Senior Network Engineer

Composing the core of a brighter world

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

Our mission is simple and bold: to build brighter, more connected communities through cutting‑edge optical technologies.

Senior Network Engineer

Norcross, GA

Job Summary

Lightera is seeking a hands-on Senior Network Engineer to support and enhance global network infrastructure across corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, datacenters, and cloud-connected environments, including LAN, WAN, wireless, routing, switching, and secure remote access. This role supports strategic initiatives including network modernization, Zero Trust/SASE adoption, and IT/OT network segmentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Infrastructure & Wireless

Administer enterprise LAN, WAN, and wireless infrastructure, including Juniper EX switching and Juniper Mist wireless platforms. Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize Layer 2/3 services, VLAN design, and network segmentation. Serve as Tier 2/Tier 3 escalation support. Coordinate with carriers and vendors, and maintain network diagrams and documentation.

• Network Security & SASE / Zero Trust

Implement and maintain firewall policies (Fortinet FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer), NAT, VPN, and access controls. Administer Cato Networks SASE, ZTNA policies, and identity-aware access controls in support of Zero Trust adoption. Participate in security assessments, remediation, and hardening efforts.

• IT/OT Segmentation

Lead implementation of IT/OT network segmentation projects across manufacturing facilities using Fortinet platforms. Own documentation of network flows and firewall requirements, and design segmentation controls and industrial security architectures. Collaborate with Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations teams; own validation testing and post-deployment support.

• Project Delivery & Documentation

Participate in network upgrade, modernization, and datacenter refresh projects. Maintain network standards, procedures, and runbooks. Support business continuity/disaster recovery requirements and ensure changes follow change management processes.

Key Competencies

• Networking & Wireless

TCP/IP, routing/switching, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, NAT, VPN, 802.1X/NAC, network performance analysis and packet capture. Juniper EX switching and Juniper Mist wireless preferred; RF fundamentals and AP deployment/management.

• Security & SASE

Firewall administration (Fortinet FortiGate/FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer preferred), SD-WAN, Cato Networks SASE preferred (transferable experience with Zscaler, Netskope, Prisma Access, or Cisco Secure Access considered), ZTNA, SWG, CASB, Zero Trust principles.

• OT & Manufacturing

Industrial networking, Operational Technology (OT) environments, industrial cybersecurity concepts, network segmentation initiatives in manufacturing settings.

• Cloud & Monitoring

Azure or AWS networking, network monitoring and performance analysis platforms.

• Cross-Functional

Working knowledge of endpoint security tools, vulnerability management, and patch remediation. Hands-on experience with Windows/Linux server administration. Practical understanding of backup/recovery platforms and disaster recovery processes. Working knowledge of Active Directory, SSO/MFA, and identity-driven network access control.

Required Qualifications

• Education

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Equivalent experience considered in lieu of formal education.

• Experience

10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience, including global multi-site environments, enterprise wireless platforms, and firewall/network security technologies

• Preferred Certifications

Senior-level networking certification (e.g., JNCIS, CCNP, or equivalent) strongly preferred. General networking, firewall, and wireless certifications (e.g., CCNA, CWNA, or vendor-equivalent). Equivalent experience may be substituted.

General Expectations

• Demonstrate effective communication (verbal, written) skills.
• Proficient with MS Office applications.
• Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information.
• Strict adherence to company safety policies and procedures.
• Conform to all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct”.
• Serve as a role model for safe work practices and behaviors.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation, and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at Careers | Lightera

Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.