Network Engineer III

JSI; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonuses

Medical, dental, vision, 401(k)

PTO and wellness opportunities

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

JOHN STAURULAKIS INC. invites you to join our Broadband IP team in Charlotte, NC as a Network Engineer III, focusing on fiber access. You will design and deploy multi-vendor PON networks and drive high-level architectural decisions for clients nationwide.

You will mentor engineers, review HLDs, and perform platform evaluations to ensure optimal performance in complex environments. This role offers growth within a mission-driven consulting firm and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Professional-level vendor certifications (e.g., Calix Certified Expert, CCNP, JNCIP).
• 5-8 years of experience in network engineering with focus on fiber access architecture and multi-vendor service provider integration.
• Extensive experience with high-capacity PON platforms and core edge integration.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a solid generalist networking foundation while serving as a primary subject matter expert in fiber access architectures (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G/50G PON, Zero-Touch Provisioning).
• Architect large-scale, multi-vendor PON access networks, ensuring seamless integration with core edge routing, IP/MPLS backbones, and optical transport layers.
• Lead technical evaluations and platform selection of OLT and ONT vendors for client RFPs.
• Review and approve complex High-Level Design (HLD) documents, network migration strategies, and technical specifications for client broadband projects.
• Mentor Level I and II network engineers across standards and client deliverables.
• Provide expert-level advisory and root-cause troubleshooting for multi-vendor client environments.

Skills

Fiber access architecture

Multi-vendor service provider

Technical writing

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IT

Tools

Calix Certified Expert

CCNP

JNCIP

Job description

Network Engineer III

Department: Broadband - Network Engineering Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Charlotte, NC

Reporting To: Brian Whitaker

Description

JSI invites you to join our team as a Network Engineer III on our Broadband IP team in our Charlotte, NC office, where you'll play a critical role in advancing broadband and telecommunications initiatives that expand connectivity and drive digital inclusion-while advancing your career within a mission-driven, growth-focused organization.

About the Company: JSI is a leading full-service consulting firm specializing in broadband solutions. For over 60 years, we have provided independent communications service providers with expert financial, engineering, management, operational, regulatory, and strategic guidance. Our extensive industry knowledge and proven track record of success have empowered clients to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. With clients nationwide and a powerful presence in markets across the United States, JSI empowers rural and regional broadband providers to expand, evolve, and excel in a rapidly shifting digital world.

Position Overview: As a Network Engineer III on the BBIP you will have a Focus in Fiber Access. Building upon a strong generalist network engineering foundation across multi-vendor telecom domains, this senior-level engineer brings specialized subject-matter expertise in high-level fiber access architecture, platform evaluation, and advanced PON technologies to serve JSI's diverse client base.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a solid generalist networking foundation while serving as a primary subject matter expert in fiber access architectures (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G/50G PON, Zero-Touch Provisioning).
• Architect large-scale, multi-vendor PON access networks, ensuring seamless integration with core edge routing, IP/MPLS backbones, and optical transport layers.
• Lead technical evaluations and platform selection of Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT) vendors for client RFPs.
• Review and approve complex High-Level Design (HLD) documents, network migration strategies, and technical specifications for client broadband projects.
• Mentor Level I and Level II network engineers across technical engineering standards, general network troubleshooting, and client deliverable quality.
• Provide expert-level advisory, cross-functional engineering support, and root-cause troubleshooting for complex multi-vendor client environments.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Professional-level vendor certifications (e.g., Calix Certified Expert, CCNP, JNCIP, or equivalent) required.
• 5-8 years of experience in network engineering, with a strong focus in fiber access architecture and multi-vendor service provider integration.
• Extensive experience with high-capacity PON platforms and core edge integration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex engineering engagements and high-level client relationships.
• Ability to translate complex technical architectures into actionable client recommendations.
• Proficiency in technical writing and creating high-quality client-facing engineering deliverables (HLDs/LLDs).
• Strong interpersonal skills for client meetings and vendor coordination.
• Solid understanding of project budgets, timelines, and billable-hour environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k)).
• Generous PTO and wellness opportunities.
• Ongoing professional development and educational opportunities.