Senior Lead Network Engineer

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

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:
  • BGP (iBGP, eBGP, Route Reflection, Add-Paths)
  • IS-IS
  • OSPF
  • MPLS
  • RSVP-TE
  • LDP
  • Segment Routing (preferred)
• 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.

What We Look For in a Candidate

• 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.

Compensation

Requisition #: 343479

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.