Network Systems Engineer

The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff.

Job Summary: The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides operations support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers and staff. The CAO organization comprises more than 800 technical and administrative staff working in a variety of areas, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, child care, food and vending, procurement, logistics and administrative counsel. This position is located in the Immediate Office, House Recording Studio (HRS), Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), U.S. House of Representatives (House). The purpose of the House Recording Studio is to provide live broadcast coverage of House proceedings, livestream coverage of Committee hearings, and full-service television and radio studios to Members of Congress. This position serves as Network Systems Engineer. Key responsibilities include supporting, maintaining, and improving the internal audio and video networks required to facilitate House Recording Studio operations, including transport of uncompressed, real-time video, audio, and metadata. Incumbent will provide systems administration and configuration of network hardware and software components within HRS’ hybrid IP-SDI infrastructure and serve as a technical consultant on network systems analysis, integration, implementation, and maintenance. Limited travel and a flexible work schedule including occasional weekends and late nights are required for this position. Schedule may fluctuate on a biweekly basis to accommodate the service needs of the House. Grade level at time of appointment is determined by experience and designated level of responsibility. The position does not have day-to-day supervisory/managerial responsibilities. Primary Duties/Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Principal Engineer and Program Manager to assist in designing high-performance, scalable, and secure IP networks in full mesh design for live video production across a multi-site campus. Optimize routing of network traffic to ensure dynamic pathfinding and maximum redundancy of critical applications and fault tolerance to prevent single link failures from disrupting the network. Modernize existing workflows to transition television operations from SDI to IP and improve existing IP workflows on a continual basis. Implement appropriate encryption and security protocols to protect data integrity. Implement pertinent technologies such as Layer 2 Leaf-Spine and Layer 3 Leaf-Spine. Create and update technical drawings and schematics using industry standard software tools. Manage the deployment of ST-2110 systems utilizing System Timing (-10), Uncompressed Video (-20), Compressed Video (-22), PCM Audio (-30), and Ancillary Data (-40) standards. Configure Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588 PTP) to ensure precise timing and synchronization across operations. Utilize network analyzers and specialized monitoring tools to diagnose packet loss, jitter, and bandwidth issues. Perform daily verification of network health; develop and maintain tracking, measurement, and quality control processes for assigned areas, and provide reports as directed. Perform diagnostic testing as needed to identify technical characteristics of complex systems, encompassing broadcast, audiovisual, and network environments. Proactively monitor software and firmware versions and install updates and patches as needed to ensure optimal system performance. Ensure that audio and video broadcast standards are consistently maintained. Apply project management principles to achieve successful outcomes, including definition of scope, identification of deliverables, risk management, timeline discipline, and collaborative communication. Research, review, and recommend innovative solutions to meet service needs, improve performance, and modernize operations. Maintain and seek to enhance customer experience; and maintain positive, respectful communication with customers and coworkers at all times. Oversee installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair, decommissioning, and replacement of all IP and network equipment used for broadcast production operations and adhere to lifecycle maintenance standards as directed by management. Fiber optic cable infrastructure design, testing and installation oversight. Day-to-day administration of Arista CloudVision. Continually maintain knowledge of industry trends and seek professional development to keep pace with evolving technologies. Train and mentor junior staff and new employees. Perform miscellaneous clerical and administrative tasks as needed. Perform other duties and projects as assigned.