Staff Network Engineer

At Walmart Advanced Systems & Robotics, we're building the infrastructure that will power the next generation of retail experiences. We're the team behind Alphabot®, a new technology that's changing the way America shops. Our automated pickup and delivery systems use a combination of robotics and software to efficiently handle large volumes of online orders, streamlining operations for managers and enhancing the customer experience. We're passionate about robotics, retail, and creating solutions that impact millions of customers daily.

Networking is everywhere in our products, from robot level Ethernet switch ICs and radios to complete warehouse wireless networks to mobility solutions. As the Network Engineer, you will be responsible for all of it. You will gain a deep understanding of how devices communicate with one another at all levels of our products and use your expertise to drive our product development to ensure our customer installations are successful. In this role you will get to work with a wide array of different devices and technologies. Some of these will be standard IT networking equipment and others will be dedicated industrial equipment that is purpose-built to enable automation specific needs such as human safety system communication. You will be a part of Alert’s Product IT Team and will work closely with design engineers and site deployment teams. You will be working alongside principal and Staff Engineers.

It’s important that the Network Engineer have significant previous experience in architecture, documentation, implementation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of industrial wired and wireless networks for similar types of applications to Alert’s. Familiarity with past and emerging standards such as WiFi, Private 5G vendor-specific protocol solutions, and module-level offerings. Complete working knowledge of Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto switching routing and firewall is required. Vendor specific certifications are required and will be verified. 

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON:

• Act as the company-wide computer networking expert and be responsible for the successful implementation of networking (wireless and wired) solutions for Alert’s automation systems
• Architect, design, document, test, and troubleshoot computer networks used in Alert’s industrial automation products
• Enable successful wireless and wired network installations at customer sites by performing WiFi site surveys and simulation, WiFi antenna selection and placement, tuning component configurations, managing RF spectrum/channel use, implementing monitoring and data collection solutions, and providing debugging support
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop product requirements, participate in design reviews, provide internal training, and drive issue resolution
• Drive networking component selection at the system and component levels to meet product requirements for both general networking and human safety system networking while considering reliability, serviceability, and cost
• Work closely with Alert’s Information Technology Team to ensure successful customer site rollout and support by developing networking statistics reporting, monitoring, and alerting that integrates with Alert’s IT infrastructure
• Own the technical relationships with Alert’s third-party networking equipment suppliers

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• 10 years of directly related work experience
• A proven track record of implementing high reliability computer networks for large-scale industrial (preferably related to automation) applications
• Experience with industrial safety systems implemented over wireless networks that use PROFINET and PROFIsafe and a deep understanding of how they work
• Knowledge of RF signal theory concepts as they relate to wireless communication such as attenuation, co-channel interference, electromagnetic interference, shadowing, and reflections
• Strong channel management knowledge, understanding and experience working with DFS channels
• Expertise with advanced networking technologies such as, NAT, Port Forwarding, LLDP, SNMP, 802.1x, VLAN, 802.1q, 802.1p, 801.11a – 802.11ac, WiFi 6, and various network topologies such as ring and daisy-chain
• Demonstrated, strong ability to debug complex network issues and reach root cause by using industry standard tools such as tcpdump or Wireshark along with formal methodologies such as FMEAs, 8D, fishbones, 5 why analysis, etc.
• Understanding of security principals, protocols, and best practices is required, a strong background in security is a big plus
• Previous experience with Siemens networking equipment is highly preferable
• Some familiarity with network automation using Ansible, Python, and/or Bash
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in computer networking, information technology, electrical/computer engineering, or computer science, or the equivalent in relevant work experience

We offer great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet:

• Competitive pay and performance-based bonus awards
• Competitive 401(k) matching program, stock purchase plans, and equity opportunities
• Comprehensive health, vision, and insurance plans with options for dependent coverage
• Unlimited PTO for salaried employees, covering vacation, holidays, and personal days
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid maternity/paternity leave
• Special Walmart discounts for in-store and online purchases
• Complimentary daily lunches, beverages, and snacks
• Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more

Walmart, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By Choice. We believe we are best equipped to help our associates, customers, and the communities we serve live better when we really know them. That means understanding, respecting, and valuing diversity – unique styles, experiences, identities, abilities, ideas and opinions – while being inclusive of all people.