We are Optimum, a leader in the fast-paced world of connectivity, and we're seeking driven and enthusiastic professionals to join our team, empower lives, fuel businesses, and drive innovation. Connectivity is now longer a luxury, but a necessity. A career at Optimum means you'll be enabling progress and enhancing lives by providing reliable, high-speed connectivity solutions that keep the world connected. Our successes, now and in the future, are powered by our amazing product, a commitment to our people and culture, and the connections we make in our communities.
If you are resourceful, collaborative, and passionate about delivering consistent excellence, Optimum is for you!
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled IP Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain a complex service provider (ISP) IP/MPLS network. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in IP routing and a demonstrated ability to handle complex network projects in a carrier-grade environment.
The Network Engineer will focus on optimizing the performance of high-capacity IP networks by ensuring scalability, reliability, and low latency across backbone, aggregation, and access layers. Responsibilities include planning, designing, and engineering regional multi-state networks with Layer I, II, and III, as well as carrier-class MPLS, L2VPN, and L3VPN services.
The role involves evaluating and validating new equipment and software releases, and documenting procedures for network implementation and workflows. Collaboration with the team to use open-source or standard systems will be essential to accelerate the development and deployment of new services and features in the production network.
The engineer will diagnose, troubleshoot, and document issues related to the support, implementation, and management of a core network environment that includes Cisco IOS-XR and IOS. Timely and accurate resolution of hardware and software network problems is crucial, especially for customer-facing and SLA-driven services.
They will also provide engineering guidelines and network support to Fulfillment and Operations teams for deploying new hardware and services. Working closely with the Application Support team, they will gather new product requirements and define parameters for service activation.
Additionally, performing failure analysis of hardware, software, and application-related issues impacting services is part of the role, with a strong focus on delivering the best experience for all customers in a 24x7 ISP production environment.
Responsibilities
- Performs engineering activities with specific knowledge and skills associated with the following technologies:
- IP Routing Protocols and technologies such as: OSPF, ISIS, BGP, MPLS-TE, QoS Capabilities
- IP Backbone capacity management and traffic engineering (TE)
- Core IP routing technologies and vendors, specifically Cisco and Nokia
- IPv4 and IPv6 subnetting and address planning for large-scale ISP networks
- Develops and executes detailed network designs, specifications, and architectural plans for IP Backbone architectures in support of ISP and commercial service delivery infrastructure, including BGP, OSPF, RSVP, LDP, and quality of service architectures.
- Creates test plans; tests and validates functionality, management, and performance for existing and new technologies supporting metro, regional, and backbone IP networks.
- Designs and tests for IP service integration, including internet, VPN, VoIP, and video delivery services over IP/MPLS networks.
- Determines, tests, and validates code functionality to be used in the production network for all IP routers and various Ethernet switches across multiple vendors.
- Conducts equipment evaluations, equipment selection, pilot testing, and network designs to ensure reliability and scaled expansion of the network.
- Supports deployments of new IP services, systems, applications, and architectures with strict adherence to SLAs and change management policies.
- Partners with change management for impact identification, network validation, MOP creation and execution of activities in a live production ISP network.
- Defines and compiles methods, procedures, and documentation to support personnel in the installation, maintenance, and removal of network equipment.
- Coordinates with regions to ensure the network is available and configured to exceed market demand and customer growth requirements.
- Applies best practices pertaining to router security design, including authentication, access lists, and control plane protection.
- Acts as an escalation from our NOC for critical network incidents and customer-impacting outages.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or equivalent
- CCNP required or equivalent experience; CCIE plus
- Experience working in a Service Provider / ISP environment supporting commercial or enterprise services
- Experience with routing and switching (BGP, OSPF, ISIS)
- Experience with MPLS-TE, L2VPN, L3VPN, and traffic engineering concepts
- Experience with IPv4 and IPv6
- Experience writing Engineering guidelines and procedures
- Familiarity with fiber optic technology and transport networks
- Scripting languages are recommended (such as BASH, Python, etc.)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work in a 24x7 operational environment with on-call rotation
- Proven ability to troubleshoot large-scale outages under pressure and meet SLA commitments
At Optimum, every action and interaction we take part in, is driven by our three Guiding Principles: Do What's Right, Drive One Optimum, and Make It Happen. These aren't just words, they help us build trust, create real community, and embrace new ways of thinking. Our employees are empowered to do the right thing for our customers and co-workers and to recognize and reward these behaviors when we see them. It's all part of the bigger picture of "Be The Difference" where each employee knows they have the power to enact real change, share new ideas, and understand that learning never stop.
If you have the drive to succeed and are ready to embark on a thrilling career, seize this opportunity today, and join our winning team. Together, we'll shape the future of connectivity.
All job descriptions and required skills, qualifications and responsibilities for a particular position are subject to modification by the Company from time to time, in the Company's discretion based on business necessity.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
The Company collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.
Applicants for employment with The Company will never be asked to provide money (even if reimbursable) as part of the job application or hiring process. Please review our Fraud FAQ for further details.
We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. Please note that at this time, we do not provide visa sponsorship for employment.
Nearest Major Market: Plano
Nearest Secondary Market: Dallas
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Minimum of 2 years related experience
- CCNP certification or equivalent experience
- Experience in a Service Provider / ISP environment
- Experience with routing and switching (BGP, OSPF, ISIS)
- Experience with MPLS-TE, L2VPN, L3VPN, and traffic engineering
- Experience with IPv4 and IPv6 subnetting and planning
- Experience writing engineering guidelines and procedures
- Familiarity with fiber optic technology and transport networks
- Scripting (recommended: BASH, Python)
- Ability to work in a 24x7 operational environment with on-call rotation
- Proven ability to troubleshoot large-scale outages under pressure and meet SLAs
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Familiarity with Cisco and Nokia core routing platforms and IOS/IOS-XR
- CCIE (mentioned as plus)
Optimum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, and vision from day one, alongside company‑paid life/AD&D and short‑ and long‑term disability. Mental health support is included, and overall breadth is described as solid for a large telecom.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Discounted (often free in‑footprint) internet/TV/mobile is a distinctive perk, complemented by wellness programs, EAP access, commuter benefits, and pet/auto/home insurance options. Tuition reimbursement and university partnerships add meaningful lifestyle and development value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays, and volunteer time are part of the package. Parental leave and family medical leave further expand the time‑off offering.
Optimum Insights
What We Do
We Make a Difference Because We Are the Difference! At Optimum, we’re not just connecting people – we’re transforming how they experience the world. With a footprint spanning 21 states and serving approximately 4.5 million residential and business customers, we're building the future of connectivity through innovative services like Optimum Fiber Internet, Optimum TV, and Optimum Mobile. This connectivity wouldn’t be possible without our tremendous workforce of driven employees who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible experience for all of our customers and co-workers We’re a team of bold thinkers, curious leaders, and collaborative problem-solvers, united by a culture that values inclusion, innovation, and impact. At Optimum, every voice matters, every idea counts, and every team member has the opportunity to grow, lead, and make a difference. From developing next-gen technology to bridging the digital divide to supporting education and emergency response efforts, we lead with purpose and heart. Our Be The Difference initiative drives us to make a positive impact, ensuring that our efforts resonate far and wide. From our products and services to our community impact, we are creating connections, driving innovation and POWERING this world forward. You can be a part of an exciting and transformational workplace at Optimum. Join us to Be the Difference!
Why Work With Us
Our mission is simple: deliver the best customer and employee experience while transforming how we work and grow. We’re on a journey to become the connectivity provider of choice – investing in our network, reimagining our products, and building a culture where people thrive. With nearly 4.5 million customers across 21 states, we’re transforming fr
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