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CenturyLinkCE

Lead Planning Engineer (Remote, US)

CenturyLink, a brand of Lumen Technologies, provides high-speed internet, fiber, voice, and TV services to residential and small business customers across the United States.

CenturyLink

Employee count: 5000+

Salary: 106k-155k USD

United States only

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Lumen is the trusted network for AI. We’re transforming how businesses connect, secure, and scale in an AI-driven world.

By connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly, we help organizations move faster and unlock what’s next.

At Lumen, people power progress. Our culture is built on teamwork, trust, and transparency, giving you the flexibility, support, and opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’re looking for top-tier talent ready to take on the challenge. Join us in building the future.

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Planning Engineer with a proven track record in planning and implementing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) networks. The ideal candidate will possess the expertise to read and interpret fiber characterization results and demonstrate a strategic mindset to develop comprehensive plans for circuit identification, overbuilds, and grooming strategies. This role requires a self-motivated individual capable of working under tight timelines with minimal supervision. As a Lead Planner, you will be expected to provide oversight over other planners on technical issues and project leadership.

Location and Schedule

This is a full time work from home position. The typical schedule is Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.

The Main Responsibilities

  • Initiates projects utilizing the most feasible, practical, and economical means. 
  • Performs engineering work and applied research, development and design of new projects, including design, fabrication, modification and evaluation of equipment and devices. 
  • Analyzes complex local and wide area network systems and/or customer network environment, including planning, designing, evaluating, selecting operating systems and protocol suites and configuring communication media with concentrators, bridges and other devices. 
  • Resolves difficult interoperability problems to obtain operation across all platforms including e-mail, files transfer, multimedia, teleconferencing and the like.
  • Configures systems to user environments.
  • Supports acquisition and implementation of hardware and software as well as subcontractor services. 
  • Will act as a technical project leader or provide work leadership for other employees.

What We Look For in a Candidate

  • Consulting level typically with 6+ years of experience. Bachelor's Degree. 4+ with a master's degree.  
  • Proficient in designing, planning, and deploying DWDM networks. Ability to evaluate network requirements and develop robust network designs. Experience with various DWDM equipment and technologies.
  • Skilled in interpreting fiber characterization results, including OTDR, CD, and PMD testing. Ability to assess fiber quality and suitability for high-capacity DWDM applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely project delivery. Proficient in project management tools and methodologies.
  • Strong analytical skills to identify potential network issues and develop effective solutions. Ability to make informed decisions based on technical analysis and business requirements.
  • Skilled in planning and/or engineering. 
  • Must be capable of handling moderately complex engineering assignments. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Collaborative approach to work effectively with internal teams, vendors, and customers.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Self-driven and proactive in identifying opportunities for network improvements.

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Location Based Pay Ranges

$105,786 - $141,047 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY
$111,074 - $148,099 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI
$116,364 - $155,152 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA

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.

Learn more about Lumen's:

Requisition #: 341970

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

Privacy Notice

Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data.

To review Lumen’s Privacy Notice, please visit:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice

Disclaimer

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.

About the job

Apply before

Posted on

Job type

Full Time

Experience level

Salary

Salary: 106k-155k USD

Education

Bachelor degree

Experience

6 years minimum

Experience accepted in place of education

Location requirements

Hiring timezones

United States +/- 0 hours

About CenturyLink

Learn more about CenturyLink and their company culture.

View company profile

We're CenturyLink, and we're passionate about empowering your digital life through reliable, high-speed connectivity. As a key brand within the Lumen Technologies family, we've spent decades building and maintaining the critical infrastructure that keeps homes and small businesses connected to the world around them. Our journey began humbly in 1930, and while we've grown from a small local telephone company into a global technology powerhouse, our core mission has never wavered: to bring people together and unlock the potential of the digital age.

We believe that a strong internet connection is the heartbeat of the modern home. In an era where remote work, online learning, and digital entertainment are part of everyday life, we understand that you need a network you can trust. That's why we're tirelessly expanding our fiber-optic footprint, delivering gigabit speeds that allow you to stream, game, and video chat without missing a beat. We're not just providing a utility; we're enabling the experiences that define your day-to-day life, from the morning video conference to the evening movie night.

Beyond the cables and routers, we're a team of dedicated professionals who care deeply about the communities we serve. We know that technology can sometimes feel complex, which is why we're committed to making your experience as simple and seamless as possible. Whether it's through our intuitive self-service apps or our knowledgeable support teams, we're here to ensure you get the most out of your service. We're also proud to support local initiatives and volunteer efforts, because we believe in strengthening the neighborhoods where we live and work. At CenturyLink, we're excited to be your partner in connectivity, today and for years to come.

Employee benefits

Learn about the employee benefits and perks provided at CenturyLink.

View benefits

Life Insurance

Company-paid group term life insurance coverage.

Disability Insurance

Short-term and long-term disability coverage options.

Commuter Spending Account

Pre-tax savings for mass transit and parking expenses.

Parental Leave

Supportive leave for new parents, including adoption assistance.

View CenturyLink's employee benefits
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CenturyLink

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