LEAD IT SYSTEMS ENGINEER - PUB SEC

Lumen Technologies; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumen Technologies in Herndon, VA is seeking an IT Systems Engineer III (Lead Engineer) to provide advanced Tier-2 support for a nationwide fiber OTN/DWDM backbone and two NOC sites. You will act as the primary POC for escalations, guide IP device configurations, and develop SOPs, test plans, and change documents.

Requirements include a TS/SCI clearance, deep IP networking expertise, and experience with network management tools. Travel ~15% is expected.

Qualifications

• Requires Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Proficient knowledge of IP technology.
• Strong networking and security architecture skills.
• Experience with common network management tools.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 6+ years in networking.

Responsibilities

• Serve as escalation point for NOC personnel on network issues.
• Lead for IP device configurations and TTU/MOP processes.
• Diagnose network problems with advanced diagnostics tools.
• Provide guidance and training to junior technicians.
• Maintain IP network design diagrams and as-built docs.
• Ensure 100% availability of IP and Network Management services.
• Coordinate with Tier2/Tier3 engineering for requirements.

Skills

Clearance TS/SCI

IP technology

Network engineering

CCNA

Degree + Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

6+ years network management

Tools

SolarWinds

SNMP

SecureVue

Neuralstar

Cisco ISE

Job description

Lumen is the trusted network for AI. We’re transforming how businesses connect, secure, and scale in an AI-driven world.

By connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly, we help organizations move faster and unlock what’s next.

At Lumen, people power progress. Our culture is built on teamwork, trust, and transparency, giving you the flexibility, support, and opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’re looking for top-tier talent ready to take on the challenge. Join us in building the future.

The Role

As an integral member of the Tier2 Operations & Implementations group, the IT Systems Engineer III (Lead Engineer) provides advanced Tier2 support of a nationwide diverse fiber optic OTN/DWDM transport backbone as well as two (2) geographically separated Network Operation Centers (NOC). The Lead Engineer serves as the NOC primary point of contact (POC) for problem escalations to include trouble shooting network devices, tools, and data services. The Lead Engineer will interact with Network Provisioners, IP Engineers and/or equipment vendors to identify and resolve escalated troubles. The Lead Engineer is expected to provide accurate documentation such as SOPs, Test Plans, Implementation Plans, Training Modules, Reports and Project Narratives. The position requires high level skills in Layers 1,2,3 inter-dependences and Transport proficiency.

The network is expected to sustain continual growth to include additional sites and customers across the life of the program and the ITSE responsibilities continue to grow as new customers are added to the network.

The Main Responsibilities

• Serve as the first level of escalation to NOC personnel on network issues.
• Serves as technical POC and Lead for IP network devices configurations, and Test & Turn-Up of network nodes and devices. Interface with Tier2 team, Tier3 Engineering and configuration managers for requirements, designs, and any other information needed to perform tasks
• Performs advanced diagnostics using software and hardware tools to determine network status and optimize network performance
• Provide technical guidance, direction, and training to junior technicians on IP technology
• Provide technical input to operational documentations and SOP for IP and NM discipline supporting the NOC
• Create SOP and MOP technical operational documentation for Transport discipline supporting the NOC. Create project Implementation Plans, Test Plans and Request For Change documents.
• Create and maintain IP Network design Diagrams, IP schemes, and other supporting documentation. Review and provide feedback or updates to network as-built, Engineering Development Plans (EDP), and configuration management drawings
• Responsible for all IP and network management applications associated with the IP platforms and maintaining 100% availability of IP and Network Management services in engineering and operations environment
• Troubleshoot, identify, and resolve logical & physical network issues and identify problem trends and systemic issues before Tier III elevation
• Provide training, technical guidance and direction as needed
• Provide expertise to monitor, diagnose, and troubleshoot network problems in a mixed vendor environment. The ITSE II interacts extensively with the internal engineering, support teams (FE/FOP), and equipment/software vendors to resolve problems
• Serves as technical POC for Operation and Implementations Test & Turn-Up projects involving network management and IP network devices. Interface with Tier2 team, Tier3 Engineering and configuration managers for requirements, designs, and any other information needed to perform tasks
• Write Test & Turn-up (TTU) & Method of Procedure (MOP) for subtending devices
• Implement IP network device TTU projects which does require after hours onsite support
• Administration of SolarWinds for monitoring, STIG compliancy checks, and firmware upgrades
• On-call support of 24x7 network operations
• 15% travel can be expected

What We Look For in a Candidate

• This position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Individual is required commitment to keep up with the high demand of the position
• Firm knowledge of IP technology.
• Demonstrates a high-level of proficiency in IP technical discipline. Able to operate and accomplish technical task with minimum guidance. Proficient knowledge of common network architectures for routing, switching, and security technologies is required.
• Expertise in the uses of network management protocols, tools and products, including but not limited to SolarWinds, Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Access Control Server, EIQ SecureVue, Neuralstar, SNMP managers is required.
• ITSE II is expected to have working knowledge for layer 2, 3, and 4 data networking.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in an Information Technology field and at least six years of experience in a network management environment
• Security+ or equivalent IAT/IAM/IASAE Level 2 of DOD 8570.1 is required.
• JNCIA or CCNA certification is required; working to progress for completion of CCNP certification or equivalent.
• Firm knowledge of the HAIPE and other encryption devices (KG-175G/D and KIV-7M)

Compensation

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

$150,364 - $180,152 in these states: VA

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.

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.

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.

Privacy Notice

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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.