Level 1 NOC Engineer (JHB)

As a Level 1 Network Operations Centre (NOC) Engineer, your primary objective is to monitor and maintain the performance and availability of our clients’ network environments. You are the first line of defence in identifying and resolving issues before they disrupt client operations. Your responsibilities are critical in ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining operational continuity through proactive surveillance and quick response to alerts and incidents.

This role is instrumental in ensuring the optimal performance of client networks and infrastructure components. Your vigilance and technical ability support client productivity by keeping their digital operations running smoothly and securely.

The Level 1 NOC Engineer acts as the backbone of proactive IT service delivery. In today’s digital business environment, even minor network disruptions can significantly hinder productivity and revenue. By maintaining constant vigilance over networks and resolving issues in real-time, this role directly contributes to minimize downtime through proactive issue detection and resolution, providing regular updates and clear communication during incidents, ensuring firmware and patching compliance to mitigate vulnerabilities and assisting with optimization and performance tuning of networks and devices.

Network and Device Monitoring

• Continuously monitor the performance and health of critical network infrastructure including firewalls, switches, routers, wireless access points, and internet connections.
• Use tools such as network monitoring platforms to receive real-time alerts on outages, degraded performance, or security threats.
• Monitor system resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space on client servers to ensure optimal performance and early detection of resource exhaustion.
• Track patch compliance and the operational status of agents installed on monitored devices to ensure consistent visibility and manageability.

Alert Response and Incident Resolution

• Triage alerts based on priority, impact, and urgency; respond immediately to high-priority issues affecting client productivity.
• Conduct first-line diagnostics using basic command-line tools (e.g., ping, traceroute, ipconfig, nslookup) to assess connectivity, DNS resolution, and route availability.
• Perform remote troubleshooting of common issues on networking equipment (e.g., restarting services, checking interface status, inspecting logs).
• Carry out guided remediation procedures such as restarting unresponsive services, clearing disk space, and escalating hardware failures to appropriate teams or vendors.

Internet and Connectivity Management

• Monitor the uptime and performance of client internet links and escalate issues to internet service providers (ISPs) when needed.
• Log and track support tickets with ISPs, ensuring SLAs are met and downtime is minimized.
• Support the configuration of link failover, static IP troubleshooting, and link health validation using tools and dashboards.

First-Line Configuration and Maintenance

• Apply basic changes to firewall policies, switch VLAN assignments, and access point configurations under the guidance of Level 2 or senior engineers.
• Assist with implementing SSL VPN users, web filtering rules, or bandwidth shaping configurations.
• Conduct wireless optimization tasks such as band steering, MAC address filtering, and AP adoption and deployment.
• Apply firmware updates and system patches as scheduled to mitigate vulnerabilities and maintain device stability.

Ticket Management and Documentation

• Create and maintain accurate tickets for all incidents, service requests, and change tasks.
• Prioritize tickets based on urgency, business impact, and predefined SLAs.
• Provide clear, concise ticket updates including troubleshooting steps taken, outcomes, and any pending actions.
• Escalate unresolved or complex incidents to Level 2 engineers with thorough background details.

Client Communication and Updates

• Maintain professional and timely communication with clients throughout the incident lifecycle.
• Provide regular updates to clients regarding incident progress, estimated resolution times, and post-resolution explanations.
• Educate clients on recurring issues or usage patterns that could prevent future disruptions.
• Log all communications and updates within ticketing platforms to maintain a full audit trail.

Preventative Maintenance and Reporting

• Assist in conducting scheduled maintenance activities, including backup status checks, patch status reviews, and basic endpoint health assessments.
• Contribute to the upkeep of weekly or monthly performance reports by logging incidents and uptime statistics.
• Flag devices or services showing early signs of failure or misconfiguration for proactive intervention.

Team Collaboration and Escalation Support

• Work closely with Level 2 and senior engineers to escalate incidents efficiently and support root cause investigations.
• Participate in knowledge transfer sessions to continuously improve personal technical capability and team awareness.
• Follow documented procedures and checklists, providing feedback for process improvements where applicable.
• Maintain a helpful and collaborative attitude when assisting peers and sharing information that could aid in incident prevention or faster resolution.

Knowledge Management and Continuous Learning

• Document new troubleshooting steps, fixes, and resolutions in internal knowledge bases to support faster response for future similar issues.
• Stay updated with evolving IT infrastructure technologies including firewalls, monitoring tools, and endpoint agents.
• Actively participate in internal training sessions, product updates, or certification programs as part of professional development.

Compliance and Best Practice Adherence

• Ensure that all actions, especially involving client systems, are logged and auditable.
• Follow internal security protocols and industry best practices in performing updates, maintenance, and incident responses.
• Remain vigilant to prevent unauthorized access or unintentional misconfiguration of client systems.

• Foundational networking concepts (IP addressing, subnetting, protocols (DHCP, DNS, SNMP, ICMP, HTTP/S).
• Operating systems (Windows Server and client environments).
• Familiarity with monitoring and management platforms.
• Understanding of network infrastructure roles (firewalls, routers, access points).

• Strong analytical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with basic CLI commands (ping, tracert, nslookup).
• Ability to interpret monitoring alerts and respond appropriately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Effective time management and problem prioritization.

• 1–2 years of networking support experience.
• Hands-on experience with switches, routers, and monitoring tools.
• Exposure to incident management and ticketing platforms (e.g., ConnectWise, ServiceNow).

• Competent in basic networking and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Comfortable working with Windows environments.
• Understanding of firewall and access point configurations.
• Capable of providing high-quality client service under pressure.

• Punctuality and time management.
• Dependability and accountability.
• Calm, professional demeanor under stress.
• Empathy and patience in client interactions.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support the broader team.

• CompTIA Network+ or equivalent.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
• Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE 1-3 or FCP).
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate/Expert (MCSA/MCSE).
• Vendor-specific certifications (Fortinet, Aruba, Ubiquiti, etc.)
• Beneficial: CompTIA A+, VMWare or Hyper-V virtualization certifications.

At Numata, we’re not just a global IT services company, we are the #1 Business Technology Strategists for SMEs, and a people-first business that believes in the power of growth, support, and shared success. Our mission is to create a dynamic, empowering workplace where innovation meets integrity, and where every individual can thrive personally and professionally.

We believe your growth is our growth. That’s why we fund training and development programs, helping you gain certifications and build new skills without the financial burden. With career pathways and opportunities to promote from within, your potential at Numata knows no limits. As part of a globally recognized and rapidly scaling business, you’ll gain exposure to cutting-edge experiences. This isn’t just a job; it’s your gateway to a world of opportunity.

We equip our team with world-class tools and infrastructure, whether you're working remotely or from our offices. With premium IT support and the latest tech, we make it easy for you to do your best work, every day. Our offices are more than just places to work; they’re environments designed to energize and inspire. Enjoy fresh fruit, premium coffee, popcorn, vending machine, secure parking, and a space built around people’s needs and comfort. It’s truly a home away from home!

At Numata, integrity, honesty, respect, and trust are more than just words, they’re values we live by. We foster a collaborative, team-first environment with open-door leadership and real opportunities to connect, including regular initiatives like Lunch with the CEO. Got ideas? We’re listening. Innovation is everyone’s responsibility here. You’ll be empowered to share your voice, drive change, and shape the future of our business, no matter your role.

We care for our people beyond the workplace. Enjoy comprehensive benefits including fair compensation structures, medical insurance, disability cover, annual bonuses, and access to a dedicated counselling psychologist through our Employee Assistance Programme. From a healthy social calendar, monthly team meetings, celebrations of birthdays and milestones to leadership coaching and recognition programs, we make it a priority to celebrate achievements, big and small.

We’re growing the next generation of leaders. With access to mentorship, leadership development programs, and executive coaching, we help you step confidently into every stage of your professional journey.

Why Join, and Stay, with Numata?

Because at Numata, you’re not just doing a job. You’re building a career, doing whatever it takes, making an impact, and becoming part of a supportive, ambitious community that grows together.

Numata is where your potential meets purpose. Let’s grow together!

Visit our website for more information about us:

Business Technology Strategists for SMEs | Numata

We’re excited to meet passionate individuals who are ready to make a real impact and grow with us. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and let’s start the conversation!