Information Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a motivated Network Engineering Intern to join our team and gain hands-on, real-world experience supporting the university's enterprise network infrastructure. This internship is designed to give students broad exposure to the network engineering discipline through three core focus areas:
- Wireless Network Deployment — Deployment and configuration of new wireless access points (APs) across campus facilities.
- Network Management Systems & DevOps — Supporting network operations through monitoring tools, automation, and systems that keep the network healthy and observable.
- Network Infrastructure Engineering — Working with the core switching, routing, and physical/logical infrastructure that underpins campus connectivity.
Interns will be engaged in each of these areas over the course of the internship, and have exposure to the full lifecycle of enterprise network engineering — from physical deployment to systems automation to core infrastructure design.
This position is open to students currently enrolled in the University of Virginia (undergraduate or graduate) and pursuing a degree in a related field, such as:
- Computer Science / Information Technology / Information Systems
- Computer/ Electrical Engineering
- Network Engineering or a closely related discipline
Key Responsibilities
Focus Area 1: Wireless Network Deployment
- Assist in the physical installation and configuration of wireless access points across campus buildings
- Support site surveys to determine optimal AP placement for coverage and capacity
- Help troubleshoot wireless connectivity issues reported by end users
- Document AP inventory, placement, and configuration changes
- Assist with testing and validation of new AP deployments prior to production rollout
Focus Area 2: Network Management Systems & DevOps
- Support the use and configuration of network monitoring and management platforms
- Assist with developing or maintaining automation scripts/tools to streamline network operations tasks
- Help build dashboards and alerts to improve network visibility and incident response
- Participate in troubleshooting using network management tools to identify performance issues or outages
- Contribute to documentation of operational runbooks and standard procedures
Focus Area 3: Network Infrastructure Engineering
- Assist with configuration and maintenance of switches, routers, and other core infrastructure devices
- Support network design and capacity planning activities for campus infrastructure projects
- Help maintain accurate network diagrams and infrastructure documentation
- Participate in infrastructure upgrade, maintenance, and change management activities
- Learn and apply network engineering best practices under the guidance of senior engineers
Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program
- Basic understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, OSI model)
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and work across multiple technical disciplines
- Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to manage time effectively across numerous assignments and academic responsibilities
Preferred (not required)
- Coursework or hands-on experience with networking (e.g., Cisco, Aruba, or similar platforms)
- Exposure to scripting or automation (Python, Bash, Ansible, etc.)
- Familiarity with network monitoring tools
- Interest in pursuing industry certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA)
- Prior IT helpdesk, lab, or hands-on technical experience
What You Will Gain
- Hands-on experience across three distinct network engineering disciplines
- Mentorship from experienced network engineers and IT professionals
- Exposure to enterprise-scale network infrastructure and operations
- Practical skills that translate directly to careers in network engineering, systems administration, or IT operations
- Potential pathway to future employment opportunities within ITS
Compensation: $19.00 Hourly
Duration: Fall 2026 / Spring 2026 / Summer 2026
Hours: 16-20 hours per week
Position Type: Internship (Part-Time / Semester or Academic Year)
Location: On-Grounds
Reports To: Network Engineering Manager, ITS
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
