Network Engineering Manager

Company: Whisker
Location: Juneau
Posted on: May 9, 2025

Job Description:

Description:Whisker is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. At Whisker, we believe pet parenthood can always get better.As leading innovators in pet tech and refined pet accessories, we work tirelessly to solve problems and deliver smarter insights for pet parents while enriching the lives of pets. Whether its a self-cleaning litter box that automates scooping, an automatic feeder that helps pets develop healthier eating habits, or a modern cat tree that delights both humans and felines, we strive to deliver better solutions for consumers while transforming pet care along the way. To us, having a pet is the best thing ever. At Whisker, life together just keeps getting better.Whisker is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Juneau, Wisconsin with 700+ passionate team members. We work in person 4+ days a week.What Youll Do:The Network Engineering Manager is responsible for designing, purchasing, installing, configuring, and maintaining the network infrastructure, access control, and security appliances throughout our Juneau Wisconsin campus. They will work closely with production teams, office staff, and our Michigan-based headquartered IT team with the goal of 100% uptime by following best practices.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.Procures, installs and configures all network-connected equipment including, but not limited to: firewalls, switches, routers, WiFi access points, building access-control system, security camera system, and printersEnsures that the networking components are up to date with patches and latest firmware updatesEvaluates security of third-party vendors with equipment on-site, configures and maintains VLANs to ensure segregation of networksMaintains and monitors internet connectivity, troubleshoots issues with providers and maintains an active/passive failover systemEvaluates lifespan of components and make recommendations for expansion or replacement for out-of-date equipmentAdds and re-routes network drops throughout the facility as we expand or reorganize shipping and production areasCreates and maintains network diagrams and documentation of Juneau infrastructure and a knowledge base of proceduresImplements and maintains multiple SSIDs including guest-wifi access systemManages IoT devices connected to the network, particularly in our manufacturing or shipping environmentsCollaborates with the Michigan IT team to ensure VPN connectivity between locations and consistency in processesMonitors network performance and availability, taking a proactive approach to ensure a goal of 100% uptime for in-house and remotely connected endpointsActs as the main point of contact for any network performance or downtime:Communicates and provides updates to stakeholders and end clients with a sense of urgencyResolves or escalates issues promptlyProvides root-cause analysis and puts in place preventative measures to ensure we do not have repeat issuesProactively communicates maintenance windows and documents all changes and procedures followedMaintains warehouse radio system, IT inventory, and proceduresPartners with vendors on large-scale installations and maintains a professional working relationship with vendorsPartners with help-desk associates to ensure team members are always able to perform their job duties using IT-provided hardwareActs as an administrator for GSuite and other applications used by the Juneau team, modifying permissions and roles as necessary for accountsAssembles and maintains mobile computing systems and technologies throughout the Juneau campusProvides support for the warehouse VOIP phone system and works with our provider to ensure availability and quality of serviceAssists in the deployment of new devices to team members in collaboration with our IT helpdesk team membersSets expectations and delivers projects on time and within budgetEscalates blockers and ensures constant communication with stakeholders and leadershipIdentifies areas for improvement everywhere - not just in your swim lane - and suggests potential solutions, assisting with implementation, where applicableParticipates in on-call rotation, acting as primary point of contact for off-shift incidents, partnering with on-call team members in resolving issuesWill perform additional responsibilities when requiredRequirements:What Youll Bring:BS in Computer Science or related field5+ years of experience with managing a network, including firewalls, switches, and wireless access points5+ years of experience with authorization and access management5+ years of experience managing Active Directory and GPOsCompTIA or related certificationsExpert knowledge of LAN/WAN and Wireless infrastructureExpert knowledge in installation, configuration, and maintenance of Palo Alto and Extreme Networks equipmentKnowledge of database management and SQL skillsUnderstanding of web technologies and protocolsAbility to work in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with a full range of positions and experience, from a facilitator/specialist to the CEOExtreme attention to detail and highly organizedExcellent problem solving and analytical skillsAdaptability in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment as the Juneau campus has dynamic operational needsExcellent communication skills - both written and verbalThe desire to learn constantly and dive into new areas with unfamiliar technologiesSelf-organized, highly motivated and able to operate effectively with a great amount of autonomyMaintains confidentiality of proprietary informationAbility to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptionsA high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate othersAbility to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleaguesComfortable with office pets (cats, dogs)Not Required but Nice to Have!Cybersecurity CertificationExperience in PHP development or other coding languagesExperience in a manufacturing or shipping environmentBenefits & Purrks:Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the why, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrows pet productsplus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurancePaid parental leaveWhisker Parents Program1 day 'pawternity' leave for new pet adoptionPet Insurance Discount401K matchFlexible spending accountsCompany-paid short-term disability and life insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Generous paid time off14 Paid HolidaysTop of the line equipmentPet-friendly officeWhisker products and swagContinuing education SupportOn-site gym with PelotonReferral programStatement of Inclusivity:We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.#onsite1by Jobble

Keywords: Whisker, Racine , Network Engineering Manager, Executive , Juneau, Wisconsin