Network Solutions Engineer, On-site: Schriever Space Force Base, CO

Ciena Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(K) / DCPP with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid holidays, sick leave, vacation

Job summary

Ciena Corporation seeks a Network Solutions Engineer (Optical) to design, test, and implement high‑speed networks on-site at a government facility. You will lead test planning, vendor coordination, and deployment support, serving as the local SME for network modernization efforts.

The role requires a Top Secret clearance, strong communication skills, and hands-on experience with Ciena platforms. On-site work at Schriever Space Force Base and travel as needed are expected.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active Secret Security Clearance (Top Secret preferred).
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with Ciena products.
• Strong understanding of Ethernet, IP/MPLS/L3, and provisioning.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers to understand project requirements and design network architectures.
• Develop and execute test plans for equipment functionality, interoperability, and performance.
• Provide SME guidance during deployment and document results for deliverables.
• Perform pre-commissioning in labs or staging facilities and assist with commissioning.

Skills

Self-starter

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications or Networking

Tools

Ciena MCP/Navigator

Ciena Site Manager

NMS familiarity

Job description

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Network Solution Engineer (Optical Engineer) Work Location: Onsite at Schriever Space Force Base, CO (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 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 focused on Layer 2/3 but including Layer 0/1.
• Perform pre-commissioning activities in customer labs or staging facilities, including:
• Conducting equipment inventory assessments against the final Ciena Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Initial commissioning of Ciena systems based on provided documentation.
• 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 collaborate with 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: Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation.
• IP/MPLS/L3 protocols, including MPLS-TP
• Familiarity with SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM is a plus
• Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator.
• Familiarity with low-speed network access interfaces and terminations (DS0, T1, E-1, DS-3, OC-3, OC-12, OC-48).
• Knowledge of fiber optics, including: ISP (patches and connectors).
• OSP (fiber characterization and OTDR familiarity).
• 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).

Preferred Experience

• Hands‑on expertise with Ciena Route Switch platforms, including experience with: Service‑Aware Operating System (SAOS) MCP/Navigator software.
• 6500 DWDM/OTN Ciena Site Manager.
• 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.
• Ability to provide customer training on operational use of Ciena Site Manager and Navigator, including:
• Enrolling network elements.
• Creating device profiles.
• Configuring backups.
• Provisioning services.
• Performing software upgrades.
• Troubleshooting network issues.
• Analyzing network performance and conducting maintenance activities.

Pay Range: The annual pay range for this position is $95,500 - $152,500. #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 to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.