Network Engineer III

JSI; Madison (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Generous PTO

Professional development

Job summary

JSI is seeking a Network Engineer III for the Broadband IP team in Madison, MS who will advance fiber access architectures and multi-vendor PON deployments. You will influence design, platforms, and client deliverables while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Join a mission-driven consultancy with a focus on expanding broadband access across the United States, mentoring junior staff, and driving high-quality engineering documentation for complex client programs.

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, or equivalent) required.
• 5-8 years of experience in network engineering with a focus on fiber access architecture and multi-vendor service provider integration.
• Experience with high-capacity PON platforms and core edge integration.
• Ability to translate complex architectures into client recommendations.
• Proficiency in technical writing and client-facing engineering deliverables (HLDs/LLDs).
• Strong interpersonal and vendor coordination skills.
• Understanding of project budgets, timelines, and billable-hour environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a solid generalist networking foundation while serving as a primary SME in fiber access architectures (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G/50G PON, ZTP).
• Architect large-scale, multi-vendor PON access networks with integration to core edge routing, IP/MPLS backbones, and optical transport layers.
• Lead evaluations and platform selection of OLT/ONT vendors for client RFPs.
• Review and approve HLD documents, network migration strategies, and technical specs for client projects.
• Mentor Level I/II engineers on standards, troubleshooting, and client deliverables.
• Provide advisory and cross-functional engineering support for complex multi-vendor environments.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Client relationship management

Project budgeting awareness

Technical writing

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related field

Tools

Calix Certified Expert

CCNP

JNCIP

Job description

Network Engineer III

Department: Broadband - Network Engineering Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Madison, MS

Reporting To: Brian Whitaker

Description

JSI invites you to join our team as a Network Engineer III on our Broadband IP team in our Madison, MS 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 & Compensation

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