Networkplanner III

The Role

This position is responsible for issuing detailed netbuild documents to facilitate new Ciena NGO DWDM route builds and managing work tasks from the Metro Tactical work queue. This includes executing a variety of technical planning functions such as decommissioning legacy equipment, auditing circuits, and designing shelf/card adds, node inserts, and network grooming plans.

The Main Responsibilities

• Create and distribute comprehensive netbuild packages for new Ciena NGO DWDM route builds, detailing transport design, equipment configurations, and installation instructions.
• Manage Tactical Work Queue Tasks: Actively work within the Metro Tactical queue to fulfill planning requests submitted by Strategic Planners, ensuring timely response and technical accuracy.
• Plan and execute the removal of legacy equipment with minimal service impact, supporting broader network optimization efforts.
• Review and document circuit details at specified locations, verifying service status and monthly reoccurring revenue for planning validation.
• Create shelf and card expansion plans to support capacity growth and service provisioning.
• Develop node insertion plans and circuit grooming strategies that align with service delivery goals and standards.
• Partner with network engineers and implementation personnel to ensure planning outputs support deployment success.
• Update task records with completed planning tasks, issued netbuilds, and relevant requested information.
• Adhere to established design guidelines, approval workflows, and documentation standards across all planning activities.

What We Look for in a Candidate

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in optical transport network planning, with emphasis on DWDM technologies.
• Familiarity with Ciena NGO platform and legacy systems, such as Adva R7, is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of DWDM architecture, optical transport design principles, and node deployment strategies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, prioritization, communication, and time management skills.
• Experience designing shelf and card configurations, node insertions, and service grooms is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of network decommissioning procedures and circuit audit techniques.

Essential Job Functions:

• Create detailed planning packages to support the deployment of Ciena NGO DWDM transport routes, outlining all technical specifications and installation requirements.
• Manage diverse tactical planning tasks submitted by Strategic Planners, including node expansions, audits, and equipment changes.
• Evaluate and develop removal strategies for legacy network infrastructure, minimizing service disruption.
• Engineer expansions to existing nodes by assessing available chassis slots and planning appropriate hardware configurations.
• Strategize and document insertion of new nodes into the optical network, ensuring alignment with network growth and service requirements.
• Verify equipment, circuits, and associated customers at target locations and provide monthly reoccurring revenue per site.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional teams to validate designs, align deliverables, and ensure successful deployment execution.
• Update tracking tools, databases, and records with finalized plans, issued netbuilds, audit findings, etc.
• Adhere to network design standards, internal documentation protocols, and operational workflows throughout all planning processes.
• Understand and adjust to potential process changes and other requirements
• Leverage knowledge and skills to lead and deliver major projects within the deadline.
• Identifies process gaps and makes recommendations for improvement to peers/team Leader.
• Able to mentor other planners on priorities within the team.
• Participates in and is a champion of driving change.
• Understand the interdependence of platforms/other departments and how they impact each other.
• Produce communications that are clear, concise, on point with clear definition of problem statement, requirements, recommendations.

Locations

This is a Work from home position within the U.S.