Principal Network Automation Engineer

Ziply Fiber

5d•$99,000 - $165,000•Remote

About The Position

Ziply Fiber is seeking a Principal Network Automation Engineer to join their team. This remote position involves planning, designing, developing, and implementing software-driven solutions to optimize wireline fiber (GPON/XGS-PON) and IP networks. The role will focus on expediting, consistently supporting, and unifying networks through automation, aiming to eliminate manual provisioning and enhance operational efficiency across multi-vendor telecom environments. The company values genuine care, empowerment, innovation, and earning trust.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business information systems or relevant degree; or equivalent combination of work and experience.
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in software development, with a specific focus on access networks.
Experience developing and implementing network automation strategies.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience with using Python, Ansible, REST APIs, Linux, NETCONF, Jinja, or similar tools in a Network Automation environment.
Advanced Python programming skill and experience with one or more other languages such as Java, Go, or JavaScript.
Broad knowledge of the concepts, best practices and principles of programming including design, implementation, and testing.
Understanding of REST-based API design principles and best practices.
Proven ability to understand and codify a manual process into an automated process using workflow-like concepts.
Understanding and familiarity with gNMI, Netconf, Ansible, NAPALM, Jinja and other Infrastructure as Code tools.
Understanding and familiarity with computing technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, Linux, containers, virtualization, and cloud technologies (AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.).
Knowledge of IP/Ethernet networking fundamentals.
Interest and ability to research new and emerging technologies to better solve networking problems.
Excellent analytical skills.
Strong organizational, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and apply sound judgment and reasoning skills to a variety of situations and collaborate effectively with other personnel to meet deadlines.
Ability to translate highly technical information into non-technical terms and user documentation.
Strong verbal and written communication, attention to detail and familiarity with compliance concepts.
Ability to work within critical deadlines.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US for any employer. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience/familiarity with Netbox is preferred.
UI/Frontend development experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to the development of custom code to integrate platform components, fill tooling gaps, and solve potentially unique situations.
Perform development, testing, implementation, and review of complex automation solutions related to provisioning, monitoring, and configuring a multi-vendor network and infrastructure environment.
Write, maintain, and scale scripts and software tools (using Python, Go) to interact directly with network elements like OLTs (Optical Line Terminals), ONTs, and core routers.
Employ modern CI/CD pipelines using DevOps tooling to deliver software.
Partner with Tier 3 operations, NOC (Network Operations Center), and field teams to translate complex network requirements into scalable software solutions.
Establish system/data integrations to enhance existing or establish new processes.
Provide peer review and guidance on code and perform quality assurance tasks.
Responsible for the creation of and contribution to; processes, standards, technical documentation, and design diagrams.
Write and maintain technical standards and documentation.
Provide mentorship and training to the Network Automation Team.
Provide training to other network domain teams for the adoption of automation capabilities.
Conduct technical research and maintain viable knowledge of technology trends, new software, and best practices.
Automate operational reports e.g., SLA reporting, utilization statistics and network forecasting.
Must be available to work regular business hours Pacific Standard Time.
Must also be available to work on-call, evenings and weekends as needed.
Performs other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization.