Senior Engineer, Terrestrial Network

Requisition Number: 20420

Contract Type: Permanent

Location(s):

McLean, VA, US

Senior Engineer, Terrestrial Network

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Terrestrial Network Engineer to lead the design, procurement, implementation, and optimization of terrestrial transport networks that support critical communications infrastructure. This role is responsible for managing terrestrial circuit procurement and vendor relationships, while working closely with provider’s engineering teams to design and validate physically diverse backbone connectivity solutions. Working collaboratively with Network Engineering, Network Operations, Service Delivery, Procurement, and external service providers, the engineer will drive the successful delivery of reliable, resilient and cost-effective terrestrial connectivity that meets business requirements, customer expectations, and operational resilience objectives.

The role requires timely decision-making, strong technical judgment, and the ability to effectively manage complex projects and competing priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, procure, implement, and optimize terrestrial transport and backbone network solutions supporting critical communications infrastructure
• Lead end-to-end circuit lifecycle management, including feasibility analysis, vendor selection, ordering, provisioning, testing, acceptance, renewals, and disconnects
• Collaborate with carrier engineering teams to design and validate physically diverse network routes, ensuring resiliency and minimizing single points of failure.
• Review and analyze circuit routing documentation, KMZ files, network diagrams, and provider diversity reports to identify route commonalities and associated risks.
• Proactively identify and communicate circuit-related risks, opportunities, impacts, and mitigation strategies to stakeholders and leadership
• Provide technical support to internal customers including assistance in problem troubleshooting and resolution of network events and outages
• Support network modernization initiatives, capacity planning, and technology refresh projects to enhance network performance, scalability, and reliability
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Network Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered
• 5 years of experience in telecommunications, transport network engineering, carrier services, or related network infrastructure roles
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and managing terrestrial transport networks, including MPLS, Ethernet, DWDM, wavelength, and dark fiber services
• Strong understanding of carrier network architectures, route diversity principles, and high-availability network design
• Experience managing circuit procurement, vendor relationships, carrier escalations, and service delivery processes
• Ability to interpret network diagrams, fiber route maps, KMZ files, and infrastructure diversity reports
• Knowledge of routing and transport technologies, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, IP Transit, Layer 2 and Layer 3 services
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Terrestrial service providers, or global network environments
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Ciena, or similar networking platforms
• Knowledge of network monitoring and management tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
  

Key Competencies

• Network troubleshooting
• Vendor Management
• Critical thinking
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving in complex technical environments
• Strong written and verbal communication
  
  

Why This Role Matters

This role plays a critical role in ensuring network availability, resilience, and operational efficiency by delivering secure, diverse, and cost-effective terrestrial connectivity. This position directly supports customer service delivery, business continuity, and strategic growth by enabling reliable communications across the organization's global network infrastructure.

The salary range for this full-time position is $121,680 - $194,300.

Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and geographic location. Individual compensation within the range is determined based on work location and a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training.

Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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