Network Solutions Engineer - Fort Meade, MD

Ciena • Remote-US-MD, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Ciena Government Solutions Inc. is seeking a Network Solutions Engineer to provide onsite support for a key customer and project at Fort Meade, Maryland. The role leads the design, coordination, and execution of test plans to ensure Ciena products are implemented and interoperate with the customer’s legacy network. The engineer also serves as the local subject matter expert, contributing to standards development, interpreting customer requirements, and guiding network modernization efforts.

The position supports network architecture design and implementation, validates equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance, and provides engineering support during deployment across Layer 0, Layer 1, and Layer 2. It includes pre-commissioning work in customer labs or staging facilities, issue escalation and resolution, optical performance analysis, and preparation of configuration, provisioning, and test documentation. The engineer reports to the Senior Manager and works closely with the Project Manager and Sales Account Manager for the customer account.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active Secret security clearance; Top Secret is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with Ciena products.
• Strong understanding of SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM architecture, provisioning, and implementation.
• Understanding of Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation.
• Understanding of IP/MPLS/L3 protocols.
• Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator.
• Ability to work in a lab environment and read and follow network diagrams, cabling guides, and signal flow diagrams.
• Diverse telecommunications background, strong hands-on technical experience, and organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Networking, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Nice To Haves

• Top Secret security clearance.
• Layer 3 experience.
• Hands-on expertise with Ciena 6500 DWDM/OTN and Route Switch platforms.
• Experience with Ciena Site Manager, MCP/Navigator software, and Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS).
• Experience with legacy SONET and TDM systems, including OCx, DS1, and DS3 circuits, as well as TDM BER testing practices and test plan development.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize network performance in lab and field environments.
• Ability to learn new technology and apply and share relevant knowledge with customers, stakeholders, and peers.
• Ability to assist customers onsite or remotely with troubleshooting, installation, and implementation during field deployment efforts as Tier III/Tier IV.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and support network architecture design and implementation.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance against customer requirements.
• Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and provide engineering support during deployment, including Layer 0, Layer 1, and Layer 2.
• Perform pre-commissioning activities in customer labs or staging facilities.
• Assess equipment inventory against the final Ciena Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Initially commission Ciena systems using provided documentation.
• Escalate and resolve issues with Ciena platforms in accordance with Ciena procedures.
• Work with customer and internal technical teams to analyze optical performance and escalate anomalies to appropriate stakeholders.
• Document configuration, provisioning, and testing results as project deliverables.
• Contribute to standards development, interpret customer requirements, and guide network modernization efforts.
• Assist team members with other projects as needed.
• Travel up to 25%.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with company matching in the USA.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• Vacation time.
• Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence in accordance with applicable laws.
• Non-sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus; sales employees may be eligible for sales commission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level