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 Engineer performs advanced engineering and network principles, theories, concepts and technologies to solve unusually complex problems and issues. Leads the design, development, integration, evaluation and implementation of new and innovative principles, processes and applications in support of the mission.

Performance will primarily occur in a laboratory. The duties will include (but not limited to): equipment configuration and sanitization, component and system testing, close work orders, contribute and maintain documentation related to aforementioned responsibilities. This position will require the ability to function in a warehouse environment. Candidate will have supporting role in logistics, and organizational aspects of materials supporting program.

The Main Responsibilities

Evaluate equipment and associated network performance, and recommend network improvements and design changes

Handle complex engineering assignments

Work closely with other engineering and operations groups to finalize design and communication solution

Perform project technology studies, budget estimates, and develop project schedules

Provide functional guidance, supervision, technical support, training, and quality assurance/control as required

Perform site surveys, attending meetings, attend testing (offsite when necessary)

Assists installation team when necessary

Creates, updates, and reviews technical documentation

Creates and evaluates testing documentation for future hardware and software releases as required before network implementation

Integrate and install telecommunication equipment and infrastructure for a nationwide network

Exercises considerable latitude in decision-making under limited consultative direction toward predetermined long-range targets.

Analyzes complex program deliverables, including planning, designing, evaluating, integrating and testing solutions.

Supports acquisition and implementation of hardware and software, as well as subcontractor services.

Acts as primary consultant to leadership detailing the technical requirements and specifications necessary to obtain solutions.

Requires limited direction and guidance with most tasks.

Interpret, follow, and edit Scope of Works (SOWs), Engineer Design Packages (EDPs), and Method of Procedures (MOPs) related to any job function or equipment for which technicians are responsible.

Integrate cabinets for deployment

Maintain inventory in support of mission and property management

Support remote verification testing

Excellent technical, high level telecommunication knowledge of inside plant environment (to include fiber, DWDM, SONET, IP, Ethernet, switching technologies and power with troubleshooting and installation experience in these technologies

Must be able to learn new technologies that are continually being added to the network to meet the needs of the customer base

Must be able to perform strenuous physical activities including, but not limited to: moving objects weighing at least 50 pounds.

Must be able to work well with others to achieve common goals and to foster a cooperative climate

Experience and knowledge of material and tools used by network technicians.

Must be able to demonstrate computer skills. Should have ability to input data in spreadsheets, word docs and send as email attachment.

Follow operational documentation including guidelines, policies, processes, and standards.

Bachelors degree or equivalent education and experience.

7+ years of related experience.

Applicable Engineering and/or IT professional certifications

What We Look For in a Candidate

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and relevant experience required; 6+ years of related experience or Master's degree and 6+ years of related experience

Applicable Professional Certification(s)

Knowledge of Digital Signal (DS) and Optical Carrier (OC) Transmission Rates

Excellent communication skills written, verbal, and presentation skills

Ability to multitask by working in a face paced, constantly changing environment

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with individuals at all levels

Ability to efficiently utilize MS Office Suite of Applications specially Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Proven track record of achieving professional goals successfully

US Citizenship required

Active DoD Security Clearance

Must maintain eligibility requirements for access to classified information (applicants selected will be subject to a government security re-investigation)

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:

$108,896 - $145,195 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

What to Expect Next

Requisition #: 344012

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.

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: 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.