Senior Manager Network Engineering, Automation & AI Innovation

Senior Manager Network Engineering, Automation & AI Innovation

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. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

As a Senior Manager, Network Engineering (Automation & AI Innovation), you will lead a team focused on transforming network engineering through automation, AI‑driven operations, and next‑generation platform engineering. This team will build capabilities that enable scalable, intelligent, and autonomous network systems, supporting Lumen’s digital platform transformation. This role requires strong expertise in software‑defined networking, automation frameworks, AI/ML applications, and future‑state architecture strategy.

• Hybrid opportunity requiring onsite presence in Denver, CO

• Lead a team of engineers building lab automation, orchestration, and AI‑driven capabilities for network environments
• Advance lab AI capabilities that analyze packet captures, crash dumps, test reports, outage data, and standards documentation to improve diagnosis, troubleshooting, and solution recommendations
• Scale AI/LLM and MCP‑enabled tooling that can interpret lab data, compare configurations against standards, and accelerate future automation projects
• Connect lab automation work to broader AI enablement priorities, including knowledge management, AI‑driven configuration intelligence, and repeatable engineering workflows
• Design and implement fully automated lab and network provisioning pipelines using CI/CD methodologies
• Develop and scale AI‑driven solutions (e.g., predictive analytics, Digital Twins, autonomous network operations)
• Drive adoption of infrastructure‑as‑code, API‑driven architectures, and programmable networks
• Partner with engineering teams to enable self‑service, scalable test and development environments
• Build and evolve data platforms and telemetry pipelines to support advanced analytics and decision‑making
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies (AI, distributed compute, advanced networking models)
• Translate innovation into practical engineering capabilities and operational improvements
• Collaborate with cross‑functional leaders to shape future network architecture and platform strategy
• Develop high‑performing teams with a strong focus on learning, innovation, and forward‑thinking engineering practice

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (cloud engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, etc.)
• 10+ years of experience in Network engineering, Software engineering, or System/Platform engineering
• Strong expertise in:
  • Network automation and orchestration
  • CI/CD pipelines and development frameworks
  • Kubernetes and cloud‑native platforms
• Experience with:
  • AI/ML applications in infrastructure or network environments
  • Data analytics and telemetry‑driven decision‑making
  • API‑driven systems and infrastructure‑as‑code
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Proven ability to lead teams driving innovation and transformation initiatives

• Experience with:
  • Digital twins, autonomous networks, or predictive systems
  • AI‑assisted operations (AIOps) or intelligent observability platforms
  • Advanced traffic engineering or programmable networking
• Strong background in software engineering or distributed systems
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies and translating them into enterprise capabilities
• Demonstrated success driving innovation at scale in…