About AARNet
Australia's Academic and Research Network, AARNet, was established in 1989. We are the founder of the Internet in Australia and the architect, builder, and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education.
We connect over one million users across Australia, including researchers, faculty, staff, students, hospitals, vocational training providers, schools, and museums.
We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers who anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today.
Role Purpose
This role is suited to an experienced network technician with a strong telecommunications networking background.
The technician will work in the operations group, implementing and maintaining AARNet's IP, MPLS, switched, and optical networks, and assisting with the delivery of new services.
Fault diagnostics and restoration, planned works management, and support and maintenance of the AARNet Network will be key responsibilities.
The position requires an independent, self-sufficient worker with problem-solving skills and the ability to think on their feet.
Occasional after-hours support and limited notice travel around Australia may be required.
Key Accountabilities
All employees at AARNet are accountable for:
* Actively promoting safe work practices and complying with WH&S legislation, policies, and procedures.
* Cultivating a safe and supportive working environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Fault Diagnostics & Service Restoration
* Diagnose complex network faults and develop solutions.
* Detect and restore services experiencing faults, which can occur on dark fibre, passive CWDM, DWDM multiplexers, Metro Ethernet, or customer Ethernet equipment, as well as long haul DWDM transmission and core IP routers.
* Collaborate with customers, other AARNet staff, and third parties to identify fault causes and find resolutions.
* Replace faulty equipment, which may include power supplies, fans, disk drives, line cards, optic packs, or entire units or chassis.
* Analyse post-fault reports to help prevent similar issues in the future.
* Ensure network availability and performance meet Service Level Agreements.
* Liaise with external suppliers, providers, and partners regarding faults.
* Install software updates.
* Patch new services and decommission old ones.
Documentation
* Complete internal service documentation and update relevant systems.
* Document new and existing network installations, configurations, and related information/data, as well as test results.
Hardware Management
* Upgrade existing hardware.
* Maintain spare hardware availability.
* Organise the order, replacement, and return of faulty hardware under warranty or service contract.
* Visit data centres, remote sites, and customer premises to replace or install new equipment.
* Decommission old hardware.
Operate and Maintain the Network
* Monitor and measure the network to improve performance.
* Perform hardware and software updates and upgrades to maintain the network.
* Support, assist, and advise AARNet customers, the NOC, and internal staff with network faults, design, planning, and implementation.
Service Testing & Commissioning
* Install, commission, and test new services.
* Configure network switches, routers, and other network devices.
* Develop and execute testing and commissioning plans and procedures.
About You in the Role
You will promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging, welcoming all people regardless of lifestyle choices, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Your directorate: Operations
You'll report to: Regional Network Manager, SA
Your Expertise, Experience & Qualifications
* Degree in Engineering/Telecommunications or a related field, or relevant industry experience.
* At least 3 years' experience operating, managing, and maintaining a carrier-grade network at a national or regional level.
* Comprehensive knowledge of network switching, routing, and transmission technologies.
* Familiarity with dynamic routing protocols such as BGP.
* Ability to detect and mitigate DDOS attacks.
* Experience with optical fiber networks.
* Significant experience with operational processes and procedures, including electronic communication, documentation, and ticket systems, as well as planned installations and maintenance.
* Current Australian Citizen status to meet governmental criteria for baseline security clearance.
* Full Australian Driver's Licence.
Even Better
While not essential to the role, having any of the following experience/skills would be beneficial:
* Experience with operating test equipment like OTDRs and power meters, particularly with CWDM and DWDM passive and active systems.
* Previous telecommunications experience as a network technician.
* First Aid Certificate and/or Remote First Aid Certificate.
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Logical approach to fault finding, trouble shooting, and timely service restoration.
* Adaptability to work in various environments and respond to unexpected faults.
* Able to work independently and collaboratively within the wider network support team.
Benefits at AARNet
AARNet is committed to diversity and equal opportunity for all. We're a great place to work if you want to make a difference.
We offer a range of benefits, including:
* Competitive remuneration;
* 17% superannuation;
* Flexible work options, including a hybrid work model;
* Focus on wellbeing – year-round initiatives and social engagement activities;
* Ethical Leadership: A sector leader in cyber security, social responsibility, and equal opportunity;
* Options to purchase additional Annual Leave;
* 2 days paid Women's Wellness Leave per month;
* 24 weeks paid Parental Leave – Primary Carer;
* Welcome back to AARNet superannuation payment – on unpaid Parental Leave for Primary Carer;
* 4 weeks paid Birth Trauma Leave;
* 24 weeks paid – Adoption Leave;
* 16 weeks paid Parental Leave – Secondary Carer;
* 5 days paid – First Nations Cultural Leave;
* 2 days paid Family Wedding Leave;
* 24 weeks paid – Foster Carer Leave;
* 5 days paid – Fertility Leave;
* 8 weeks paid – Gender Affirmation Leave;
* Strong Equal Opportunity focus;
* Modern office environment: Hotdesking system and new facilities;
* Support your success: A culture and company structure that allows your career to grow with access to leading edge technologies;
* An opportunity to give back to the academic and research sector.