Installation Engineer

About the Job

We are looking for an experienced IT Infrastructure Installation Engineer to independently execute and oversee complex server and network deployments supporting enterprise physical security systems. In this mid-level role, you will take ownership of installation projects, configure advanced infrastructure components, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure seamless integration between servers, network equipment, and security endpoints. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including physical security installers and sustaining operations, while mentoring junior engineers. This position demands strong technical expertise in Dell server platforms and Cisco networking, along with the ability to provide 24x7 support in a globally distributed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hardware provisioning activities, including advanced RAID configuration and disk array optimization, to meet performance and redundancy requirements for high-write-volume security applications such as video storage systems.

• Configure and validate Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) and Lifecycle Controller settings, ensuring firmware baselines are established using Dell OpenManage before OS deployment.

• Independently deploy operating systems via PXE boot automation or iDRAC Virtual Media methods, including Windows Server and hardened Linux distributions, ensuring compliance with corporate standards.

• Design and implement network segmentation strategies using VLANs and dedicated subnets to isolate physical security traffic (CCTV, PIDS, Intercom) from management networks.

• Configure Quality of Service (QoS) policies on Cisco Catalyst switches to prioritize high-bandwidth video streams, ensuring low latency and minimal packet loss for live monitoring and retention systems.

• Manage Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+) budgeting and monitoring on access layer switches, ensuring reliable power delivery to IP cameras, door readers, and security panels.

• Implement network device hardening best practices on Cisco IOS devices, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), disabling unnecessary services, and securing management protocols (SSH/HTTPS).

• Coordinate with network engineers and physical security installation teams to validate network readiness, port activations, and successful device-to-server communication paths.

• Execute comprehensive validation testing, including bandwidth saturation tests, physical layer distance checks, and latency measurements, before operational handoff to sustainment teams.

• Develop detailed documentation, including logical and physical topology diagrams, VLAN matrices, IP assignment records, and configuration backups.

• Provide 24x7 technical support for all in-scope infrastructure systems, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for medium-complexity issues.

• Deliver weekly project status updates and maintain programming sheet validations, as-built documentation, and asset management system accuracy throughout the deployment lifecycle.

Required Skills

• Related field experience with 6+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise server and network infrastructure deployment.

• Strong expertise in Dell PowerEdge server platforms, including RAID controllers (PERC), iDRAC configuration, firmware management, and Lifecycle Controller operations.

• Proficient in Cisco networking technologies, including Catalyst switches, VLAN configuration, QoS implementation, PoE management, and IOS security hardening.

• Solid experience with Windows Server and Linux operating system deployment, administration, and troubleshooting in enterprise environments.

• Working knowledge of scripting languages (Python, PowerShell) and automation tools for configuration management and deployment acceleration.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical teams and provide mentorship to junior engineers while working in 24x7 rotational support models.

Tools Required

• Server & Hardware Tools: Dell iDRAC, Lifecycle Controller, Open Manage, and RAID/PERC utilities for server provisioning, firmware baselining, and remote management.

• OS Deployment Tools: PXE boot infrastructure, iDRAC Virtual Media, Windows Server & Linux ISOs with hardening and automation scripts.

• Network Tools: Cisco IOS CLI, PoE management, VLAN/QoS configuration tools, network monitoring, and bandwidth/latency testing utilities.

• Automation & Operations Tools: Ansible, Python, CMDB systems, configuration backup tools, and documentation/diagramming platforms for global 24x7 operations.