Senior Fiber Network Architect – Hybrid

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

County-issued laptop

Training and career development

Job summary

King County is seeking a skilled Network Fiber Architect to design, implement, and govern enterprise fiber infrastructure, including ISP/OSP, dark fiber, and critical facility connectivity. You will drive long‑term roadmaps, integrate diverse IT systems, and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure secure, resilient operations.

Role requires 10+ years in network/fiber roles, strong OTDR/GIS tools proficiency, and collaboration across utilities, vendors, and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering or related experience.
• 10 years of network engineering/architecture experience focusing on fiber ISP/OSP and dark fiber.
• Strong knowledge of fiber optic design, routing, switching, and security standards.
• Experience with OTDR, GIS, and diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and govern scalable, secure network and fiber infrastructures across the enterprise environment.
• Architect and govern ISP/OSP fiber systems, route planning, entry points, and critical facility connectivity.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate IT systems and ensure operational continuity.
• Define long-term fiber roadmaps and oversee security, monitoring, and performance improvements.
• Document architectures, standards, and partner reporting; manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Network architecture

Fiber optics

OTDR analysis

GIS fiber management

Vendor management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering

Tools

Wireshark

GIS fiber management platform

SolarWinds

Job description

Summary

These positions are only open to Internal King County employees. Only current King County employees will be considered.

We are seeking a skilled

Summary

These positions are only open to Internal King County employees. Only current King County employees will be considered.

We are seeking a skilled Network Fiber Architect specializing in network related fiber infrastructure to join our dynamic Network Services Department team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and governing enterprise network and fiber optic infrastructure and strategies—including inside plant (ISP), outside plant (OSP), dark fiber assets, partner provided fiber resources, and critical facility connectivity. You will collaborate closely with stakeholders to integrate diverse IT systems, support long range fiber planning, manage infrastructure construction projects, and ensure seamless communication across all platforms while representing King County’s infrastructure interests.

About King County Department Of Information Technology (KCIT)

King County is committed to being the best-run government in the nation, and King County Information Technology (KCIT) is helping lead that transformation. KCIT harnesses the power of technology to modernize operations, advance digital equity and social justice, and deliver innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, and community partners.

Recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for excellence in vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration, KCIT is focused on delivering smart, secure, and customer-centered technology services that strengthen county operations and support thriving, resilient communities. As the technology business partner to all 18 County departments, KCIT provides the foundational systems and services that power many of the region’s most essential functions. We work side-by-side with our partners to design and deliver technology solutions that enhance customer experience and advance King County’s mission. Learn more about KCIT at: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur.

Job Duties

Network & Fiber Infrastructure Design and Implementation:

• Design and deploy scalable, secure, and resilient network architectures that support business objectives across King County’s enterprise environment.
• Architect and govern the county’s fiber optic systems (ISP/OSP), including route planning, entry points, handoff standards, and critical facility connectivity.
• Evaluate existing network and fiber systems and propose improvements in design, efficiency, capacity, resiliency, and security.
• Define long-term fiber infrastructure roadmaps, including strategic use of dark fiber, conduit assets, and future-proofing models.
  
  

Integration Of IT Systems & Infrastructure

• Integrate diverse systems and network infrastructure components into cohesive architectures that align with enterprise strategy.
• Collaborate with IT strategic partners, agency technology owners, network engineers, civil engineering partners, facility management and infrastructure teams to ensure compatibility, operational alignment, and optimal system performance.
• Oversee technology convergence within critical facilities, ensuring fiber, transport, and systems integration support operational continuity.
  
  

Network & Fiber Security

• Implement and maintain security measures across network and physical fiber infrastructures, including fault tolerance, business continuity, monitoring, and secure transport standards.
• Conduct regular security audits, ensure physical fiber route security, and promptly address vulnerabilities or fiber asset risks.
• Ensure partner-provided dark fiber or conduit systems meet county technical and security requirements.
  
  

Monitoring, Optimization, And Fiber Asset Governance

• Monitor network infrastructure capacity, performance, fiber plant health, route availability, and system diagnostics.
• Conduct OTDR analysis, validate partner-provided fiber quality, and troubleshoot infrastructure issues.Optimize network and fiber configurations to improve transport speed, reliability, capacity, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain GIS integrity, as-built documentation, fiber resource inventory accuracy and lifecycle program management.
  
  

Documentation, Standards, And Partner Reporting

• Document network architecture, fiber routes, right of way plans, construction design packages, and configuration standards.
• Prepare reports and provide insights to leadership regarding fiber infrastructure performance, strategic expansion opportunities, and partner compliance.
• Establish architectural reference materials, policies, guidelines, and procedures governing fiber and network infrastructure.
  
  

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders—including utilities, municipalities, external fiber providers, and internal business units—to understand requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Manage relationships with dark fiber partners, utilities, and service providers, ensuring contract compliance, service quality, and joint project alignment.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams, construction partners, and cross functional groups.
  
  

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
• Proven experience (10 years) as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, Fiber Infrastructure Architect, or similar role with a strong focus on network and fiber design, ISP/OSP systems, and dark fiber planning.
• In depth knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, transport systems, fiber optic design principles, and physical layer technologies.
• Hands on experience with network and fiber diagnostic tools (e.g., OTDR, light meters, GIS fiber management platforms, Wireshark, SolarWinds).
• Strong understanding of critical facilities design, cloud computing/virtualization, and how they interconnect with physical fiber transport.
• Experience with utilities, permitting, right of way processes, and construction project coordination.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members, stakeholders, and external providers.
  
  

Licenses / Certifications

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License
• CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, ITIL or similar certifications (Preferred)
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCDP, BICSI, Fiber Optic Technician Certifications, CISSP) are a plus.
  
  

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
• Experience with SD WAN, SDN, network automation tools, and fiber route modeling platforms.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience designing and implementing fiber and network solutions in large-scale enterprise or municipal environments.
• Project management experience leading infrastructure construction or fiber deployment projects from conception to completion.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Hybrid Work: KCIT works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the Graybar Building, 416 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule: The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative schedules may be considered by your manager.

FLSA Status: This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Classification: Solutions Architect (Job code: 743801)

Union: This position is represented by Protec17: Information Technology.

Who May Apply: This recruitment is open only internal King County applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Application Process

Applicants Must Complete The Online Application To Include

• Employment history going back at least seven years if possible (or more to include all relevant experience).
• A resume including all relevant experience.
• A cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications make you a fit for this position.
  
  

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Angelia Remolana at [e-mail]

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Benefits

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs
  
  

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01

This position is only open to Internal King County employees. Are you a current King County employee?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

The person hired for this position must successfully pass a background investigation which may include Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) clearance. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation prior to an offer of employment? This will include reference checks with previous employers, and a criminal background check which may include fingerprinting.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.
  
  

04

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

• Required Question