Network Engineering Manager

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

Job Description:

Description:

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.

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 700+ passionate team members. We work in person 4+ days a week.

What You'll 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 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Evaluates lifespan of components and make recommendations for expansion or replacement for out-of-date equipment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
Requirements:

What You'll Bring:

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)

Not Required but Nice to Have!

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

Benefits & 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 tomorrow's pet products-plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

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
Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Generous paid time off
14 Paid Holidays
Top of the line equipment
Pet-friendly office
Whisker products and swag
Continuing education Support
On-site gym with Peloton
Referral program

Statement 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.

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