Senior ISP Network Engineer

DQE Communications; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental / Vision

401k

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Hybrid Work Environment

Job summary

DQE Communications is seeking an experienced Senior ISP Network Engineer to act as a technical leader for complex incidents and customer issues in Pittsburgh. You will troubleshoot, replicate network events in labs, and drive rapid resolution across our Metro Ethernet, IP transport, and management networks.

A core focus is developing Python-based automation and tooling to improve engineering efficiency and network visibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in networking, telecommunications, or related industries.
• 5+ years or equivalent of professional Python development experience, preferably in network engineering.
• Experience developing automation solutions for network provisioning, monitoring, or workflows.
• Strong understanding of IP transport concepts and optical fiber characteristics.
• Proven expertise in MPLS, BGP, iBGP, OSPF, QoS, and Metro Ethernet.
• Vendor-specific certifications (e.g., CCNP, JNCIE, CCIE) required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze network performance and operations affecting connectivity.
• Serve as the highest level of technical escalation for customer issues and alarms.
• Administer ISP core infrastructure, including routers, DNS, web servers, and mail servers.
• Design and implement IP transport network solutions with routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Develop Python applications and automation tools to operate and support the network.
• Lead complex network projects from evaluation to implementation.

Skills

Python programming

Network automation

REST APIs

Debugging

Version control

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Vendor certifications (e.g., CCNP/JNCIE/CCIE)

Tools

Juniper routers

Nokia routers

Python tooling

Job description

Senior ISP Network Engineer

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DQE Communications delivers fast, reliable fiber‑optic Internet and data network services to businesses and carriers across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland. Since our start in 1997 as a small dark fiber provider in the Pittsburgh area, we’ve grown into one of the region’s leading network service providers. Our fiber footprint and product offerings continue to expand, but our focus remains the same, providing secure, dependable connectivity and building lasting relationships with our customers.

At DQE, our culture is built around three core values: Service, Trust, and Urgency. We take pride in providing reliable service to our customers, earning trust through integrity and accountability, and acting with urgency to deliver results that make an impact. When you work with DQE, you get more than a provider, you get a team that cares about your business and works hard to find the best solution for you.

Job Summary

DQE Communications is seeking an experienced ISP Network Engineer to serve as a technical leader and escalation point for complex network incidents and customer issues. This role is responsible for advanced troubleshooting, lab‑based replication of network events, and driving resolution of service impacts across our infrastructure. In addition to supporting and designing DQE’s Metro Ethernet, IP transport, and management networks, this position plays a key role in developing and maintaining the Python‑based automation, tooling, and operational workflows that support the network. Python development is a core responsibility of this role and will be used to automate operational tasks, improve network visibility, integrate systems, and build tools that increase engineering efficiency. This position works closely with Application Development, Network Engineering, and Service Operations teams to design scalable network solutions while continually improving the automation and software that support them.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze network performance and operational anomalies affecting customer connectivity.
• Serve as the highest level of technical escalation for customer issues and NOC‑reported alarms.
• Administer ISP core infrastructure, including Juniper and Nokia routers, DNS, web servers, and email servers.
• Design and implement customer IP Transport network solutions including routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Design, develop, maintain, and enhance Python applications, automation frameworks, and engineering tools used to operate and support DQE’s network.
• Build Python‑based automation to streamline network provisioning, monitoring, troubleshooting, configuration management, reporting, and operational workflows.
• Develop APIs, integrations, and software solutions that improve network operations and engineering efficiency.
• Lead complex network projects including hardware evaluation, proof‑of‑concept testing, solution validation, and implementation.
• Document engineering processes and train Service Operations teams on network systems, automation tools, and operational procedures.
• Develop enterprise‑grade ISP and Managed Service solutions tailored to customer requirements.
• Partner with Sales Engineering to streamline project workflows and collaborate on customer solution design.
• Support the development and launch of new network products and services while identifying opportunities for automation and continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong Python programming skills with the ability to develop, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize production‑quality code.
• Demonstrated experience using Python on a daily basis to automate network operations, integrate systems, or develop engineering tools.
• Strong understanding of software development best practices, including debugging, testing, version control, and code documentation.
• Experience with REST APIs, data parsing (JSON/XML), and automation libraries commonly used in network engineering.
• Experience with network automation frameworks, infrastructure automation, and operational tooling.
• Expert‑level troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills across large‑scale IP networks.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across Engineering, Product, Service Delivery, and Operations teams.
• Ability to balance software development responsibilities with hands‑on network engineering and operational support.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in networking, telecommunications, or related industries.
• 5+ years or equivalent of professional Python development experience, preferably in a network engineering, infrastructure, or telecommunications environment.
• Experience developing automation solutions for network provisioning, monitoring, configuration management, or operational workflows.
• Strong understanding of optical fiber characteristics and IP transport principles.
• Proven expertise in MPLS, BGP, iBGP, OSPF, QoS, and Metro Ethernet technologies.
• Vendor‑specific certifications (e.g., JNCIP, CCNP, JNCIE, CCIE) required.

What We Offer

• Healthcare
• Dental / Vision
• 401k
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• Hybrid Work Environment