About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates (CRA) is a leading global consulting firm specializing in economic, financial, and management consulting services. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its unique combination of functional expertise and industry knowledge, and for its objective solutions to complex problems.

The Information Technology Services team is committed to optimizing financial performance and supporting the company's growth initiatives. Our culture embraces a growth mindset: inspiring excellence and bringing expertise and innovation to the role every day with a key focus on outstanding customer service and an ongoing commitment to efficient, ethical practices. Our motivated and action-driven team resides is the Boston office.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to join our small global networking team with in-depth knowledge of the planning, design, implementation and troubleshooting of network systems.  This position will be expected to assist with day-to-day operations and maintenance, provide guidance with adherence to security initiatives, and actively collaborate with other IT organization members on a global scale.  The Network Engineer will be responsible for operations of internal data communications systems.  Plans, designs, and implements networked systems, including configurations; supporting/troubleshooting network issues; coordinating with vendors/staff for install of such items as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless network hardware.  Fundamental understanding of project management, planning, cost analysis and vendor comparisons. In depth knowledge of researching and evaluating emerging network and communication technology. Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures and associated training plans for network resource administration, appropriate use, and disaster recovery.  Ensure network equipment is kept up to date and secure.

Minimum Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of the secure operations of LAN/WAN campus environments.
• Must be comfortable in customer-facing scenarios and effectively collaborating in cross-functional technical teams.
• Self-motivated as well as a strong ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to travel to other offices and execute project plans with minimal oversight.
• Willingness to perform work off-hours in an approved maintenance window.

Critical Skills

• Adept practical knowledge on major network platforms, LAN/WAN and wireless devices (Cisco).
• Proficient with fundamental network protocols and technologies; Spanning tree, DNS, OSPF, HSRP, LACP, SNMP, NTP, IPsec VPN, and QoS.
• Experience with firewall policy creation and processing.
• Maintaining and updating network documentation using Microsoft Visio.
• Should be able to propose and communicate new innovations on existing network topology to enhance performance.
• Familiarity with ITIL change management framework and adherence
• Determine risk assessment prior to change implementation in the network.

Additional Knowledge & Experience

• Experience working with the following technology platforms preferred:
  • Cisco Nexus datacenter switches
  • Palo Alto Firewalls
  • Cisco ISE (802.1X)
  • HPE SD-WAN
  • Kemp Load Balancers
  • Cisco Umbrella

• Fundamental knowledge of cloud platforms (GCP/AWS/Azure) desired.
• Experience working with SNMP solutions such as Whats Up Gold, SolarWinds or PRTG.
• Core understanding of PKI and 802.1x fundamentals
• Practical experience working with domain registration, certificates, and DNS.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, test and maintain network infrastructure
• Identify, diagnose and resolve network issues
• Document all implementations and changes
• Maintain records and inventories
• Carry out upgrades whilst minimizing downtime
• Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures and associated training plans for network resource administration, appropriate use, and disaster recovery
• Ensure network equipment is kept up to date and secure
• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports

The role requires close coordination with other teams within the IT department and across the Practices. Travel to other CRA offices will be required. Some out of hours and weekend work will be required for scheduled upgrades and in response to unexpected outages.

Education

• 4-year degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent experience.
• Certifications/Licensure
  • CCNA/CCNP highly desired
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • Azure fundamentals

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• Resume – please include current contact information (personal email and telephone number);
• Cover Letter (optional) - please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.