Network Architect

Brief Description

Bluebird Fiber is a premier fiber telecommunications provider of internet, data transport, and other services to carriers, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other enterprises in the Midwest. All of us at Bluebird Fiber work hard to meet the objectives of the organization and live the mission and values of this growing company to meet a common goal.

The Bluebird Fiber Core Values

Own It – We meet or exceed expectations, from our customer relationships to how we treat our employees

Care Deeply – We care deeply about our employees, customers and communities

Adapt Creatively – We think creatively and act quickly to solve problems and provide solutions

WOW the Customer – We deliver speed and clarity to the customer with straightforward answers and solutions

Position Summary

The Network Architect is responsible for leading technology evaluation, selection and implementation for the advancement and evolution of the Bluebird Fiber network and product portfolio. The candidate is expected to work closely with company leadership, engineering, operations and sales teams to analyze business requirements and develop plans for competitive, cost-effective network solutions that position Bluebird Fiber for success.

Bluebird is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• 10 years of progressive experience in Engineering, Planning or Access networking disciplines in a service provider – telecommunications environment. A post-secondary education technical, associates, bachelor's or advanced degree in a computer science, telecommunications or information technology field preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, technologies, telecommunications terminology and security best practices. Examples include:
• IP, MPLS, BGP, OSPF, RSVP-TE, IPv4, IPv6, QoS
• DWDM, ROADM, OADM, ITU-T Grid, G.709
• Ethernet, VLAN, RSTP, QinQ, G.8032, EPL, EVPL
• Fiber Optics, SMF, MMF, SMF28, OSNR, dB, OTDR
• Strong experience with network hardware, software, and infrastructure design.
• An understanding of programming or scripting to assist in the automation of processes
• Experience in fault isolation and troubleshooting in complex networks
• Certifications and training on Nokia, Ekinops, Juniper, Cisco, Cyan, Adva vendor hardware and software platforms
  

Summary

Responsibilities:

• Discover & evaluate technologies that advance and scale the Bluebird Fiber (BBF) network for current and future improvements
• Provide the BBF leadership team with advanced technical guidance, recommendations, and analysis for new and existing products and network platforms.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and align network solutions and product offerings
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network staff
• Build and manage relationships with BBF technology vendors
• Participate in the evaluation and selection of third-party vendors and technologies
• Develop comprehensive network architecture designs based on business requirements and industry best practices
• Plan and implement network upgrades and expansions to accommodate growth and emerging technologies
• Assess and recommend hardware and software solutions to support network infrastructure
• Lead the implementation of complex network solutions, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems
• Collaborate with leadership, engineers, and other stakeholders to implement and optimize network components
• Establish and maintain network performance metrics to proactively identify and resolve potential issues
• Conduct regular performance assessments and implement optimizations to enhance network efficiency
• Create and maintain detailed network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and procedures.
• Generate regular reports on network performance, security, and capacity planning.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Conduct proof of concept and software validation in BBF lab and vendor lab environments
• Other duties as assigned