Network Solutions Engineer - Hybrid - Fort Meade, Maryland

ciena; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena Government Solutions Inc. (CGSI) is hiring a Network Solutions Engineer to provide onsite support at Scott AFB, IL. You will lead test plans, design coordination, and deployment of Ciena products within the customer network while acting as a local SME on standards and modernization efforts.

The role requires U.S. Citizenship and an active security clearance, with travel up to 25%. Strong communication, teamwork, and deep knowledge of SONET, DWDM, ROADM, Ethernet, and IP/MPLS are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Networking, or related field.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active security clearance (Top Secret preferred).
• Experience with Ciena products and architectures.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and work onsite.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide support for network design and implementation.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality and interoperability per requirements.
• Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and support deployment across Layer-0 to Layer-2.
• Support pre-commissioning activities in labs or staging facilities.
• Turn up network services following best practices and perform end-to-end circuit testing.
• Provide customer guidance and operational training on Ciena NMS (MCP/Navigator).
• Escalate and resolve issues per Ciena procedures and document configurations.

Skills

Citizenship required

Security clearance

Independent work

Communication skills

Networking design

Ciena product exp

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications/Networking

Tools

Ciena MCP/Navigator

Ciena Site Manager

SAOS familiarity

NMS experience

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We're a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being-on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

Network Solution Engineer (Optical Engineer)

Work Location: Onsite at Scott AFB, IL (This is not a remote position)

Ciena Government Solutions Inc. (CGSI) is seeking a talented Network Solutions Engineer to join our team and provide onsite support for a key customer and project. In this highly technical role, you will take the lead in designing, coordinating, and executing test plans to ensure seamless implementation and interoperability of Ciena products within the customer's legacy network. Additionally, you will serve as the local subject matter expert (SME), contributing to standards development, interpreting customer requirements, and guiding network modernization efforts.

You will report to the Senior Manager while working closely with the Project Manager and Sales Account Manager responsible for this customer account.

How You Will Contribute:

• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide support for network architecture design and implementation.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance based on customer requirements.
• Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and provide expert engineering support during deployment, including Layer-0, Layer-1, and Layer-2 (Layer-3 experience is a plus).
• Support pre-commissioning activities in customer labs or staging facilities
• Support greenfield network implementation by commissioning equipment, optimizing span/channel parameters, and ensuring seamless deployment.
• Turn up network services following Ciena best practices, including performing end-to-end circuit testing to ensure error-free operation.
• Perform basic electrical tasks and determine when specialized contractors are required.
• Provide customer guidance and operational training on Ciena Network Management Systems (NMS), including tasks such as:
• Enrolling network elements.
• Creating device profiles.
• Configuring backups.
• Provisioning services.
• Escalate and resolve issues with Ciena platforms in accordance with Ciena procedures.
• Collaborate with customer and internal technical teams to analyze optical performance and escalates anomalies to appropriate stakeholders.
• Deliver accurate documentation for configuration, provisioning, and testing results as part of project deliverables.

The Must Haves:

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active Secret Security Clearance (Top Secret Preferred)
• Ability to work independently (self-starter) and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with Ciena products.
• Strong understanding of:
• SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM architecture, and provisioning/implementation.
• Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation.
• IP/MPLS/L3 protocols, including MPLS-TP.
• Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator.
• Ability to work in a lab environment. Read/follow network diagrams, cabling guides, signal flow diagrams.
• A diverse Telecommunications background, strong hands-on technical experience, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to assist team members with other projects as required.
• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Networking, or a related technical field (equivalent experience in a related field will be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Experience:

• Hands-on expertise with Ciena 6500 DWDM/OTN/RLS and Route Switch platforms, including experience with:
• Ciena Site Manager.
• MCP/Navigator software.
• Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS).
• Experience with legacy SONET and TDM systems, including circuits such as OCx, DS1, and DS3, as well as TDM BER testing practices and test plan development.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize network performance in both lab and field environments.
• Proficiency in documenting network configurations, including:
• Rack face diagrams.
• Signal flow diagrams.
• Cable run lists.
• Migration cut sheets.
• As-built network diagrams for customer deliverables

#LI-BS1

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition