Network Engineer III

JOHN STAURULAKIS INC; Madison (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off and wellness programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

JSI invites you to join our team as a Network Engineer III on the BBIP in our Madison, MS office, focusing on fiber access and advanced PON technologies to advance broadband initiatives and digital inclusion.

You will architect large-scale, multi-vendor PON networks, mentor junior engineers, review high-level designs, and provide expert advisory across client projects while maintaining strong client relationships and delivering high-quality engineering deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Vendor certifications (e.g., Calix, CCNP, JNCIP) are required.
• 5–8 years of network engineering with fiber access and multi-vendor integrations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a solid generalist foundation while serving as SME in fiber access architectures (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G/50G PON, ZTP).
• Architect large-scale, multi-vendor PON access networks with core edge routing and IP/MPLS backbones.
• Lead evaluations and platform selections for OLT/ONT vendors for client RFPs.
• Review and approve HLDs, migration strategies, and specs for broadband projects.
• Mentor Level I/II engineers on standards, troubleshooting, and client deliverables.
• Provide expert advisory and root-cause analysis across multi-vendor environments.

Skills

Fiber access

Multi-vendor

Technical writing

Client relations

Mentoring

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

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.