Network Operations Engineer

About the role

Join Verizon as we continue to build and maintain our industry-leading network across Northeast Ohio. As a Network Operations Engineer III in the Cleveland Zone, you will be in the field 80-85% of the time, working at cell sites, small cells, HUBs, and supporting infrastructure across the Greater Cleveland area and surrounding counties.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning new cell sites end-to-end including fiber circuit testing, router upgrades, vDU server build-out, RMU installation, alarm verification, network integration, call testing, and 911 testing, then placing the site formally into service with complete and accurate documentation.
• Executing circuit upgrades including physical equipment swap-out, testing, validation, cutover, and all required activation documentation.
• Serving as a support point for small cell deployments and temporary infrastructure for special events.
• Coordinating with general contractors to align field schedules and get ahead of commissioning milestones where possible.
• Troubleshooting 4G LTE and 5G NR network issues including radio outages, vDU server maintenance, and RAN performance faults.
• Connecting via SSH to configure and troubleshoot Cisco 540 series (IOS), Ciena 5164 (SAOS), and Nokia platforms to isolate and resolve network faults.
• Diagnosing routing and connectivity issues involving BGP, ISIS, VLANs, hub-and-spoke topologies, and IEN hub infrastructure.
• Performing high-level troubleshooting of supporting systems including HVAC, generators, and GPS, recognizing when to escalate and when to resolve.
• Navigating the Unified System Manager (Samsung USM) and other network management platforms to identify fault conditions, manage alarms, and track work to resolution.
• Completing preventive maintenance at assigned sites accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
• Generating, managing, and closing trouble tickets across multiple systems while actively looking for ways to do it better.
• Participating in an on-call rotation including nights, weekends, and holidays as part of a 24x7 operations environment.
• Bringing new ideas, including AI-assisted workflows, to improve how the team operates.

Requirements

• You are technically sharp, self-driven, and not satisfied with "that's how we've always done it."
• You learn fast, work well under pressure, and have the confidence to speak up when you see a better way, even when it's not the popular opinion.
• You understand that great engineers don't just close tickets; they make the network better because they were there.
• You are ready to earn your place on a seasoned team by outworking and out-thinking, and you are genuinely motivated by that challenge.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or two or more years of work experience.
• Three or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through work experience and/or military experience.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals including the OSI model, TCP/IP, VLANs, and routing protocols (BGP, ISIS).
• Proficiency with Linux and command-line interfaces; comfortable navigating and troubleshooting CLI-driven environments.
• Experience connecting via SSH to troubleshoot network devices including routers, switches, and servers.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to operate a company vehicle throughout the Greater Cleveland area and Northeast Ohio.
• One or more of the following qualifications preferred: CCNA, Network+, or equivalent industry certification.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco 540 series (IOS), Ciena 5164 (SAOS), or Nokia platforms.
• Familiarity with RAN architecture including 4G LTE and 5G NR vDU environments.
• Familiarity with hub-and-spoke topologies and IEN hub infrastructure.
• Familiarity with network and operations management platforms such as USM, CND, INAM, IOP, FUZE, NSP, or OneEMS.
• Comfort working outdoors at active cell sites in varying weather and physical conditions.
• Exposure to AI tools such as Claude or Gemini in a technical or professional setting.

Skills

• Technical expertise in networking fundamentals and troubleshooting.
• Linux and command-line interface proficiency.
• SSH connection and troubleshooting experience.
• Understanding of RAN architecture and hub-and-spoke topologies.
• Experience with network management platforms.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, rotating shift environment.
• Problem-solving and innovation mindset.

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and group home & auto insurance.
• Award-winning total rewards package including a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year, up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance, and tuition assistance.
• Premium pay for overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc.
• Up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service.
• Compensation varies based on location and confirmed job-related skills and experience.