

• Must possess valid driver's license and the ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards. Occasional travel in eastern Iowa is required.

• Must be willing to work flexible hours. 

• May be required to move up to 50 pounds. 

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Reasonable experience (4-7 years) with data communications problem solving. 

• Reasonable experience (3-5 years) with Linux, IPSEC, BGP, OSPF, Multicast, WAN technologies, enterprise networking, ITIL/ticketing system, IPAM, and NAC. 

• Reasonable experience (3-5 years) with Cisco IOS XE and various Cisco proprietary technologies. 

• Reasonable experience (1-3 years) in network automation, Python language, and network analytics. 

• Prior formal supervisory or management experience leading a technical team. 

• Experience with network assurance and monitoring platforms (e.g., ThousandEyes). 

• Experience managing carrier/ISP contracts, vendors, and technology roadmaps. 

• Experience in a healthcare or other 24x7 mission-critical IT environment. 

• Working knowledge of ITIL and IT service management (ITSM) practices. 

To be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission of relevant materials) that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. A cover letter is desired as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

 This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

 For any additional questions, please contact Kevin Davison at Kevin-Davison@uiowa.edu