Planner III

Job#: 2083395

Job Description:

***If interested in the opportunity below please email a copy of your resume to ***

Position: Planner III

Location: Remote

12 Month Contract w/ Possible Extension

Job Description
Position Overview

This role is responsible for issuing detailed netbuild documents to support new Ciena NGO DWDM route builds and managing tasks from the Metro Tactical work queue. Key responsibilities include decommissioning legacy equipment, auditing circuits, and designing shelf/card expansions, node insertions, and network grooming plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Netbuild Package Creation: Develop and distribute comprehensive netbuild packages for new Ciena NGO DWDM route builds, including transport design, equipment configurations, and installation instructions.
• Tactical Work Queue Management: Execute planning tasks submitted by Strategic Planners, ensuring timely and technically accurate responses.
• Legacy Equipment Decommissioning: Plan and implement equipment removal strategies with minimal service impact.
• Circuit Auditing: Review and document circuit details, verify service status, and assess monthly recurring revenue for planning validation.
• Shelf/Card Expansion Planning: Design shelf and card configurations to support capacity growth and service provisioning.
• Node Insertion & Grooming: Develop node insertion plans and circuit grooming strategies aligned with service delivery goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with network engineers and implementation teams to ensure planning outputs support successful deployments.
• Documentation & Tracking: Maintain accurate records of completed tasks, issued netbuilds, and audit findings.
• Standards Compliance: Follow established design guidelines, approval workflows, and documentation standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in optical transport network planning, with a focus on DWDM technologies.
• Strong familiarity with the Ciena NGO platform; experience with legacy systems such as Adva R7 is preferred.
• Solid understanding of DWDM architecture, transport design principles, and node deployment strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management abilities.

Preferred Skills

• Experience designing shelf/card configurations, node insertions, and service grooming plans.
• Knowledge of network decommissioning procedures and circuit audit techniques.

Essential Functions

• Engineer and document Ciena NGO DWDM transport routes with detailed technical specifications.
• Manage tactical planning tasks including node expansions, audits, and equipment changes.
• Strategize legacy infrastructure removal with minimal disruption.
• Plan node expansions by evaluating chassis slot availability and hardware needs.
• Document node insertions aligned with network growth and service requirements.
• Verify equipment and circuit data at target locations; report monthly recurring revenue.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate designs and ensure deployment success.
• Maintain tracking tools and databases with finalized plans and audit results.
• Adhere to internal design standards and documentation protocols.
• Adapt to evolving processes and requirements.
• Lead and deliver major projects within deadlines.
• Identify process gaps and recommend improvements.
• Mentor team members and guide prioritization.
• Champion and support organizational change initiatives.
• Understand platform interdependencies and cross-departmental impacts.
• Produce clear, concise communications with well-defined problem statements and recommendations.

Location

This is a remote position available to candidates located within the United States.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a retirement plan (401k or local country equivalent) program. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.