Sr Lead Network Engineer-Denver, CO & Dallas, TX

The Senior Lead Network Engineer is an experienced technical leader responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, governance, and operational effectiveness of production network data and inventory information across Fiber Access and Metro network environments. This role is focused on Production Data and Inventory Analysis, serving as the primary authority for OLT, fiber access, Metro Ethernet, and transport network datasets while ensuring alignment between network platforms and enterprise inventory systems such as NetBox, Optius/Odin, and related asset management tools.

The position drives data quality, inventory governance, operational reporting, process optimization, and cross-functional coordination to provide trusted network datasets that support engineering, operations, planning, and business decision-making.

The Main Responsibilities

Production Data Management and Analysis

• Lead the collection, validation, analysis, and governance of Fiber OLT, Metro, and transport network production datasets.
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of production network data across operational platforms, inventory systems, and reporting repositories.
• Develop and maintain operational reporting, dashboards, and metrics related to network assets, service delivery, and infrastructure deployment.
• Analyze data trends, inventory utilization, deployment activities, and operational performance to identify data quality issues and operational risks.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to engineering, operations, and leadership teams based on production data analysis.

Network Inventory Management

• Own enterprise governance processes for Fiber and Metro network inventory data.
• Ensure synchronization and consistency between network infrastructure, inventory databases, and operational support systems.
• Lead inventory reconciliation efforts between production environments and systems such as NetBox, Optius/Odin, and other inventory management platforms.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve inventory discrepancies, data quality concerns, and asset records inconsistencies.
• Establish standards and controls for inventory lifecycle management, data maintenance, and audit readiness.

Inventory Platform and Systems Management

• Serve as the subject matter expert for network inventory platforms and data management tools.
• Partner with IT, engineering, and vendor teams to support enhancements, integrations, and operational improvements within NetBox, Optius/Odin, and related systems.
• Define requirements for inventory workflows, data models, reporting structures, and validation processes.
• Support data migration, system integration, and inventory modernization initiatives.
• Ensure inventory systems accurately reflect deployed network assets and service relationships.

Data Governance and Process Improvement

• Establish and enforce standards for network data quality, inventory accuracy, and reporting consistency.
• Develop and implement automation solutions to improve data collection, validation, reconciliation, and reporting processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, inventory integrity, and data governance.
• Define key performance indicators and quality metrics for network inventory and production data management.

Operational and Strategic Support

• Serve as the primary technical authority for Fiber OLT and Metro network inventory and production datasets.
• Support engineering, operations, deployment, finance, and supply chain organizations with trusted inventory and production data.
• Provide analytical support for audits, compliance reviews, executive reporting, and business initiatives.
• Partner with architecture, engineering, operations, and IT organizations to improve visibility and accuracy across network asset repositories.

Project Management

• Lead inventory transformation, data governance, and reporting enhancement initiatives.
• Manage projects involving inventory system integrations, process automation, and operational data improvements.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts to enhance network asset visibility, inventory accuracy, and operational reporting capabilities.

• Expert knowledge of telecommunications network infrastructure, including Fiber OLT, access, transport, and Metro network technologies.
• Strong experience managing and analyzing production network datasets and inventory information.
• Extensive knowledge of network inventory management platforms, including NetBox, Optius/Odin, or comparable inventory systems.
• Proven experience with inventory reconciliation, data governance, asset lifecycle tracking, and operational reporting.
• Experience developing dashboards, metrics, and analytical reporting solutions.
• Strong understanding of OSS platforms, network inventory architectures, and data integration methodologies.
• Experience with automation, scripting, and data validation processes.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and root cause investigation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Data Analytics, or a related field desired.

Experience

Required:

• 7+ years of experience in telecommunications network engineering, network operations, inventory management, OSS platforms, production data analysis, or related technical disciplines.
• Experience supporting Fiber Access, OLT, Metro Ethernet, transport networks, and enterprise inventory platforms such as NetBox and Optius/Odin is strongly preferred.

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary by location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Base Salary Range: $132,000 - $198,000 USD

This role is also eligible for an annual bonus.

Forged Fiber also offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

At Forged Fiber, our mission is bold but simple: deliver fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity that builds the foundation for everything online. As we execute, we believe the right way to do something is the only way. This foundation guides how the company builds, operates, and maintains a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform that empowers millions.

Forged Fiber is about more than building a network. It is about people. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, employees create impact through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.