Okay, I've searched for Network Engineer positions in Columbia, SC requiring a Bachelor's degree, 5+ years of experience, and expertise in Cisco networking and network security. I have found 74 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

This Network Engineer role fundamentally exists to ensure the continuous reliability, security, and efficiency of SLED's complex network infrastructure, primarily based on Cisco technologies. The candidate will not only maintain and upgrade physical network components like routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless APs across multiple distributed sites but also act as a critical bridge among server, security, application development, and desktop teams to align infrastructure changes with operational needs and security standards. The responsibilities indicate a need for deep technical expertise in Cisco hardware and software combined with a nuanced understanding of protocols and services such as Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, VMWARE, IPS, IDS, and DMZ configurations. Given the environment is law enforcement-related, the emphasis on secure operations, adherence to policies, and compliance with both legal and industry standards is crucial. This person will regularly evaluate risks, propose adjustments, and manage complex incident responses, often under pressure and on a 24/7 support schedule with on-call duties. Success means providing a resilient, secure infrastructure that supports SLED’s mission-critical operations without disruption, while adapting to evolving security threats and technological shifts.

Company Analysis:

SLED, as a key state law enforcement agency in South Carolina, operates within a highly sensitive and security-conscious environment. The organization appears stable and mission-driven, prioritizing law enforcement enablement through reliable, secure technology infrastructure. South Carolina itself promotes a balanced lifestyle with a focus on community and sustainability, which may translate into a workplace culture valuing dedication, responsibility, and steady professionalism over fast-paced innovation or disruptive tech experimentation. For a Network Engineer here, this means working in an environment where precision, thoroughness, and compliance to protocols are prioritized over rapid product launches or aggressive scaling. The role’s interaction with multiple departments within IT indicates a collaborative but structured culture, likely operating with defined hierarchies and clear approval processes. Long-term, the role is strategic—supporting a critical backbone that sustains the law enforcement community across a geographically dispersed state, requiring both technical mastery and a commitment to public service values. Visibility with network/security leaders is probable, but the position likely focuses on technical execution blended with consultative interaction.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to manage a critical network outage. How did you prioritize actions and communicate with stakeholders?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you identified a security vulnerability in a network you managed. What steps did you take to mitigate it?
• Behavioral: Can you share an example of how you’ve worked cross-functionally with application or server teams to implement network infrastructure changes?
• Behavioral: How do you handle the pressures of on-call duties, especially when incidents occur outside normal working hours?
• Technical: How would you approach upgrading IOS firmware on Cisco switches and routers without impacting ongoing operations?
• Technical: Explain your process for evaluating and implementing network security measures such as firewall rule changes, VPN configurations, or IDS/IPS policies.
• Technical: Describe your experience with Active Directory integration in a network environment and how you ensure its protocols and standards are maintained.
• Technical: What tools and methods do you use to monitor network health and detect security incidents in a complex multi-site infrastructure?
• Situational: Imagine a critical vulnerability is discovered in a core firewall component during off-hours. How would you respond immediately and subsequently communicate with your team?
• Situational: Suppose one of the application support teams requests a network topology change that could potentially expose SLED infrastructure to more risk. How would you handle and evaluate this request?
• Situational: If you detect inconsistent DHCP or DNS behavior affecting multiple sites, what steps would you take to diagnose and resolve the issue?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What interests you most about working for SLED and supporting a law enforcement technology infrastructure?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do your personal and professional values align with a mission-driven organization focused on security and public safety?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do you prioritize staying current with security best practices and compliance requirements in a government environment?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe how the Network Engineering team collaborates with other IT groups within SLED to address infrastructure challenges?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the immediate priorities or upcoming projects for the network team that this role would be involved with?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does SLED support continuous learning and professional development for technical staff given the fast evolving network security landscape?