Luna Data Solutions, Inc.
Sr. Network Administrator (San Marcos)
Luna Data Solutions, Inc., San Marcos, Texas, United States, 78667
Luna Data Solutions has an immediate contract for hire position opening (contract term approximately 6 months) with our client located in San Marcos, TX. *This is a 100% onsite position in San Marcos, TX.
*NOTE: All candidates must be able to work on a W2 basis.
Role: Sr. Network Administrator
Role Description: The Senior Network Administrator with Engineering and Architecture responsibilities will design, engineer, secure, and maintain the institutions enterprise network infrastructure. This role blends high-level architectural planning with hands-on engineering and operational support. The ideal candidate brings prior experience working within
higher education environments , understanding the unique networking, security, and compliance needs of academic and research institutions.
Key Responsibilities
Network Architecture & Design Architect scalable and secure network solutions for campus-wide LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center environments. Design network topologies for multi-campus institutions, research facilities, residence halls, and high-density wireless spaces. Implement routing architectures (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and advanced switching technologies (VLANs, STP, VxLAN, QoS). Develop Zero Trust and micro-segmentation strategies suitable for diverse academic user populations. Evaluate and recommend new technologies aligned with institutional goals.
Network Engineering & Implementation Deploy and configure enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure across academic buildings, labs, and administrative offices. Engineer hybrid cloud connectivity (AWS, Azure, GCP) and support cloud-based instructional technologies. Implement SD-WAN and modern campus network architectures. Use automation tools (Python, Ansible) for configuration management and network efficiency. Lead major network upgrades, migrations, and large-scale Wi-Fi deployments for campus environments.
Operations & Administration Oversee network availability and performance across academic facilities, dorms, research centers, and event venues. Provide Tier-3 support for complex network issues impacting instructional, administrative, and research operations. Manage DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, NTP, and IPAM systems. Maintain accurate documentation, campus network diagrams, and ITIL-based change records.
Security & Compliance Manage firewall policies, NAC, IDS/IPS, and secure remote access. Support compliance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST and CIS benchmarks. Partner with cybersecurity and IT governance teams to protect sensitive academic and research data. Lead network security architecture for campus-wide initiatives.
Collaboration & Leadership Collaborate with academic technology teams, research groups, facilities, and IT leadership. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior network staff. Act as a subject-matter expert on network architecture and strategy for higher-ed stakeholders.
Key Competencies Understanding of the unique operational needs of academic, research, and student environments. Strong communication skills for working with faculty, staff, students, and IT peers. Ability to manage competing priorities and support mission-critical campus services. Strategic thinking, leadership, and thorough documentation habits.
Required Skills & Qualifications Previous hands-on network experience in a higher education environment is required. Experience supporting multi-building or multi-campus academic networks. Familiarity with classroom technologies, research network needs, and identity/Wi-Fi systems used in higher ed. 710+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or administration. Strong expertise with networking platforms such as Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Aruba. Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, and network security fundamentals. Experience designing high-availability enterprise/campus networks. Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid architectures. Proficiency with monitoring and diagnostic tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, Wireshark, NetFlow). Experience with automation (Python, Ansible, PowerShell).
Preferred Qualifications Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Higher educationfocused credentials such as: Experience with
eduroam , identity federation, Shibboleth, or campus authentication systems. Experience supporting research networks, HPC environments, or grant-funded technology initiatives. Advanced certifications such as: CCNP / CCIE JNCIP / JNCIE PCNSE, Fortinet NSE AWS/Azure Networking Specialty Experience with VoIP, campus SD-WAN, wireless controllers (Aruba/Cisco), and EVPN/VXLAN.
What we offer: Competitive compensation and benefits
Luna Data Solutions, Inc. (LDS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment. LDS prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type regarding age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, national origin, genetics, protected veteran status, and/or disability status.
*NOTE: All candidates must be able to work on a W2 basis.
Role: Sr. Network Administrator
Role Description: The Senior Network Administrator with Engineering and Architecture responsibilities will design, engineer, secure, and maintain the institutions enterprise network infrastructure. This role blends high-level architectural planning with hands-on engineering and operational support. The ideal candidate brings prior experience working within
higher education environments , understanding the unique networking, security, and compliance needs of academic and research institutions.
Key Responsibilities
Network Architecture & Design Architect scalable and secure network solutions for campus-wide LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center environments. Design network topologies for multi-campus institutions, research facilities, residence halls, and high-density wireless spaces. Implement routing architectures (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and advanced switching technologies (VLANs, STP, VxLAN, QoS). Develop Zero Trust and micro-segmentation strategies suitable for diverse academic user populations. Evaluate and recommend new technologies aligned with institutional goals.
Network Engineering & Implementation Deploy and configure enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure across academic buildings, labs, and administrative offices. Engineer hybrid cloud connectivity (AWS, Azure, GCP) and support cloud-based instructional technologies. Implement SD-WAN and modern campus network architectures. Use automation tools (Python, Ansible) for configuration management and network efficiency. Lead major network upgrades, migrations, and large-scale Wi-Fi deployments for campus environments.
Operations & Administration Oversee network availability and performance across academic facilities, dorms, research centers, and event venues. Provide Tier-3 support for complex network issues impacting instructional, administrative, and research operations. Manage DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, NTP, and IPAM systems. Maintain accurate documentation, campus network diagrams, and ITIL-based change records.
Security & Compliance Manage firewall policies, NAC, IDS/IPS, and secure remote access. Support compliance with FERPA, HIPAA (as applicable), and cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST and CIS benchmarks. Partner with cybersecurity and IT governance teams to protect sensitive academic and research data. Lead network security architecture for campus-wide initiatives.
Collaboration & Leadership Collaborate with academic technology teams, research groups, facilities, and IT leadership. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior network staff. Act as a subject-matter expert on network architecture and strategy for higher-ed stakeholders.
Key Competencies Understanding of the unique operational needs of academic, research, and student environments. Strong communication skills for working with faculty, staff, students, and IT peers. Ability to manage competing priorities and support mission-critical campus services. Strategic thinking, leadership, and thorough documentation habits.
Required Skills & Qualifications Previous hands-on network experience in a higher education environment is required. Experience supporting multi-building or multi-campus academic networks. Familiarity with classroom technologies, research network needs, and identity/Wi-Fi systems used in higher ed. 710+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or administration. Strong expertise with networking platforms such as Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Aruba. Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, and network security fundamentals. Experience designing high-availability enterprise/campus networks. Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid architectures. Proficiency with monitoring and diagnostic tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, Wireshark, NetFlow). Experience with automation (Python, Ansible, PowerShell).
Preferred Qualifications Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Higher educationfocused credentials such as: Experience with
eduroam , identity federation, Shibboleth, or campus authentication systems. Experience supporting research networks, HPC environments, or grant-funded technology initiatives. Advanced certifications such as: CCNP / CCIE JNCIP / JNCIE PCNSE, Fortinet NSE AWS/Azure Networking Specialty Experience with VoIP, campus SD-WAN, wireless controllers (Aruba/Cisco), and EVPN/VXLAN.
What we offer: Competitive compensation and benefits
Luna Data Solutions, Inc. (LDS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment. LDS prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type regarding age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, national origin, genetics, protected veteran status, and/or disability status.