Job Description

About the Role:

Build your experience in IP and data network technologies and services to new levels and domains while working with leading-edge technologies to grow and expand Windstream’s industry-leading networks and services within and beyond North America. Windstream’s Converged Network Architecture team continues building upon award-winning momentum in disaggregated, intelligent IP and Optical network technology and service innovations. Windstream is seeking to fill a Sr. Architect position in the Network Infrastructure Architecture team to guide the innovation and evolution of disaggregated routing and switching technologies and intelligent data services solutions in the IP and MPLS domains from the edge to the core of the network. The desired candidate would have 7-10 years working in the design, test and deployment of new IP routing and switching technology, and network automation experience in communication service provider IP networks. In addition to advancing technological capabilities, the ideal candidate would demonstrate an ability to drive operational efficiency and reduce CapEx requirements while building a flexible and scalable network architecture.

What You'll Do:

• Maintain an advanced knowledge and understanding of new technology, protocols, and standards. Review and recommend new hardware and software solutions to support the growth and evolution of the network, improve operational efficiency, and reduce deployment and operating costs.
• Evaluate and select new technologies and solutions in routing, switching, IPoDWDM integration, and network automation, leveraging experience in:
  • Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, and/or Ciena routing products of various silicon, OS, and fabric generations.
  • SR-MPLS, IS-IS, BGP, LDP, IP planning and analysis tools, BGP-Free core designs, network virtualization, and network security practices.
  • Further knowledge and use of disaggregated routing solutions using merchant silicon, network OS and VNF integrations, SDN Control and Orchestration, and data analytics platforms for network intelligence.
  • L2 and L3 services models, including designs for end-to-end QoS, SLA, OAM, and SAT.
• Conduct RFI/RFP analysis work, lead proof of concept tests, and provide recommendations for new vendor and platform selection.
• Perform hands-on and remote testing of various hardware and software solutions within the lab, and support field trial activities.
• Champion innovation in new technologies, new services, and existing product evolution.
• Evolve existing and establish new IP testbeds, enhance testing methods/procedures, and develop test case automation within a network lab facility.
• Work with peer organizations such as IT, Engineering, and Operations to define key requirements, and develop and implement hardware and software architectures for scaling large and complex networks in a cost effective, operationally efficient environment.
• Create detailed test plans, methods of procedures, and technical documentation detailing platform, product, and service configurations for lab and production networks.
• Travel to attend vendor meetings and conferences will be required. At times, travel to the lab to support project associated activities may be necessary. The majority of travel is optional. Overall, travel will be 10% or less.

Do You Have?:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with great interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively through any medium.
• Thorough understanding of communications service provider industry.
• In depth knowledge of one or more engineering disciplines and vendor equipment including IP routing, MPLS switching, Ethernet, IPoDWDM, network management systems, and test equipment operations.
• Ability to build economic cost models for network projects, network architectures, and new technology solutions.
• Computer software knowledge to include Microsoft Office, Network Planning Tools, Databases, computer and network operating systems and EMS applications.
• Good analytical skills and have excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent project and time management skills required to balance timelines and priorities of network, lab, and analysis projects.
• Commitment to the Windstream Engineering Values of Accountability, Collaboration, Agility, and Respect.
• Demonstrated knowledge in multiple IP concepts and technologies such as:
  • Broadcom chipsets and architectures.
  • IPv6, MPLS, Segment Routing, IS-IS, BGP, OSPF, RSVP-TE, LDP, L3VPNs.
  • Basic understanding of network security such as: IPsec, MACsec, ACL, DDoS Mitigation.
  • Network performance monitoring and testing, such as: Y.1564 and TWAMP.
  • Network Function Virtualization and Infrastructure.
• Experience with REST, NETCONF, and/or gRPC, management protocols.
• Proven track record in Designing, Planning, and/or Operating complex, multi-vendor networks.

Even Better:

• Demonstrated ability to stay ahead of the economic and technological developments in the communications service provider industry and the pace of change in optical networking technologies.
• Coding experience in at least one language, such as Python, Perl, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience with system administration of Linux Operating systems such as RHEL or CentOS and/or databases such as Oracle, MySQL, MongoDB, or InfluxDB.
• Hands-on experience with testing solutions from Viavi, IXIA/Keysight, and Spirent.
• Experience with network planning and/or simulation tools such as Nokia NSP, Deepfield, Arbor, Cisco WAE, Juniper Paragon, and Ciena AIPA.
• Understanding of Central Office Engineering principles such as: Rack, Power, HVAC, and Fiber/Cable management.
• Basic understanding of optical networking fundamentals such as DWDM and Coherent transmission.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry standards bodies such as MEF, IETF, IEEE, ITU-T, OIF, OpenROADM, etc.
• Industry certifications such as: CCNP, JCNIP, SRA, etc.
• Past experience with service provider lab automation.

Our Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Plans
• 401K Plan
• Health & Flexible Savings Account
• Life and AD&D, Spousal Life, Child Life Insurance Plans
• Educational Assistance Plan
• Identity Theft, Legal, Auto & Home and Pet Insurance
• https://windstreambenefits.com

About US:

Windstream Holdings, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, small businesses, enterprise organizations and carrier partners across the U.S.

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