Sr Lead Network Engineer - Denver, CO

About Forged Fiber  

At Forged Fiber, our mission is bold but simple: deliver fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity that builds the foundation for everything online. As we execute, we believe the right way to do something is the only way. This foundation guides how the company builds,  operates , and  maintains   a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform that empowers millions.  

Forged Fiber is about more than building a network. It is about people. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, employees create impact through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.  

The Role  

The Senior Lead Engineer – Network Modeling & Data Engineering is a highly technical leadership role responsible for designing, developing, and governing advanced network models and data engineering solutions that support architecture, engineering, and technology strategy. This role serves as a senior technical authority across access network architecture, large-scale network data platforms, and analytical modeling, enabling data-driven decision-making for planning, capacity, performance, and investment strategies.  

This position bridges network engineering, data platforms, analytics, and automation to translate complex network behaviors into scalable models and actionable insights. The Senior Lead Engineer collaborates across architecture, engineering, operations, IT, and product teams to define standards, influence technology roadmaps, and ensure network data solutions align with long-term business and technology  objectives .  

Work Location: Hybrid in Denver, CO

The Main Responsibilities  

Network Modeling & Architecture  

· Design, develop, and  maintain scalable network models that  represent access, aggregation, and core network architectures, performance analysis, and future-state design.  

· Lead modeling of OAP Metro, Access Network and PON architectures, including topology, serviceability, and growth scenarios.  

· Define modeling standards, assumptions, and methodologies to ensure consistency, accuracy, and reusability across teams.  

· Evaluate the impact of  new technologies , architectures, and design options through quantitative modeling and simulation.  

Data Engineering & Platforms  

· Create and implement data pipelines that ingest, transform, and curate large-scale  network , telemetry, and operational datasets.  

· Develop canonical data models that support network modeling, analytics, and reporting use cases.  

· Ensure data quality, lineage, and governance across network data platforms.  

· Partner with analytics and automation teams to operationalize models through dashboards, decision tools, and APIs.  

Technology Strategy & Evaluation  

· Assess emerging networks, data, and modeling technologies and provide recommendations aligned to architectural strategy.  

· Contribute to multi-year technology roadmaps, including build-vs-buy analysis and proof-of-concept evaluations.  

· Provide technical leadership best practices for network data and modeling solutions.  

Collaboration & Technical Leadership  

· Serve as a senior technical advisor across architecture, engineering, operations, and IT teams.  

· Lead cross-functional initiatives, driving alignment on architecture decisions, data standards, and modeling approaches.  

· Mentor peer engineers raising overall capability in network modeling and data engineering disciplines.  

· Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.  

Program & Project Leadership  

· Manage complex, multi-workstream initiatives related to network modeling, data platforms, and analytics.  

·  Establish priorities, define deliverables, and track progress to ensure  timely and high-quality outcomes.  

· Prepare cost-benefit analyses and quantitative justifications to support architecture and investment decisions.  

What We Look  For in a Candidate  

Forged Fiber’s culture is built on honesty, respect, trust, transparency, and a growth mindset. We strive to treat people as they want to be treated, and to  operate with consistency, integrity, customer obsession, and courage.  We’re looking for top tier talent to join Forged Fiber that can help us bring this mindset to our everyday work and deliver meaningful results.  

Main Requirements  

Core Competencies  

• Advanced understanding of OAP Metro, access network architectures, including PON and IP-based networks.  

• Strong  expertise in network modeling techniques and scenario analysis.  

• Deep knowledge of data engineering concepts, including data pipelines, data modeling, and analytics platforms.  

•  Proficiency in working with large, complex datasets and translating them into actionable insights.  

•  Demonstrated ability to define architecture standards and influence technical strategy at an enterprise level.  

• Proven leadership in cross-functional environments with the ability to drive alignment and execution.  

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.  

Education  

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Engineering, Information Systems, or related field desired.  

• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.  

Experience  

Required Experience  

· 7+ years of experience in data engineering, network architecture, network engineering, or infrastructure-focused technical roles.  

·  Demonstrated experience leading architectural and technical decisions across cross-functional engineering and operations teams.  

Preferred Experience  

· Hands-on experience building or governing network models and large-scale network data solutions.  

· Experience supporting access network planning, capacity forecasting, or large-scale infrastructure investment decisions.  

· Background in analytics, optimization, or automation applied to network environments.  

· Prior experience in technical leadership or principal-level engineering role influencing enterprise architecture.  

Compensation  

This information reflects the  anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills,  experience and other relevant factors.  

Forged Fiber offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other  perks that enhance your physical, mental,  emotional and financial wellbeing.  

What to Expect Next  

Background Screening  

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements.  

Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC  participates in E ‑ Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I ‑9 information to confirm that you  are authorized to work in the United States. Employers can only use E ‑ Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed  the Form I ‑9.  

Equal Employment Opportunities  

It is the policy of Forged Fiber to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information,  martial status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.   We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job  assignments or training. In addition, Forged Fiber will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with  disabilities, and is a fair change employer and does not  initiate a background check until after an offer is made.  

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