Sr Planning Engineer

About the role

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities. At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter. This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate.

The Senior Planning Engineer applies approved technologies and architectures to specific requirements for additions to support growth and new services at Lumen. Supports all Lumen business units and affiliates while having full responsibility for a defined territory and being accountable for ensuring the customers within their territory have a best-in-class experience with Lumen.

Location

Work from home position within the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Develops/defines plans for the implementation of new OSP/ISP plant construction or modifications to existing facilities including risers and inter-building cabling.
• Oversees network capacity trends to understand current network capacity concerns, solutions, costs, and recommendations; communicates concerns and issues to the leadership team to help them understand future actions, optimization, network augments, etc.
• Ensures network capacity requirements are met with the highest quality and most efficient cost structure.
• Defines and implements a market level strategy that considers both shorter term capacity needs and long term (3-5 year) product and technology transformation.
• Supports various cross-functional organizations in transport, Core Wave, Field Operations & Implementation, Custom Networks, A&E, etc.
• Prepares plans and specifications, to include gathering field data. Ensures that the most feasible, practical and economical means to complete the work are utilized.
• Provides cost data to support capital planning and budgeting.
• Monitors and controls project expenditures.
• Oversees the installation/construction and testing of plant facilities.
• Remains up to date on the latest industry developments by reading industry journals, attending industry conferences; analyzing competitor products and services; interacting with customers; networking with industry professionals; and remaining flexible and open to change to see where trends are going.
• Requires minimal direction and guidance.

Requirements

• Consulting level typically with 6+ years of experience (Bachelor's Degree) or 4+ years with a Master's Degree.
• 4+ years inside and outside plant experience in telecommunications with in-depth knowledge of ISP/OSP equipment and designs or the equivalent in training and experience.
• Demonstrated capacity to focus and deliver on objectives in a dynamic, multi-faceted, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional ability to work effectively in groups with disparate priorities and operational targets with demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities including setting vision, accountability, integrity, humility, empathy, coaching, and mentoring.
• Strong data/economic analysis skills.
• Ability to create / analyze designs using geospatial tools such as ArcGIS/PRO, AutoCAD and Google Earth.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and detail oriented with an intense focus on quality.
• Strong computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Excel, Access, Visio and PowerPoint.
• Positive and professional attitude, and demeanor.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's in Business or MS in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Comprehensive knowledge of network topologies spanning the access, transport, and data portions of the network, including working knowledge of the features, functions, and applications.
• 2-3 years' experience with cost savings initiatives and capital budgeting.
• Lean/Six Sigma belt certification.
• Project Management experience with PMI certification.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, operating, and optimizing operational processes to deliver on operational and/or financial objectives.
• Experience in an engineering role that included a substantial business/financial focus.

Pay

Anticipated base salary ranges based on current national data (minimums and maximums may vary by location; individual pay based on skills, experience and other relevant factors):

• $84,629 – $112,838 in: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN