Network Engineer

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 it's 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 600+ passionate team members.

What You'll Do:

The Network Engineer 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 printers
• Ensures that the networking components are up to date with patches and latest firmware updates
• Evaluates security of third-party vendors with equipment on-site, configures and maintains VLANs to ensure segregation of networks
• Maintains and monitors internet connectivity, troubleshoots issues with providers and maintains an active/passive failover system
• Evaluates lifespan of components and make recommendations for expansion or replacement for out-of-date equipment
• Adds and re-routes network drops throughout the facility as we expand or reorganize shipping and production areas
• Creates and maintains network diagrams and documentation of Juneau infrastructure and a knowledge base of procedures
• Implements and maintains multiple SSIDs including guest-wifi access system
• Manages IoT devices connected to the network, particularly in our manufacturing or shipping environments
• Collaborates with the Michigan IT team to ensure VPN connectivity between locations and consistency in processes
• Monitors network performance and availability, taking a proactive approach to ensure a goal of 100% uptime for in-house and remotely connected endpoints
• Acts 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 urgency
  • Resolves or escalates issues promptly
  • Provides root-cause analysis and puts in place preventative measures to ensure we do not have repeat issues
  • Proactively communicates maintenance windows and documents all changes and procedures followed
• Maintains warehouse radio system, IT inventory, and procedures
• Partners with vendors on large-scale installations and maintains a professional working relationship with vendors
• Partners with help-desk associates to ensure team members are always able to perform their job duties using IT-provided hardware
• Acts as an administrator for GSuite and other applications used by the Juneau team, modifying permissions and roles as necessary for accounts
• Assembles and maintains mobile computing systems and technologies throughout the Juneau campus
• Provides support for the warehouse VOIP phone system and works with our provider to ensure availability and quality of service
• Assists in the deployment of new devices to team members in collaboration with our IT helpdesk team members
• Sets expectations and delivers projects on time and within budget
• Escalates blockers and ensures constant communication with stakeholders and leadership
• Identifies areas for improvement everywhere - not just in your "swim lane" - and suggests potential solutions, assisting with implementation, where applicable
• Participates in on-call rotation, acting as primary point of contact for off-shift incidents, partnering with on-call team members in resolving issues
• Will perform additional responsibilities when required

• BS in Computer Science or related field
• 5+ years of experience with managing a network, including firewalls, switches, and wireless access points
• 5+ years of experience with authorization and access management
• 5+ years of experience managing Active Directory and GPOs
• CompTIA or related certifications
• Expert knowledge of LAN/WAN and Wireless infrastructure
• Expert knowledge in installation, configuration, and maintenance of Palo Alto and Extreme Networks equipment
• Knowledge of database management and SQL skills
• Understanding of web technologies and protocols
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with a full range of positions and experience, from a facilitator/specialist to the CEO
• Extreme attention to detail and highly organized
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment as the Juneau campus has dynamic operational needs
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal
• The desire to learn constantly and dive into new areas with unfamiliar technologies
• Self-organized, highly motivated and able to operate effectively with a great amount of autonomy
• Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions
• A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleagues
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs)

• Cybersecurity Certification
• Experience in PHP development or other coding languages
• Experience in a manufacturing or shipping environment

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts