SR LEAD NETWORK ENGINEER

Join Lumen’s IP/VPN Network Engineering organization responsible for the design, certification, automation, and strategic evolution of one of the world’s largest global IP backbones. This role provides technical leadership for complex network engineering initiatives involving routing, MPLS transport, automation, architecture development, hardware certification, and operational standards.

The successful candidate will be recognized as a technical expert and thought leader in service provider networking technologies and network automation. This role requires deep expertise in large-scale IP/MPLS network design, routing protocols, engineering standards, automation frameworks, and emerging network technologies. The Engineer will lead complex projects that impact multiple network domains and partner closely with Architecture, Operations, Product, and Vendor teams to deliver scalable and reliable network solutions.

The Main Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, certification, and deployment of IP/MPLS backbone network technologies and services.
• Develop and maintain network architecture standards, engineering guidelines, and low-level design documentation.
• Serve as the technical lead for strategic network initiatives involving routing, transport, automation, security, and platform evolution.
• Design and troubleshoot large-scale routing environments utilizing, * Develop automation solutions using Python and Ansible to improve network deployment, validation, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain network automation frameworks, tooling, APIs, and testing platforms supporting engineering and operations workflows.
• Perform network certifications, proof-of-concepts, interoperability testing, and vendor evaluations for emerging hardware and software platforms.
• Partner with operations teams to investigate and resolve complex routing, convergence, service delivery, and network stability issues.
• Define engineering requirements and evaluate alternative technical solutions to ensure alignment with network strategy and architecture roadmaps.
• Develop and maintain technical standards for Juniper, Nokia, Cisco, and other service provider network platforms.
• Lead technology scouting, innovation efforts, and laboratory testing to evaluate next-generation networking solutions.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineering teams and act as a subject matter expert for routing, transport, and automation technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional organizations including Network Operations, Product, Architecture, Security, and Service Delivery to successfully implement network initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, automation, testing, documentation, and operational readiness.
• Support network modernization initiatives including automation, cloud integration, telemetry, observability, and infrastructure-as-code methodologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of experience in network engineering, IP routing, telecommunications, or service provider environments.
• 8+ years with Master’s degree.
• Expert knowledge of:
• BGP
• IS-IS
• OSPF
• MPLS
• RSVP
• LDP
• IPv4/IPv6
• Routing policy and traffic engineering
• Strong experience with service provider routing platforms including Juniper MX/PTX and Nokia 7750/7250 platforms preferred.
• Experience developing automation solutions using Python.
• Experience managing network infrastructure through Ansible and Infrastructure-as-Code methodologies.
• Experience with network APIs, data modeling, telemetry, and automation frameworks.
• Experience with Linux environments, Git/GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills within complex large-scale network environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical strategy and lead cross-functional initiatives.

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

Location Based Pay Ranges

$132,232 - $176,310 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY

$138,844 - $185,124 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI

$145,456 - $193,940 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA

Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We’re able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.

Learn more about Lumen’s:

Benefits (https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/benefits-statement)

Bonus Structure

LI-Remote

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI-powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high-performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI-ready connectivity, join us today., Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI-focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.

To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit