Lead Network Engineer

Lumen Technologies•Denver, CO

3d•$111,074 - $144,099•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.