Lead Network Engineer

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

The Role

As a Lead Network Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain automation platforms that simplify the deployment, operation, and management of large-scale network infrastructure. This role combines deep networking knowledge with software engineering expertise to build scalable automation solutions, improve operational efficiency, and enhance network testing reliability.

You will partner closely with Network Engineering, Architecture, Operations, Security, Systems, and IT teams to modernize network workflows, develop testing automation frameworks, and drive the adoption of Infrastructure as Code and DevOps practices across the organization.

This is a hybrid position working part of the time from our Denver lab on Zuni St.

The Main Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain network automation solutions using modern software engineering practices.
• Build and support tools, APIs, and platforms that automate network provisioning, configuration management, compliance validation, and operational workflows.
• Develop Python-based applications, services, and automation frameworks that integrate with network devices, controllers, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems.
• Create and maintain Infrastructure as Code solutions using technologies such as Ansible, Terraform, Git, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Develop automated testing, validation, and deployment processes to improve network reliability and reduce operational risk.
• Collaborate with network engineers to translate manual operational procedures into scalable automated workflows.
• Integrate telemetry, monitoring, and data analytics solutions to improve visibility and operational decision-making.
• Design and implement REST APIs and data models to support automation and orchestration platforms.
• Troubleshoot complex network and software issues across multi-vendor environments.
• Create technical documentation, coding standards, and operational procedures for automation solutions.
• Mentor team members on automation best practices, software development methodologies, and network programmability technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce operational overhead and accelerate service delivery.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of network engineering experience with strong understanding of enterprise or service provider networking technologies.
• 4+ years of software development or infrastructure automation experience.
• Experience validating solutions across Cisco, Ciena, Adtran, ADVA, Nokia, Juniper, Axon, and other networking platforms.
• Strong programming skills in Python, including experience developing production-quality applications and automation frameworks.
• Experience with network automation frameworks and tools such as Ansible, Nornir, Netmiko, PyATS, or similar technologies.
• Solid understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking concepts, including:

• BGP
• OSPF and/or IS-IS
• MPLS
• VLANs and VXLAN
• TCP/IP
• Routing and switching

• Experience consuming and developing REST APIs, JSON, YAML, and data models.
• Experience with network programmability technologies including gNMI, OpenConfig, gRPC, and model-driven telemetry.
• Experience building event-driven automation solutions using Apache Pulsar, Apache Kafka, or similar streaming platforms.
• Proficiency with Git, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with Linux environments and software deployment practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building internal platforms, web applications, or self-service automation portals.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (GCP).
• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code technologies including Terraform.
• Experience with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with network telemetry, observability, and streaming data technologies.
• Experience working with databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB.
• Experience with Django, Flask, FastAPI, or other backend frameworks.
• Knowledge of DevOps, SRE, or Agile development methodologies.
• Experience supporting large-scale service provider, backbone, data center, or cloud networking environments.
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, DevNet Professional, AWS Solutions Architect, or equivalent.

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Location Based Pay Ranges

$111,074 - $144,099 in these states: CO

Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.

Learn more about Lumen's:

Benefits

Bonus Structure

#LI-Onsite

What to Expect Next

Requisition #: 343445

Life at Lumen

Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.

To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

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To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice

Disclaimer

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.