Planning Engineer III

Qualification Overview

• Candidates must have planning experience, including knowledge of SONET, Ethernet, DWDM technologies, and data center network layouts.
• Avoid candidates with backgrounds that only include testing or circuit design rather than all-encompassing end-to-end network planning.
• This role requires broad exposure across multiple areas of the network. Prior Client experience is strongly preferred due to the scope and complexity of the environment.
• Cultural fit remains a key consideration. The ideal candidate will be self-sufficient, adaptable, eager to learn new areas of the network, and comfortable taking initiative, including proactively engaging stakeholders, and driving work forward with minimal direction.

Position Summary

The Planning Engineer III is responsible for developing network growth, capacity, and evolution plans for the National Core Transport Network and supporting metropolitan transport networks. This role creates implementation-ready planning packages for design and field engineering teams, manages project funding, and budgets, and supports network modernization initiatives. The position provides technical leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across engineering and operations teams while ensuring compliance with telecommunications standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• SONET network planning and capacity management
• Core backbone and metro network growth planning
• Development of implementation-ready engineering packages
• Capital and expense budget management
• Network data analysis and forecasting
• Stakeholder coordination and engagement
• Mentoring and training of junior engineers
• Compliance with telecommunications regulations and standards

Technical Skills

• Optical Transport Networks
• SONET
• Ethernet
• DWDM
• Capacity Planning & Forecasting
• Central Office Infrastructure (Power, Alarms, Common Systems)
• Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering
• Telecommunications Network Design
• Transport Engineering Principles

Systems & Tools

• TIRKS
• CNDC ASPEN Portal
• LCAM
• MetaSolv
• Fireworks
• CORE
• Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Telecom Experience
• 5+ years of transport planning or network engineering experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Budget and project management experience
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor others

Additional skills and characteristics that are important for this role include:

• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• High energy and a positive attitude
• Strong interpersonal skills