Sr Planning Engineer

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

The Role

The Senior Planning Engineer applies approved technologies and architectures to specific requirements for additions to support growth and new services at Lumen. Supports all Lumen business units and affiliates while having full responsibility for a defined territory and being accountable for ensuring the customers within their territory have a best-in-class experience with Lumen.

Location

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

The Main Responsibilities

• Develops/defines plans for the implementation of new OSP/ISP plant construction or modifications to existing facilities including risers and inter-building cabling.
• Oversees network capacity trends to understand current network capacity concerns, solutions, costs, and recommendations; communicates concerns and issues to the leadership team to help them understand future actions, optimization, network augments, etc. Ensures network capacity requirements are met with the highest quality and most efficient cost structure.
• Defines and implements a market level strategy that considers both shorter term capacity needs and long term (3-5 year) product and technology transformation.
• Supports various cross-functional organizations in transport, Core Wave, Field Operations & Implementation, Custom Networks, A&E, etc.
• Prepares plans and specifications, to include gathering field data. Ensures that the most feasible, practical and economical means to complete the work are utilized. Provides cost data to support capital planning and budgeting.
• Monitors and controls project expenditures.
• Oversees the installation/construction and testing of plant facilities.
• Remains up to date on the latest industry developments by reading industry journals, attending industry conferences; analyzing competitor products and services; interacting with customers; networking with industry professionals; and remaining flexible and open to change to see where trends are going.
• Requires minimal direction and guidance.

What We Look For in a Candidate

• Required Qualifications:
• Consulting level Typically with 6+ years of experience. Bachelor's Degree. 4+ with a Master's Degree
• 4+ years inside and outside plant experience in telecommunications with in-depth knowledge of ISP/OSP equipment and designs or the equivalent in training and experience
• Demonstrated capacity to focus and deliver on objectives in a dynamic, multi-faceted, fast-paced environment
• Exceptional ability to work effectively in groups with disparate priorities and operational targets with demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities including setting vision, accountability, integrity, humility, empathy, coaching, and mentoring
• Strong data/economic analysis skills
• Ability to create / analyze designs using geospatial tools such as ArcGIS/PRO, AutoCAD and Google Earth
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and detail oriented with an intense focus on quality
• Strong computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Excel, Access, Visio and PowerPoint
• Positive and professional attitude, and demeanor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s in Business or MS in Computer Science or Engineering
• Comprehensive knowledge of network topologies spanning the access, transport, and data portions of the network, including working knowledge of the features, functions, and applications
• 2-3 years’ experience with cost savings initiatives and capital budgeting
• Lean/Six Sigma belt certification
• Project Management experience with PMI certification
• Demonstrated experience in developing, operating, and optimizing operational processes to deliver on operational and/or financial objectives
• Experience in an engineering role that included a substantial business/financial focus

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.

Location Based Pay Ranges

$84,629 - $112,838 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY $88,860 - $118,480 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $93,092 - $124,122 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA

Lumen 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. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.

Learn more about Lumen's:

LI-Remote

Requisition #: 343133

Life at Lumen

Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.

To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit:

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. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page . Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

Privacy Notice

Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data.

To review Lumen’s Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit:

Disclaimer

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.