Role Overview

The Associate Network Engineer is a hybrid role responsible for supporting IT/network equipment logistics and warehouse operations, asset management, equipment staging and deployment, RMA/vendor coordination, as well as providing Level 1 support for basic network connectivity and hardware-related issues.

The role works closely with vendors, couriers, field engineers, project managers and network engineers to ensure network equipment is properly managed, prepared and deployed in a timely manner.

We are looking for an organised, hands-on and technically inclined individual who is comfortable working with both physical IT equipment and basic network support activities. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented in managing inventory and documentation, while being confident enough to perform first-level technical checks and coordinate effectively with technical and project teams.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, asset-tag, label, store, issue, dispatch and track IT/network equipment and accessories.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including serial numbers, asset tags, warranty status, location, stock movement and project allocation.
• Manage spare network equipment, SFPs, cables, modules, power supplies and other accessories.
• Coordinate equipment delivery, collection and movement between warehouses, offices, vendors and customer sites.
• Prepare equipment for deployment, including staging, packing, labelling and handover documentation.
• Coordinate RMA, faulty equipment replacement, warranty claims, repairs and return-to-vendor activities.
• Maintain delivery notes, collection forms, stock reports, inventory trackers and audit-ready documentation.

Level 1 Network Support

• Perform basic checks on power, cabling, LED/link status, ports, SFPs and physical connectivity.
• Assist with device staging, rack-and-stack, patching, labelling, hardware replacement and site deployment.
• Perform first-level troubleshooting for LAN, WAN, WLAN, firewall and connectivity-related incidents.
• Collect relevant technical information such as hostnames, IP addresses, serial numbers, device models, firmware versions, interface status, screenshots and basic logs.
• Perform basic troubleshooting using ping, traceroute, cable checks and link verification.
• Conduct post-replacement connectivity testing.
• Maintain network documentation, including port maps, rack layouts, deployment trackers and inventory records.
• Escalate complex routing, firewall, wireless, configuration or security issues to Level 2/3 engineers with clear diagnostic information.

• Networking: Cisco, Aruba/HPE, Huawei, Palo Alto
• Security: Fortinet, Palo Alto, Check Point
• Management: ClearPass, Aruba Central, Cisco ISE, Panorama, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, Huawei NCE Campus

Qualifications

• Minimum NITEC, Higher NITEC or equivalent in IT, Networking, Electronics, Logistics, Supply Chain, Warehouse Management or a related discipline.
• Experience in IT logistics, warehouse operations, inventory management, IT asset management or network equipment handling.
• Basic understanding of LAN, WAN, WLAN, IP addressing, VLANs, cabling and first-level network troubleshooting.
• Able to identify and handle network equipment such as switches, routers, firewalls, access points, SFPs, modules, cables, power supplies and rack/patching components.
• Comfortable performing basic physical and connectivity checks and assisting with equipment deployment or replacement.
• Strong coordination and communication skills, with the ability to work with vendors, couriers, suppliers, field engineers, project managers and technical teams.
• Good documentation and administrative skills, including experience with spreadsheets, ticketing systems, inventory systems and asset trackers.
• Willing to work across warehouse, office and customer-site environments.
• Comfortable supporting site rollouts, hardware refreshes, equipment swaps and scheduled maintenance activities when required.
• Relevant hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

Preferred Certifications

• CCNA
• CompTIA Network+
• ITIL Foundation
• Huawei HCIA
• Aruba entry-level certification
• Palo Alto PCNSA
• Fortinet entry-level certification
• Equivalent networking/IT certifications