Director of Metro Ethernet Engineering

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.

The Role

The Director of Metro Ethernet Engineering leads engineering, certification, deployment readiness, and lifecycle management for Lumen's Metro Ethernet platforms and services. This role translates approved network architecture into deployable engineering standards, validated configurations, implementation processes, operational tooling, and production-ready service offerings.

This leader manages a team of network engineers responsible for Metro Ethernet, PacketOptical networks and related operational ecosystems. The position serves as the primary engineering liaison between Network Architecture, Product, Planning, Operations, Systems Development, Testing, Service Delivery, and vendor partners. Responsibilities include technology qualification, hardware and software certification, service introduction, roadmap prioritization, risk management, operational readiness, and strategic investment planning for Metro Ethernet network evolution.

This role requires a strong, values-driven leader who builds trust, fosters teamwork, communicates with clarity and transparency, and keeps teams focused on customers and shared outcomes. The Director must translate complex technical strategy into clear direction, engage stakeholders across functions, develop talent, model accountability, and lead a high-performing engineering team through change, ambiguity, and transformation.

Location

This is a remote opportunity open to candidates located anywhere in the U.S.

The Main Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Metro Ethernet engineering team responsible for network technologies, platforms, service readiness, deployment standards, and lifecycle execution.
• Provide technical leadership across Metro Ethernet, Packet Optical networks, MetRON, colorless networking, NID platforms, Ethernet services, coherent optics, routing, switching, and related access technologies.
• Direct certification, qualification, interoperability testing, and production readiness for new hardware, software releases, optics, platforms, and network capabilities.
• Own engineering execution of Metro Ethernet roadmap initiatives, including MetRON deployment, Metro 3.0 enhancements, Ethernet Fabric services, service automation, and next-generation access capabilities.
• Translate architecture and strategy into engineering work packages, implementation plans, operational deliverables, standards, and repeatable deployment practices.
• Partner across Architecture, Product, Planning, Operations, Systems Development, Testing, Service Delivery, and vendors to align priorities, resolve dependencies, and deliver customer-centered outcomes.
• Serve as an engineering escalation leader for complex production issues, deployment challenges, technology limitations, and service-impacting events.
• Build trust, communicate with clarity and transparency, foster teamwork and accountability, develop talent, and lead teams effectively through change, ambiguity, and transformation.

What We Look For in a Candidate

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of telecommunications or network engineering experience, including deep expertise in Ethernet networking, IP/MPLS, optical transport, routing, switching, and carrier network operations.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams, technical programs, or network technology initiatives, with demonstrated ability to develop talent, build trust, and lead through change.
• Experience introducing network technologies from architecture through production deployment, including certification, vendor management, implementation planning, and operational readiness.
• Strong program management, executive communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience with large-scale service provider Metro Ethernet networks and transformation programs.
• Expertise in coherent optics, Ethernet access services, optical transport integration, automation platforms, assurance, activation, inventory, and operational support systems.
• Familiarity with MEF, IEEE Ethernet standards, Y.1564, Y.1731, service assurance, and carrier Ethernet technologies.

Compensation

Requisition #: 343467

Life at Lumen

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:  
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

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To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice

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.

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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.