Lead Network Engineer - EMS Platforms, AAA Services & Network Automation - Dallas, TX or Denver, CO or Scottsdale, AZ

Lead Planning Engineer Network Planning

About Forged Fiber

At Forged Fiber, our mission is bold but simple: deliver fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity that builds the foundation for everything online. As we execute, we believe the right way to do something is the only way. This foundation guides how the company builds, operates, and maintains a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform that empowers millions.

Forged Fiber is about more than building a network. It is about people. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, employees create impact through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Lead Network Engineer is a senior technical leader within the Architecture, Engineering, and Technology Support (AET) organization, responsible for the reliability, lifecycle management, operational support, testing, integration, and automation of network management platforms and core operational systems supporting a Fiber Broadband network. This role serves as the technical authority for EMS platforms supporting Calix, Adtran, and Nokia, AAA services including TACACS+ and RADIUS, and network automation initiatives.

• Define architecture standards and operational requirements for EMS, AAA, and network management platforms.

• Lead design reviews supporting Calix, Adtran, and Nokia management platforms.

• Develop resiliency, redundancy, scalability, and security standards.

• Serve as a technical lead for EMS environments supporting Calix, Adtran, and Nokia.

• Own software lifecycle management, upgrades, patch validation, and governance.

• Define EMS integration requirements with OSS, BSS, inventory, and automation systems.

• Design, implement, and support TACACS+, RADIUS, and centralized authentication solutions.

• Develop RBAC and privileged access management standards.

• Lead troubleshooting of authentication and authorization issues.

• Develop automation solutions using Python, Ansible, XML,JSON,YAML,andAPI Integration.

• Create automated workflows for provisioning, compliance validation, testing, and reporting.

• Reduce manual processes through automation initiatives.

• Expert knowledge of EMS, NMS, OSS, and network management platforms.

• Advanced knowledge of TACACS+, RADIUS, and AAA architecture.

• Experience supporting fiber broadband and FTTH environments.

• 5+ years supporting EMS, OSS, NMS, or network management platforms.

• Experience with Calix, Adtran, or Nokia EMS platforms.

• Experience implementing or supporting TACACS+ and RADIUS.

• Experience developing automation using Python, Ansible, or APIs.

• Nokia Altiplano

• Calix CMS, SMx or Calix Cloud

• Adtran Mosaic

• Net Box and OSS/BSS integrations

Forged Fiber’s culture is built on honesty, respect, trust, transparency, and a growth mindset. We strive to treat people as they want to be treated, and to operate with consistency, integrity, customer obsession, and courage. We’re looking for top tier talent to join Forged Fiber that can help us bring this mindset to our everyday work and deliver meaningful results.

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
:

$100,000-$160,000 Annually

Forged Fiber 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.