Senior Network & Systems Engineer

Job Description:

Senior Network & Systems Engineer

Description

Description

The final filing date is Tuesday, October 13, 2026, by 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified applications, whichever is first.

Are you interested in using your data center and systems engineering experience to make an impact on City operations and the community? Ready to be part of a service-oriented IT team responsible for supporting the critical technology infrastructure that keeps City services running? We're looking for an experienced and knowledgeable IT professional with strong data center experience, particularly in server, storage, and virtualization technologies. In this position, you will help design, implement, maintain, and support the City's enterprise infrastructure while ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and available to meet the needs of City departments and the community.

The City of Sunnyvale is currently recruiting for a Senior Network & Systems Engineer within the Information Technology Department's Infrastructure Services Division. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience supporting enterprise data center environments, including physical and virtual servers, enterprise storage, virtualization platforms, backup and disaster recovery technologies, and related infrastructure. This position will troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues; monitor system capacity, performance, and availability; plan and implement upgrades and new solutions; develop technical documentation and operational procedures; coordinate with vendors and other IT teams; provide technical guidance to team members; and lead small to medium-sized infrastructure projects.

City of Sunnyvale Benefits:

• CalPERS retirement pension
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retiree medical benefit
• 11 paid Holidays
• 30 hours* of Floating Holidays (*Prorated based on date of hire)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals
• Employee Wellness Programs
• 6-month probation, onsite 5 days/week; up to 2 remote days upon successful completion and approval

Under general direction of a Principal Network & Systems Engineer or an Information Technology Manager, performs advanced level analysis and administration for the analysis and validation of infrastructure design requirements: designs, coordinates, monitors and supports aspects of telecommunication technology that may include one or more citywide data center activities or systems of data, voice, radio, video networks, structured cabling systems and/or server platforms; executes established standards and priorities; manages small to medium sized projects; closely coordinates with system owners, end-users, vendors, the public and project teams; executes the Information Technology Strategic Plan (ITSP); and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Network & Systems Engineer classification is the advanced journey level classification in the Network & Systems Engineer series that develops, installs, recommends, analyzes, evaluates and maintains related infrastructure systems. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility, complexity of duties assigned, and independence of action taken. The Senior Network & Systems Engineer classification is distinguished from the lower-level classification of Network & Systems Engineer in that the Senior Network & Systems Engineer requires a higher level of technical and specialized network system expertise and an emphasis in multiple areas of focus. This classification is distinguished from the higher-level Principal Network & Systems Engineer in that the Principal Network & Systems Engineer independently designs and implements the most complex systems, leads larger IT projects and supervises.

The Network & Systems Engineer classification series has three (3) distinct areas of focus listed below and all are assigned to the appropriate unit within the Infrastructure Services Division. To be hired as a Senior Network & Systems Engineer classification, the candidate must demonstrate the minimum qualifications with an emphasis in at least two of the areas of focus below:

• Voice and Data Networking: Responsible for configuring and modifying the configuration of the City’s voice and data networks.
• Telecommunications and Radio Networking: Responsible for configuring and modifying the configuration of the City’s telecommunications and radio networks.
• Server / Storage / System Administration: Responsible for coding and developing interfaces to automate data exchange between related, but separate systems, including external interfaces to transfer data to and from vendors.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Plans, designs, recommends, installs, upgrades, and supports data center activities and systems of data, voice, radio and video network infrastructures, equipment, servers and applications to achieve optimum performance in accordance with the IT Service Level Agreement (SLA).
• Reviews and evaluates technological network related needs and recommends appropriate solutions; works closely with vendors to ensure complete and successful projects.
• Troubleshoots, upgrades, or configures network systems or server hardware or operating system issues to determine cause(s) of failure and resolves problems including relocation of wiring infrastructure and ensuring compliance with warranties and/or specifications.
• Performs structured and complex analyses and develops integrated information flow according to documentation related to area of assignment.
• Monitors system capacity and utilization and performance of systems or networks and performs necessary restructure or recommends expansion.
• Upgrades network operating systems, server and storage systems and configures software.
• Researches, designs, develops security and integrity of network systems to ensure protection from inappropriate access or destruction to include disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Implements a preventive maintenance routine identifying weaknesses of current system to determine critical server/storage or networking issues.
• Evaluates and monitors cost acquisition of network and server related items to obtain the best results, meet budget guidelines and ensure system compatibility.
• Assists in the development and execution of preventive maintenance programs identifying weaknesses of current systems to determine critical server/storage or network issues, including cybersecurity.
• Develops technical system documentation, training materials and provides training to users and other support staff.
• Leads and coordinates IT, departmental, and vendor resources for projects in accordance with project plan.
• Prepares presentation materials for meetings, documents and follows up accordingly.
• Assists in the development and operations of the IT Strategic Plan (ITSP).
• Provides input, recommendations on new technology and solicits technical specifications.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Assists in the creation of operational procedure manuals.
• Sets timelines and expectations for tasks within a or various project plans.
• Provides guidance to team members.
• Acts as a liaison between the various divisions within the department along with the client departments.
• Provides subject-matter expertise on complex technical issues related to their area of focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crawling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination in performing computer installation and repair and preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision when repairing and installing computers, and color vision is required to accurately interpret visual displays and voice and data wiring color code standards. The nature of the work also requires the ability to climb ladders, drive motorized vehicles and work in small spaces. Acute hearing is required when communicating by telephone and in person. The need to lift, drag and push equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in one of the following ways:

• A Technology Certificate from an accredited college or trade school in information technology, computer and information research science, computer engineering, computer information systems, network architecture, network and computer systems administration, telecommunications administrations, electronic engineering technology, technology project management, or closely related field AND six years of experience in any two of the focus areas; OR
• An Associate’s degree or have completed 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited college or university in systems administration, network systems administration, business information systems, computer science, information technology, or closely related field AND six years of experience in any two of the focus areas; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree or four years of full-time post-secondary education from an accredited college or university with concentration in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, engineering, or related field; AND five years of experience in any two of the focus areas OR
• At least one of NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA), Palo Alto Networks (PAN) Accredited Configuration Engineer (ACE), VMWare Certified Professional (VCP), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification AND six years of experience in any two of the focus areas.

NOTE: A Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
• Principles and practices of ITSM (IT Service Management) systems to include incident/problem management; request fulfilment; knowledgebase; asset management and IT service catalogs.
• Network traffic and performance parameters, including understanding telecommunications theory and practice.
• Methods and procedures of systems administration and security and integrity maintenance.
• Connectivity, system integration, and network design.
• Structure development, features, and access including configurations protocol and interfacing.
• Current developments and trends of network technologies and/or server/data storage technologies.
• Principles and methods of system and storage capacity, physical, virtual and cloud-based Local Area Network wiring and distribution methods.
• Wide Areas Networking Connectivity utilizing T1, T3 and fiber backbone transports.
• Wireless and radio networking methods and transports.
• Advanced cybersecurity practices and procedures.
• Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
• Applicable industry and safety codes and technology standards.
• Principles of project management, task completion and resource management.
• Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Visio.
• Team formation and execution; how to motivate teams.
• Cost-benefit analyses to recommend the most effective solution.

Ability to:

• Provide excellent customer service.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Gather and document requirements for function changes and new requirements, translating user defined requirements into technical specifications.
• Plan, design, document, install, and support data center activities and systems of data, voice, radio and video network infrastructures, equipment, servers and applications.
• Effectively organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments in order to meet established deadlines.
• Create and configure network design based on requirements.
• Analyze network/system problems by developing and using appropriate test structures and related diagnostics.
• Respond promptly and effectively to requests for service, including Cybersecurity incidents.
• Assess and administer network and system performance and utilization.
• Perform cost/benefit analysis for network, server, or data center enhancement or replacement.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports and technical documentation. Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Work with vendors, ensuring the priorities of the City are met.
• Serve as a client liaison to identify and define project requirements, scope, and objectives.
• Coordinate project activities, resources, and schedule with project teams.
• Provide guidance and direction to team members and consult with other staff.

Willingness to:

• Provide emergency response to reduce downtime, correct errors or monitor vendor activity surrounding critical system failures, off-hours scheduled maintenance downtime or work on call on a scheduled and as needed basis.
• Provide services in different geographical locations throughout the City as requested by users or needed.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Public sector employment experience.
• Experience implementing new network or server solutions and/or successfully maintaining a complex network.
• Possession of NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA) Certificate
• Possession of Palo Alto Networks Accredited Configuration Engineer (ACE) certificate
• Certified as a VMWare Certified Professional (VCP)
• Possession and maintenance of CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
• Possession and maintenance of MCSA: Windows Server (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server).
• Cisco Certified Network Professional and/or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Server Infrastructure level experience.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Tuesday, October 13 at 5:00pm or after receiving 100 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of November 9 .

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or [email protected] .

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees AssociationSEA

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 10/13/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$68.72 - $87.70 Hourly