Black Mountain Dynamics

Field Network Operations Engineer - Los Angeles at Black Mountain Dynamics (HQ)

Black Mountain Dynamics· HQ· $145k–$175k·

Role details

Salary
$145k–$175k
Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Full-Time

Job description

Field Network Operations Engineer - Los Angeles

Role Description

We are seeking a Field Network Operations Engineer who is passionate about networking and is eager to tackle challenging technical issues across unique, independent environments. In this senior role, you will lead on-site network buildouts throughout the US, perform advanced network analyses and support challenging customer issues. You will be a key contributor to our mission of providing "Cybersecurity by Design," ensuring our clients' infrastructures are secure, efficient, and tailored to their needs. This full-time hybrid role offers remote work flexibility with Los Angeles as a home base, with routine travel within the Bay Area and throughout the US (estimated up to 50% travel) as required for client projects, along with participation in a rotation focusing on network operations, project management, and remote network support during non-travel periods.

Key Responsibilities

  • Configuration and Management: Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points at unique locations throughout the US.
  • Implementation & Design: On-site implementation / rack & stack, connection of network hardware in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of network infrastructure projects, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks.
  • Project Lead: Act as a project lead / key stakeholder for network deployments, while delivering timely and detailed status reports to all project stakeholders.
  • Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and availability.
  • Network Protection: Implement and manage network security solutions such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention systems, SIEM tools, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and data loss prevention to safeguard client networks.
  • Expert Troubleshooting: Lead the resolution of the most complex technical issues involving hardwired and wireless network problems, ISP & WAN connectivity, and security incidents.
  • Incident Leadership: Coordinate and lead incident response efforts for critical security events, working closely with clients and internal teams.
  • Client Consultation: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic recommendations on cybersecurity best practices and infrastructure improvements.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Produce comprehensive reports on security incidents, threat analyses, and recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Mentorship: Mentor and guide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing within the team.
  • Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance our security processes, tools, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

  • Location: Requires residence in the Los Angeles area
  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience configuring and maintaining network hardware with a strong emphasis on Ruckus, alongside Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Cisco, Aruba, or Meraki. This must include at least 3 years leading LAN, WAN, and WLAN architecture and physical installation, as well as practical experience integrating network security measures, ideally within an MSSP or MSP environment.
  • Wireless: Advanced understanding of Wi-Fi / wireless networking technologies, protocols, and RF design principles, including predictive and physical site survey operations/ processes/tools (Homina, Ekahau), radio optimization, and channel planning.
  • Technical Mastery: Deep expertise with various technologies, including networking hardware, tools, and software. Ability to independently investigate, diagnose, and solve novel problems with minimal guidance.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a track record of efficiently resolving complex, critical infrastructure and routing/switching issues under pressure.
  • Client Relations: Exceptional communication skills with experience in client-facing roles, capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Flexibility: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, travel requirements, and participation in on-call rotations.
  • Physical: Ability to lift and install IT equipment (up to 50 lbs), climb ladders for wireless access point installation, and work in varying indoor/outdoor physical environments.

Desired Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Networking, Cybersecurity, Computer Science or a related field.
  • Certifications: Certifications such as the Network+, CCNP, CCIE, CISSP.
  • Scripting Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or PowerShell for automation.

Why work at Black Mountain Dynamics

  • Culture: Small, security-focused team (9 employees) with a “white-glove” service ethos. Emphasis on responsiveness and going the extra mile for clients. blackmtx.com
  • Work environment: Based in Mountain View, CA (Bay Area). Likely office-based with some remote flexibility; roles involve client site deployments (e.g., Technical Project Manager manages 10+ simultaneous site deployments). linkedin.com
  • Compensation: Average annual salary for employees in the US is approximately $114,973 (hourly ~$55), with roles ranging from $101k to $130k; highest paying role is Director, Finance & Operations at ~$208k. salary.com
  • Growth opportunity: Joining a rapidly growing company (160% headcount growth) offers significant impact and career development in a niche cybersecurity/IT consulting space.

Application questions