Junior Network Engineer - ResiBridge

Fairstead is a purpose-driven real estate firm dedicated to building affordable communities across the country. Headquartered in New York, with offices in Colorado, Florida, and Washington DC, Fairstead owns and manages a portfolio of more than 30,000 apartments, including pipeline, across 28 states. As an integrated owner, operator, and innovator, Fairstead brings development, construction, and property management under one unified platform to deliver high-quality affordable housing that serves our residents at scale.

At Fairstead, we believe affordable housing should be thoughtfully designed, professionally managed, and responsibly operated. We seek to create and preserve housing that serves residents while delivering long-term value to communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Fairstead challenges industry norms through our tech-forward, entrepreneurial approach to affordable housing. In addition to core real estate capabilities, we operate innovative service lines designed to improve resident outcomes, strengthen communities, and drive operational efficiency. We embrace digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies, including AI, to build scalable systems that support sustainable growth, grounded in a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, partnership, dedication, and integrity.

Affordable internet access is an essential utility.  It connects people to work, education, healthcare, entertainment, and the people who matter most.

ResiBridge is an independent Internet Service Provider delivering reliable, high-speed internet service to multifamily communities at an affordable price.  We currently operate networks throughout much of the United States.

ResiBridge designs, builds, and operates hybrid fiber and high-capacity wireless networks for multifamily properties.  Our infrastructure includes fiber-optic access networks, carrier-grade routing and switching, GPON and XGS-PON systems, and high-capacity wireless links operating across multiple frequency bands.  We are a growing, hands-on engineering organization focused on building reliable networks, solving real-world infrastructure challenges, and delivering a strong customer experience from installation through ongoing support.

About the role:

ResiBridge is seeking a motivated Junior Network Engineer to support the operation, deployment, and continued growth of our ISP network.

Working directly with the CTO and senior engineering staff, this individual will assist with network monitoring, incident response, equipment provisioning, documentation, field coordination, infrastructure deployments, and ongoing network maintenance.

This position is designed for someone with strong networking fundamentals, hands-on technical ability, and a desire to grow into a well-rounded ISP network engineer.  Candidates are not expected to arrive with expertise in every technology we operate.

ResiBridge will provide hands-on training in areas including MikroTik routing and switching, fiber-optic networks, GPON and XGS-PON systems, carrier-grade wireless equipment, monitoring platforms, network automation, and ISP operations.

The role combines network operations and engineering work with occasional field deployments throughout New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area.  Approximately 20% travel or field work may be required.

Responsibilities:

Network Operations and Troubleshooting:

• Monitor network health, availability, capacity, and performance using platforms such as Grafana, Prometheus, and vendor management systems.


• Investigate network alerts, customer impacting incidents, equipment outages, and performance issues.


• Perform initial troubleshooting of routers, switches, wireless systems, OLTs, ONTs, and related network infrastructure.


• Gather relevant logs, configurations, monitoring data, packet captures, and field information before escalating complex issues.


• Assist with diagnosing DHCP, DNS, VLAN, routing, switching, NAT, wireless, and general connectivity problems.


• Participate in planned network maintenance, upgrades, configuration changes, and service migrations.


• Follow established escalation, change-control, and incident-response procedures.

Network Configuration and Provisioning:

• Provision and configure routers, switches, access points, OLTs, wireless bridges, and other network equipment.


• Assist with MikroTik RouterOS configuration, validation, backups, upgrades, and troubleshooting.


• Review device configurations for accuracy and consistency before deployment.


• Maintain addressing plans, VLAN assignments, equipment records, configuration standards, and network documentation.


• Assist with testing new equipment, software versions, configurations, and network designs before production deployment.

Fiber and Wireless Infrastructure:

• Support the installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber-optic and high-capacity wireless networks.


• Assist with the deployment and operation of GPON and XGS-PON infrastructure, including OLTs, ONTs, splitters, and optical distribution systems.


• Perform or assist with fiber continuity testing, optical power measurements, connector inspection, cleaning, and basic fault isolation.


• Support point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless systems operating in the 5 GHz, 24 GHz, 60 GHz, and 70/80 GHz frequency bands.


• Assist with wireless alignment, signal verification, interference analysis, capacity review, and link-performance optimization.


• Review field surveys, installation photos, path information, equipment locations, and closeout documentation.

Field and Vendor Coordination:

• Perform occasional on-site installations, equipment replacements, maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting.


• Coordinate with field technicians, contractors, property staff, vendors, and service providers.


• Confirm that field work has been completed according to the approved design and documentation.


• Identify missing information, workmanship concerns, safety issues, or installation deficiencies and clearly document required corrections.


• Assist with structured cabling, equipment mounting, labeling, and network hardware installation when needed.

Systems, Documentation and Automation:

• Perform basic Linux system administration and troubleshooting.


• Assist with the operation of Docker-based applications and internal engineering tools.


• Create and maintain clear documentation for network configurations, troubleshooting procedures, deployments, and incident responses.


• Maintain accurate records in systems such as NetBox, inventory platforms, configuration repositories, and ticketing systems.


• Assist with Python, Bash, API, or other automation projects that improve reliability and reduce repetitive manual work.


• Help develop repeatable procedures, checklists, and internal standards as the network and engineering team grow.

Qualifications: 

• Strong foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking.


• Understanding of subnetting, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, NAT, switching, and basic routing concepts.


• Hands-on experience with routers, managed switches, wireless equipment, servers, or similar technical systems.


• Ability to troubleshoot problems methodically and communicate findings clearly.


• Comfortable working with command-line interfaces and basic Linux tools.


• Ability to follow documented procedures while recognizing when escalation is required.


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a growing and fast-moving environment.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently while also collaborating closely with engineering, operations, field teams, and vendors.


• Willingness to perform occasional field work and planned after-hours maintenance.


• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the New York City metropolitan area.


• Ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Legal authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.


• One to three years of relevant experience in network operations, technical support, systems administration, telecommunications, field services, or a related technical role is preferred.


• Relevant internships, military experience, home labs, certifications, personal projects, and demonstrated hands-on technical aptitude will also be considered.


• A bachelor’s degree in networking, computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required.


• Equivalent professional or hands-on experience may be substituted for formal education.

Experience in all of the following areas is not required. Training will be provided to the right candidate.

• MikroTik RouterOS


• Ubiquiti, Cambium, Siklu, TP-Link, or similar network equipment


• OSPF, BGP, or other dynamic routing protocols


• GPON, XGS-PON, OLTs, ONTs, and passive optical networks


• Fiber-optic testing, cleaning, troubleshooting, or installation


• Point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless systems


• Grafana, Prometheus, Wireshark, SNMP, or similar monitoring and diagnostic tools


• Linux system administration


• Docker or containerized applications


• Python, Bash, APIs, or network automation


• NetBox or other infrastructure-management platforms


• AWS or other cloud platforms


• Structured cabling and low-voltage infrastructure


• Network security fundamentals


• ISP, telecommunications, managed services, or multifamily network environments

Work Environment and Schedule:

ResiBridge operates production networks that provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The normal schedule for this position will primarily fall within standard business hours. However, occasional evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday work may be required for planned maintenance, deployments, or significant network incidents. The role includes a combination of office-based engineering work, remote troubleshooting, data-center visits, and field work at multifamily properties throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

This is not intended to be a traditional call-center NOC position. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience across network operations, infrastructure engineering, field deployment, fiber systems, wireless systems, and automation.

Diversity in backgrounds and experiences is key to Fairstead’s success. Being an equal opportunity employer is a central tenet of our philosophy that shapes who we are and the communities we serve. Our goal is to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, location, and other market benchmarks.