CenturyLink · 3 weeks ago
Senior Planning Engineer
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level
$85K/yr - $113K/yr
7+ years expLumen is the trusted network for AI, transforming how businesses connect, secure, and scale in an AI-driven world. The Senior Planning Engineer – Metro Core Transport is responsible for end-to-end capacity planning, optimization, and network augmentation across Metro Core and local IOF transport networks, ensuring the network meets growth and performance objectives.
Big DataCyber SecurityInformation TechnologyVideoTelecom & CommunicationsInformation ServicesInfrastructureNetwork SecurityOptical CommunicationSecurityVideo ConferencingVoIPWireless
Responsibilities
Develop and execute Metro Core and local IOF transport capacity plans, including Wave, DWDM, Ethernet/ECN, and HRM‑managed routes
Analyze wave path trending, top‑route utilization, and headroom metrics to proactively initiate augmentations and prevent capacity jeopardies
Initiate and manage MSD tickets and scopes of work for network builds, augments, grooming, decomposition, and optimization activities in partnership with Tactical Metro Transport teams
Support pre‑ and post‑sale network design, FT3 estimating, and complex customer delivery planning across ILEC and CLEC environments
Lead optimization and network simplification efforts, including harvesting, fiber recovery, ring balancing, abandonment of zero‑utilized assets, and cost‑reduction
Maintain and improve Metro Wave Headroom (HRM) compliance, supporting enterprise TID review and jeopardy reduction targets
Partner with Long Haul Strategic Planning and capital teams on market investment strategies, funding requests, forecasting, and long‑range transport architecture alignment
Interface with A&E, Supply Chain, and vendors for equipment forecasting, technology deployment, and build program execution
Serve as a technical mentor and escalation point for planning engineers, providing guidance on complex designs, tools, and planning standards
Support cross‑functional initiatives, urgent planning “fire drills,” and evolving network transformation programs impacting Metro Core transport
Requires limited direction and guidance
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Network Architecture, or equivalent professional experience
7+ years of experience in transport network planning, capacity engineering, or large-scale telecommunications network design
Strong working knowledge of DWDM, optical transport, Metro Core architectures, Ethernet/ECN, and HRM-managed networks
Demonstrated experience initiating and managing network build orders, augments, and optimization activities
Ability to analyze network performance data, translate trends into actionable capacity plans, and communicate impacts clearly
Experience working across cross-functional teams including planning, provisioning, construction, operations, and vendors
Experience supporting large metro markets with high growth and complex transport topologies
Familiarity with Wave Path Trending, TID Review processes, FT3 estimating, and E911 or regulatory-driven planning efforts
Experience with network simplification, fiber harvesting, and capital efficiency initiatives
Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for executive-level updates and technical documentation
Benefits
Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.
We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.
Company
CenturyLink
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to customers around the world.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
CenturyLink has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
88%
Represents job field similar to this job
Engineering and Development
Management and Executive
Product Management
Customer Service and Support
Marketing
Sales
Accounting and Finance
Trends of Total Sponsorships
*2026 (4)
2025 (24)
2024 (21)
2023 (27)
2022 (29)
2021 (18)
2020 (49)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.44B2026-05-06Post Ipo Debt· $1B
2025-09-04Post Ipo Debt· $425M
2025-08-04Post Ipo Debt· $2B
Leadership Team
Kyle Brown
Senior Account Director
Recent News
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