Lead Engineer - Public Sector

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 Lead Engineer supports the Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office (DTS-PO). S/he is a member of a small, customer-dedicated team responsible for implementing and operating global telecommunications networks. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated with strong problem-solving capabilities and a sense of urgency and accountability with regard to customer service. Responsibilities range from hands-on configuration of MPLS, Ethernet, IPVN and DIA services to theoretical consideration of emerging technology as a solution. The Lead Engineer will be able to apply advanced engineering and network principles, concepts, and technologies to solve complex problems. The person in this role will be able to resolve difficult production/interoperability problems by working with cross-functional teams. The Lead Engineer reports to the Program Manager and serves in a customer-facing role.

The Main Responsibilities

• Design, implement, configure, and maintain global telecommunications services including MPLS, Ethernet, IPVPN, DIA, private line, and customer-premises equipment solutions.
• Lead installation, testing, activation, acceptance, and maintenance activities for telecommunications systems in government facilities worldwide.
• Develop and deploy complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 router configurations and support network integration activities.
• Create and maintain Methods of Procedure (MOPs), engineering documentation, network diagrams, and equipment inventory.
• Write and implement complex router configurations for IP (L2/L3) services
• Create automated reports and data integration solutions using modern programming languages, APIs, and scripting tools.

Desired Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives and influence stakeholders.
• Customer-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Continuous learning attitude with an interest in emerging networking and cloud technologies.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Clearance: TOP SECRET/SCI (Candidates will be subject to a background investigation) Location: Denver, CO OR Herndon, VA OR Miami, FL What We Look For in a Candidate

• 5-7 years of IP Operations & Engineering experience
• Minimum associate degree preferred in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related technical field.
• Cisco CCNA or equivalent certification or experience preferred
• Proficiency with legacy systems: EPM, Splunk, OPS Console, LIMS, SWIFT, Flightdeck, EON
• Ability to troubleshoot network problems using circuit theory and sounds judgement.

Demonstrated ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional technical teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with technologies such as Python, JavaScript, SQL, REST APIs), Power BI, Azure, AWS, or other cloud-native platforms preferred.
• Occasional travel and irregular hours past normal 8 to 5.

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

$111,074 - $148,099 in these states: CO

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 #: 343083

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.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and represented by a union. Depending upon the applicable collective bargaining agreement under which you may be hired, you may be: (a) required to join the union and pay union dues as a condition of employment; or, (b) required to pay union dues, but not join the union as a condition of employment; or (c) free to choose whether or not to join the union, but if you do join the union you would be obligated to pay union dues.

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.

Note: For union-represented postings, wage rates and ranges are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreement provisions.