Network Architect

Position Description

The Optical Architect position is responsible for testing, certification, and documentation of Optical Transport equipment, software and services across our client s Core Long Haul and Metro Networks. A successful candidate will possess expert working knowledge of DWDM / Optical Transport hardware and software solutions from a variety of vendors including Ciena, Infinera, Nokia and ADVA. This position will research and lead the development of an optical technology roadmap, including hardware, software and services lifecycle in concert with cross-functional stakeholder input and strategic vendor capabilities.

Expert level support and collaboration is required with Planning, Engineering and Operations teams on strategic projects including new hardware and software implementations, troubleshooting and network optimization. Strong project management and organization skills are necessary to thrive in this role. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also required to be effective.

Responsibilities:

• Creation, execution and documentation of hardware and software test plans supporting certification of wavelength services across our client s global footprint.
• Define, document and publish hardware and software design and configuration standards for compliance with the client s systems and service deployment requirements.
• Troubleshoot and recommend solutions for deployed hardware and software configurations which are not compliant with the client and/or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards.
• Provide support for planning, troubleshooting and implementation of complex solutions across cross-functional teams, including, but not limited to Service Delivery, Planning and Optimization for shared and private network services.
• Review OEM technical bulletins for potential issues which may impact our client s network, and work with OEM and internal stakeholders to create and implement project plans to mitigate interop, security and lifecycle issues in a time sensitive manner.
• Work with Product and other stakeholders to enhance and develop the client s wavelength services.
• Develop and provide training and materials to support teams across functions related to Service Delivery, Planning, Optimization and Operations.
• Develop documentation, processes and scripts for lifecycle automation of commissioning, provisioning, testing and troubleshooting of wavelength services.

Travel: < 20%

Qualifications:

• Platform Lifecycle Ownership: Lifecycle management of one to many optical transport platforms in the production environment. Position is subject matter expert and internal point of escalation for all testing, commissioning, provisioning and troubleshooting of new and existing equipment and systems as defined by OEM (e.g. POR/GA/MD/EOS/EOL) and the client.
• Project Management: Provide regular updates to leadership on key projects and initiatives. This individual should have a bias towards action when working through problems or challenges that may arise.
• Technical Training: As a subject matter expert, this candidate is responsible for supporting and cross-training members of the client s Technology, Service Delivery and Operations staff. This includes identifying and prioritizing areas of need, publishing training documentation, and delivering training courses.
• Network Documentation: This individual will be responsible to develop and publish hardware and software configuration standards to be used by Technology, Service Delivery and Operations teams. Obtain feedback from consumers of training to support continuous improvement of training programs.
• Product and Service Definition: Work closely with Product and Technology managers to define, develop and enhance the client s products and services. Creation of supporting collateral for consumption by internal and external teams is required.
• Network Performance Management: Work with internal and external stakeholders to identify, troubleshoot, prioritize and resolve network, service and application performance issues. Perform escalation to internal and external stakeholders as needed to resolve root cause issues.
• Vendor Management: Liaise with OEM for roadmap, documentation and bulletin review, as well as identifying, tracking and troubleshooting, technical cases and escalations.
• Network Maintenance: Planning, scheduling, communicating and managing network maintenance activities in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Data Integrity and Automation: Qualify documentation data integrity and develop commissioning and provisioning automation strategies supporting Service Delivery and Operations.

Education & Experience:

Ideal candidates will possess a Master of Science (MS) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or equivalent from a four-year university, as well as a minimum of 5 to 8 years related experience in the telecommunications or service provider industry.

Knowledge of DWDM fixed and flex grid line systems, NRZ/IMDD and coherent transmission technologies and architectures are required.

Working to expert knowledge of standards-based protocols (IP/Ethernet/OTN/SONET/SDH/SAN/Video/etc.), optical fiber types, systems, software and security architectures and requirements are also necessary.

Experience with testing technology in a lab environment, disaggregated transponders, open line systems, SDN controllers, orchestration and scripting skills are desired.