Job description

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 The Lead IT Systems Engineer is a Network Engineer responsible for analysis, design, installation, configuration, testing, maintenance, and repair of laboratory network infrastructure and applications with a focus on Layer 2/Layer 3 protocols and technologies to meet customer requirements within applicable standards and regulations. TS/SCI security clearance required. The Main Responsibilities • Maintain health of laboratory network equipment, such as switches, routers, firewalls, and networking tools and applications. • Lead technical projects through its entirety: research, conceptualization, feasibility assessment, design, procurement, lab test and evaluation, implementation planning, training, documentation, and transition to the operational environment. • Create technical documents including network drawings, test plans, test reports, implementation plans, and white papers. • Collaborate in the design of the network enterprise including IP address schemes, routing/switching, segmentation, and security. • Serve as Tier III support for an enterprise network operations center through in-depth analysis of complex networking problems. • Provide mentoring and technical/engineering advice to junior engineers. • Knowledgeable in security requirements and techniques for protecting computer systems/networks from attacks, viruses, data tampering, unauthorized system entry, and other emerging threats. • Continue education/training in disciplines necessary to perform duties. • Any other duties as assigned by management. What We Look For in a Candidate Qualifications & Critical Skills • Network Engineer, Network Administrator with expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols and technologies: IS-IS, BGP/MP-BGP (multi AS) and MPLS routing protocols, Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP), Label Distribution Protocol (LDP), MPLS Layer-2/Layer-3 Virtual Private Network (VPN), OSPF, Multicast, etc. • IPV4/IPv6 management protocols, Filter Based Forwarding (FBF) Multi-Hop Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (MBFD) Ethernet Operation, Firewalls including Access Control List (ACL), Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) Protocol and Network Management with 802.1Q and VRRP/HSRP Certificate Authority Server, ACE/SecureID Server, TACACS+, RADIUS, FTP/SFTP/TFTP, SSH, NTP, SNMP • Proficient with security protocols: 802.1x, IPSEC, MACSEC, SSL/TLS, TACACS+, RADIUS, etc. • Experience with router regression testing. • Experience writing technical documents. • Familiarity with COMSEC practices and cryptographic devices. • Proficient with test tools, e.g. Ethernet test sets, packet captures, protocol analyzers, and the ability to analyze test data. • Computer literate in MS Office apps and MS Visio. • Must possess considerable business acumen. • Ability to quickly adapt to advancing technologies and procedural changes. • Ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with other technologists and business partners to maintain high service levels in a demanding environment. • Ability to work well in a team environment. • Excellent verbal, written and analytical skills. Technical certifications • CCNA or JNCIA required. CCNP or JNCIP preferred. Education or Equivalent Experience • Bachelor’s degree in an IT related field and at least six years of experience in enterprise network design. • 12 years of experience in lieu of degree. Other Requirements • TS/SCI security clearance required. • Occasional travel to customer locations for meetings. 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 $145,456 - $193,940 in these states: VA 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 #: 342525 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: jobs.lumen.com 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. Privacy Notice Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data. To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit: jobs.lumen.com 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.

Requirements

Must-haves

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.
TS/SCI security clearance required.
The Main Responsibilities
Maintain health of laboratory network equipment, such as switches, routers, firewalls, and networking tools and applications.
Create technical documents including network drawings, test plans, test reports, implementation plans, and white papers.
Collaborate in the design of the network enterprise including IP address schemes, routing/switching, segmentation, and security.
Serve as Tier III support for an enterprise network operations center through in-depth analysis of complex networking problems.
Provide mentoring and technical/engineering advice to junior engineers.
Knowledgeable in security requirements and techniques for protecting computer systems/networks from attacks, viruses, data tampering, unauthorized system entry, and other emerging threats.
Continue education/training in disciplines necessary to perform duties.
Any other duties as assigned by management.
What We Look For in a Candidate
Qualifications & Critical Skills
Proficient with security protocols: 802.1x, IPSEC, MACSEC, SSL/TLS, TACACS+, RADIUS, etc.
Experience with router regression testing.
Experience writing technical documents.
Familiarity with COMSEC practices and cryptographic devices.
Proficient with test tools, e.g. Ethernet test sets, packet captures, protocol analyzers, and the ability to analyze test data.
Computer literate in MS Office apps and MS Visio.
Must possess considerable business acumen.
Ability to quickly adapt to advancing technologies and procedural changes.
Ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with other technologists and business partners to maintain high service levels in a demanding environment.
Ability to work well in a team environment.

Nice-to-haves

CCNA or JNCIA required. CCNP or JNCIP preferred.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

Platform: eightfold
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

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