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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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  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.

Learn more about Lumen's:

• Benefits ()

• Bonus Structure

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 ().

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

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…