Principal Engineer Data Network Planning

Principal Engineer Data Network Planning

Job :

Location: 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714

Lightpath is building the fiber infrastructure the digital economy depends on - owning, operating, and expanding dense, high-performance networks for enterprises, public institutions, carriers, and cloud innovators. Our all-fiber network supports mission-critical environments, from financial markets and healthcare systems to AI platforms and next-generation cloud architectures. As we expand across the Northeast and into high-growth markets nationwide, we invest ahead of demand - building infrastructure with precision, resilience, and accountability.

To support that growth, we're building a team of people who take ownership, think long-term, and take pride in tackling complex work with care and integrity. At Lightpath, every role contributes to infrastructure that powers critical systems and real-world outcomes. We look for individuals who value precision, accountability, and collaboration and who want to help build networks, processes, and partnerships that are engineered to last.

The Principal Engineer Data Network Planning at Lightpath plays a critical role in shaping and executing network strategies to optimize the company's next-generation fiber-optic network. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills to oversee the design, architecture, and implementation of scalable and secure network solutions.

Key responsibilities include developing and enforcing network policies, leading network platform decisions, and ensuring the network meets performance and reliability standards. The role also involves collaborating closely with various business units, including Sales Engineering, Product, and Operations, to design and deliver custom network solutions that exceed customer expectations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in telecommunications, with extensive knowledge of network protocols (such as MP-BGP, OSPF,LDP,ISIS, SR and MPLS), experience with network devices and services, and a proven track record in managing large-scale network projects. They will also possess strong project management skillsandthe capability to stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements.

The Principal Engineer will be instrumental in ensuring that Lightpath's network infrastructure is robust, scalable, and aligned with the company's strategic objectives, all while maintaining a focus on cost-effective solutions and continuous improvement.

• Develop and execute network strategies that align with Lightpath's business goals, focusing on expanding and optimizing our next-generation fiber-optic network.

• Analyze and drive key decisions regarding network platforms, ensuring alignment with Lightpath's strategic goals.

• Oversee the design and architecture of network solutions, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and capable of meeting the demands of diverse customer needs.

• Experienceconfiguring, deploying, and integrating network devices and services.

• Establish and enforce network policies, technical standards, and configuration protocols to maintain network integrity and security.

• Collaborate with the sales and customer service teams to design and deliver custom network solutions that exceed customer expectations.

• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends and emerging technologies and integrate innovative solutions into Lightpath's network infrastructure.

• Develop and manage Capital Expenditure (Cap Ex) budgets, ensuring cost-effective deployment of network infrastructure.

• Assess the functionality of hardware, software, and tools, ensuring they meet the network's performance and reliability standards.

• Oversee the certification process for hardware and software systems andlead the selection of new tools and technologies to support network operations.

• Evaluate new products, manage RFI/RFP processes, and oversee new feature testing to ensure compatibility with existing network infrastructure.

• Lead proof of concept initiatives and remediation testing to validate new technologies and resolve any issues before full-scale deployment.

• Develop and maintain relationships with equipment suppliers and industry research departments to keep up knowledge on technological roadmaps.

• Responsible for the support of legacy technologies andalternativereplacement when needed.

• Develop and project manage programmed circuit migrations to improve the state of the core network.

• Prepare…