Meet Nino Noriega, Network Engineer

When did you join S-NET Communications?

I started in March or April of 2018, so it’s been a while!

Tell us a bit about your educational background.

I have a degree in Networking Systems Administration (NSA) and Electrical Engineering Technology (EET). I’m also a certified by the Cable Technicians Association.

What made you choose this career path?

I have always been interested in the communications industry and wanted to find a field that allows me to work with both hardware and software. I found VoIP unexpectedly, and it fit the bill perfectly. I love it, it is a career choice that I am very comfortable with.

Where did you work before joining S-NET?

Right before joining S-NET, I worked at AT&T as a Technical Project Manager. But sitting at a desk wasn’t for me… (Laughs.)

What are your primary responsibilities at S-NET?

I am responsible for project installations small and large. I configure network equipment, such as routers and SD-WANs, and train clients on using their phones and the S-NET Connect application. I also activate new clients in our various monitoring software, keep track of system performance and respond to technical issues when they arise. When we have new Field Engineers or Inventory personnel joining our team, it is my responsibility to train them, and I have my share of after-hours on-call time as well.

It’s a dynamic job, where I get to learn how to configure new equipment daily. Keeping up with all the new client installs coming in can be challenging. But the most important aspect is always customer support.

How often do you interact with clients?

I work with clients on a daily basis. As Mersim Kosovrasti, our Field Engineering Team Lead would say, we are the face of the company. So, we should make sure that we don’t mess up! (Laughs.)

What do you like most about your job?

The people I work with, we have a great team. And it’s always interesting to learn about client needs as well. When it comes to network structure, projects can get complicated. But we always do our best to deliver what the client wants. Fulfilling their requests is rewarding. There is nothing like the satisfaction of a job well-done and a making a client smile.

How has S-NET helped you grow as an engineer?

S-NET has pushed my knowledge to the limits on different aspects of network structure and equipment. We learn every day and that never stops. Things change fast, especially in this industry.

How do you like to unwind after a long day of work?

I like to ride my mini-bike or enjoy a glass of whiskey. I also like to watch movies and play video games. When the weather allows, I enjoy camping, boating, snowboarding – anything outdoorsy, really. And I love to travel, I hope I can visit Cancun soon.

What is one thing most of your coworkers and clients don’t know about you?

That from time to time, I can be a serious person too. (Laughs.)