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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Network Engineer - **Company:** Lumen Inc - **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $111,074.0 - $144,099.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Apache HTTP Server, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Border Gateway Protocol, Cloud Computing, Configuration Management, Complex Networks, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Databases, Continuous Integration, Data Centers, DevOps, Django Web Framework, Networking Hardware, Multi-protocol Systems, JSON, Python (Programming Language), Network Layer, PostgreSQL, Linux System Administration, Automation of Marketing, MongoDB, MySQL, Network Architecture, Routing, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Ansible, Software Deployment, Software Engineering, Data Streaming, TCP/IP, Virtual Local Area Networks, Web Applications, YAML, Model-Driven Development, Google Cloud, Enterprise Software Applications, Computer Network Technologies, Flask (Web Framework), Software Troubleshooting, Reliability of Systems, Backend, Juniper, Git, Fastapi, Containerization, Kubernetes, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, Apache Kafka, Restful APIs, Terraform, Open Network Automation Platform, Grpc, Software Version Control, Cisco, Docker - **Published:** September 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/7b37b614-c562-47af-b6dc-83d650b3ab21 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience. * 5+ years of network engineering experience with strong understanding of enterprise or service provider networking technologies. * 4+ years of software development or infrastructure automation experience. * Experience validating solutions across Cisco, Ciena, Adtran, ADVA, Nokia, Juniper, Axon, and other networking platforms. * Strong programming skills in Python, including experience developing production-quality applications and automation frameworks. * Experience with network automation frameworks and tools such as Ansible, Nornir, Netmiko, PyATS, or similar technologies. * Solid understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking concepts, including: * BGP * OSPF and/or IS-IS * MPLS * VLANs and VXLAN * TCP/IP * Routing and switching * Experience consuming and developing REST APIs, JSON, YAML, and data models. * Experience with network programmability technologies including gNMI, OpenConfig, gRPC, and model-driven telemetry. * Experience building event-driven automation solutions using Apache Pulsar, Apache Kafka, or similar streaming platforms. * Proficiency with Git, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines. * Experience with Linux environments and software deployment practices. * Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. * Excellent technical documentation and communication skills., * Experience building internal platforms, web applications, or self-service automation portals. * Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (Google Cloud Platform). * Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code technologies including Terraform. * Experience with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes. * Familiarity with network telemetry, observability, and streaming data technologies. * Experience working with databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB. * Experience with Django, Flask, FastAPI, or other backend frameworks. * Knowledge of DevOps, SRE, or Agile development methodologies. * Experience supporting large-scale service provider, backbone, data center, or cloud networking environments. * Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, DevNet Professional, AWS Solutions Architect, or equivalent. ## Description As a Lead Network Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain automation platforms that simplify the deployment, operation, and management of large-scale network infrastructure. This role combines deep networking knowledge with software engineering expertise to build scalable automation solutions, improve operational efficiency, and enhance network testing reliability. You will partner closely with Network Engineering, Architecture, Operations, Security, Systems, and IT teams to modernize network workflows, develop testing automation frameworks, and drive the adoption of Infrastructure as Code and DevOps practices across the organization., * Design, develop, and maintain network automation solutions using modern software engineering practices. * Build and support tools, APIs, and platforms that automate network provisioning, configuration management, compliance validation, and operational workflows. * Develop Python-based applications, services, and automation frameworks that integrate with network devices, controllers, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems. * Create and maintain Infrastructure as Code solutions using technologies such as Ansible, Terraform, Git, and CI/CD pipelines. * Develop automated testing, validation, and deployment processes to improve network reliability and reduce operational risk. * Collaborate with network engineers to translate manual operational procedures into scalable automated workflows. * Integrate telemetry, monitoring, and data analytics solutions to improve visibility and operational decision-making. * Design and implement REST APIs and data models to support automation and orchestration platforms. * Troubleshoot complex network and software issues across multi-vendor environments. * Create technical documentation, coding standards, and operational procedures for automation solutions. * Mentor team members on automation best practices, software development methodologies, and network programmability technologies. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce operational overhead and accelerate service delivery., To review Lumen's Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit: ;br> Disclaimer The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name. ## Related Videos - [Exploring the Power of gRPC-Gateway for Writing RESTful Services](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2072-exploring-the-power-of-grpc-gateway-for-writing-restful-services) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [CI/CD with Github Actions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/856-ci-cd-with-github-actions) - [Demystifying application networking in the cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/675-demystifying-application-networking-in-the-cloud) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) ## Related Articles - [Basic And Advanced Networking in Dart and Flutter](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/112-basic-and-advanced-networking-in-dart-and-flutter) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [7 Most Popular Web Developer Jobs in Europe](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/163-7-most-popular-web-developer-jobs-in-europe) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)