The RoleThe Director of Metro Ethernet Engineering leads engineering, certification, deployment readiness, and lifecycle management for Lumen's Metro Ethernet platforms and services. This role translates approved network architecture into deployable engineering standards, validated configurations, implementation processes, operational tooling, and production-ready service offerings.
This leader manages a team of network engineers responsible for Metro Ethernet, PacketOptical networks and related operational ecosystems. The position serves as the primary engineering liaison between Network Architecture, Product, Planning, Operations, Systems Development, Testing, Service Delivery, and vendor partners. Responsibilities include technology qualification, hardware and software certification, service introduction, roadmap prioritization, risk management, operational readiness, and strategic investment planning for Metro Ethernet network evolution.
This role requires a strong, values-driven leader who builds trust, fosters teamwork, communicates with clarity and transparency, and keeps teams focused on customers and shared outcomes. The Director must translate complex technical strategy into clear direction, engage stakeholders across functions, develop talent, model accountability, and lead a high-performing engineering team through change, ambiguity, and transformation.
LocationThis is a remote opportunity open to candidates located anywhere in the U.S.
The Main Responsibilities- Lead and develop a high-performing Metro Ethernet engineering team responsible for network technologies, platforms, service readiness, deployment standards, and lifecycle execution.
- Provide technical leadership across Metro Ethernet, Packet Optical networks, MetRON, colorless networking, NID platforms, Ethernet services, coherent optics, routing, switching, and related access technologies.
- Direct certification, qualification, interoperability testing, and production readiness for new hardware, software releases, optics, platforms, and network capabilities.
- Own engineering execution of Metro Ethernet roadmap initiatives, including MetRON deployment, Metro 3.0 enhancements, Ethernet Fabric services, service automation, and next-generation access capabilities.
- Translate architecture and strategy into engineering work packages, implementation plans, operational deliverables, standards, and repeatable deployment practices.
- Partner across Architecture, Product, Planning, Operations, Systems Development, Testing, Service Delivery, and vendors to align priorities, resolve dependencies, and deliver customer-centered outcomes.
- Serve as an engineering escalation leader for complex production issues, deployment challenges, technology limitations, and service-impacting events.
- Build trust, communicate with clarity and transparency, foster teamwork and accountability, develop talent, and lead teams effectively through change, ambiguity, and transformation.
What We Look For in a Candidate- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related discipline.
- 10+ years of telecommunications or network engineering experience, including deep expertise in Ethernet networking, IP/MPLS, optical transport, routing, switching, and carrier network operations.
- 5+ years leading engineering teams, technical programs, or network technology initiatives, with demonstrated ability to develop talent, build trust, and lead through change.
- Experience introducing network technologies from architecture through production deployment, including certification, vendor management, implementation planning, and operational readiness.
- Strong program management, executive communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
- Experience with large-scale service provider Metro Ethernet networks and transformation programs.
- Expertise in coherent optics, Ethernet access services, optical transport integration, automation platforms, assurance, activation, inventory, and operational support systems.
- Familiarity with MEF, IEEE Ethernet standards, Y.1564, Y.1731, service assurance, and carrier Ethernet technologies.
CompensationThis 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
$152,066 - $202,755 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY
$159,670 - $212,893 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI
$167,273 - $223,031 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:BenefitsBonus Structure
Requisition #: 343467
