NOC Engineer – Herndon VA

Cogent Communications is a global, Tier 1 facilities-based ISP, consistently ranked as one of the top five networks in the world. Cogent specializes in providing businesses with high-speed Internet access and Ethernet transport services. Our all-optical IP network backbone delivers IP services globally, offering large bandwidth connections at highly competitive prices with superior customer support through end-to-end service delivery and network monitoring.

About the role

This position operates in a 24x7x365 shift environment, primarily office/NOC-based in Overland Park, KS, Washington, DC, and/or Herndon, VA.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network health, alarms, and performance across optical (DWDM) and IP platforms using vendor and in-house tools
• Perform initial triage, fault isolation, and root-cause analysis for hardware, optical, and transport-layer issues
• Execute break/fix activities including card replacements, optical power troubleshooting, and circuit restoration
• Open, update, and resolve incident tickets in accordance with SLAs and internal processes
• Dispatch and coordinate with field engineers, smart-hands, and third-party vendors
• Maintain accurate documentation of events, configurations, and procedures
• Escalate complex issues to appropriate engineering teams with well-documented findings

Requirements

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years in a NOC, network support, or transport operations role
• Experience supporting optical transport and IP networks in a NOC, operations, or break/fix environment
• Working knowledge of DWDM concepts, including wavelengths, amplification, ROADMs, and OTN framing
• Troubleshooting-level understanding of IP routing and transport fundamentals, including TCP/IP, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP
• Experience with one or more of the following platforms:
  • Cisco ASR series
  • Cisco NCS/MSTP platforms including NCS 2000, NCS 1001, 1004, 1010, and 1014
  • Ciena 6500, RLS, and Waveserver
  • Arista 7800 Series Routers
• Proficiency with the following tools & software:
  • Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel) – professional written communication, tracking, and reporting
  • Network monitoring (Ciena MCP / Site Manager, SNMP-based platforms)
  • Terminal/SSH clients (PuTTY, SecureCRT)
• Industry certifications a plus: Ciena OC-A/OC-P, Cisco CCNA/CCNP (Service Provider or Enterprise)

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Holidays
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Stock options
• Employee Assistance Program

Most benefits take effect within 30 days of employment; some require a waiting period.

Pay

Starting base salary pay range: $70,000–$85,000/yr. Specific offers within the listed range are determined by factors such as experience, education, skills, certifications, and business needs.