Job Description

***This position can be filled remotely anywhere within the country.***

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 Coherent and DWDM technologies and intelligent data services solutions in the Packet and Optical domains from the edge to the core of the network. The desired candidate would have 7-10 years working in the design, testing and deployment of optical transport technology, and network automation experience in communication service provider transport networks. In addition to advancing the 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 DWDM CDC-F, Coherent DSP, IPoDWDM integration, and network automation, leveraging experience in:
  • Infinera, Ciena, Nokia, ADVA, and/or Cisco platforms.
  • Testing and integration of disaggregated optical networking solutions using open line systems and mixed transceiver technologies.
  • Software-enabled real-time planning tools, SDN Control and Orchestration, and data analytics platforms for network intelligence.
• 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 optical 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 telecommunications industry.
• In depth knowledge of one or more engineering disciplines and vendor equipment including Transport, 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 optical concepts and technologies such as:
  • WSS-Based ROADM Architectures, including mixed Architectures of AWG and CD/CDC-F.
  • In-Line Amplification design utilizing EDFA, Raman, and Dynamic Gain Equalization.
  • Coherent transmission systems and various modulation techniques.
  • OTDR, OSA, and BERT network testing/monitoring.
• Experience with TL1, SNMP, 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 optical testing solutions from Viavi, IXIA, Spirent, Finisar, Yokogawa, LabView, etc.
• Experience with network planning and/or simulation tools such as Cisco Transport Planner, Ciena OnePlanner or PlannerPlus, and OptSim.
• Understanding of Central Office Engineering principles such as: Rack, Power, HVAC, and Fiber/Cable management.
• Basic understanding of Layer 3 and routing protocols such as IPv6, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry standards bodies such as MEF, IETF, IEEE, ITU-T, OIF, OpenROADM, etc.
• 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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