Senior Planning Engineer - Tactical Core Planning

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.

** The Role*
* The Senior Planning Engineer is responsible for forecasting, planning, and engineering capacity solutions across Lumen's core transport network. This role ensures network readiness through proactive headroom management, DWDM network augmentation, and execution of capacity expansion projects to support customer and business growth.

** The Main Responsibilities*
* + Forecast network growth and identify capacity constraints.

+ Develop and execute DWDM network augmentation and bandwidth relief plans.

+ Create and manage Net Builds, Statements of Work, and implementation requirements.

+ Maintain network headroom and support capacity jeopardy mitigation efforts.

+ Coordinate with Engineering, OSP, Operations, Supply Chain, PMO, and implementation teams to deliver network expansions.

+ Analyze network performance, provide forecasting and reporting, and support capital planning activities.

+ Drive process improvements, automation, and operational efficiencies within Network Planning.

** What We Look For in a Candidate*
* + Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

+ 6+ years of network planning, telecommunications, or transport engineering experience.

+ Strong knowledge of DWDM networks, optical transport technologies, and capacity planning.

+ Experience managing complex infrastructure projects and cross-functional initiatives.

+ Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

** Preferred Qualifications*
* +

Experience with Ciena, Infinera, or Nokia optical platforms.

+ Knowledge of fiber characterization and transport network design.

+

Experience with headroom management, Rapid Route, Core Waves, DCE, or large-scale network expansion programs.

+ Prior Lumen planning or transport engineering experience preferred.

** 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

$84,629 - $112,838 in these states: AL  AR  AZ  FL  GA  IA    IN  KS  KY  LA  ME  MO  MS  MT  ND  NE  NM  OH  OK  PA  SC  SD  TN  UT  VT  WI  WV  WY

$88,860 - $118,480 in these states: CO  HI  MI  MN  NC  NH  NV  OR  RI

$93,092 - $124,122 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:

+ Benefits ()

+  Bonus Structure

LI-Remote

Requisition #: 342294

** Life at Lumen*
* Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.

To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit:

** Background Screening*
* If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may…