Lead Network Engineer - EMS Platforms, AAA Services & Network Automation - Dallas, TX or Denver, CO or Scottsdale, AZ

Lead Planning Engineer Network Planning 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 Lead Network Engineer is a senior technical leader within the Architecture, Engineering, and Technology Support (AET) organization, responsible for the reliability, lifecycle management, operational support, testing, integration, and automation of network management platforms and core operational systems supporting a Fiber Broadband network. This role serves as the technical authority for EMS platforms supporting Calix, Adtran, and Nokia, AAA services including TACACS+ and RADIUS, and network automation initiatives. Network Design and Architecture Define architecture standards and operational requirements for EMS, AAA, and network management platforms. Lead design reviews supporting Calix, Adtran, and Nokia management platforms. Develop resiliency, redundancy, scalability, and security standards. EMS Platform Ownership Serve as a technical lead for EMS environments supporting Calix, Adtran, and Nokia. Own software lifecycle management, upgrades, patch validation, and governance. Define EMS integration requirements with OSS, BSS, inventory, and automation systems. AAA Services and Network Security Integration Design, implement, and support TACACS+, RADIUS, and centralized authentication solutions. Develop RBAC and privileged access management standards. Lead troubleshooting of authentication and authorization issues. Network Automation and Operational Efficiency Develop automation solutions using Python, Ansible, XML, JSON, YAML, and API Integration.. Create automated workflows for provisioning, compliance validation, testing, and reporting. Reduce manual processes through automation initiatives. Core Competencies Expert knowledge of EMS, NMS, OSS, and network management platforms. Advanced knowledge of TACACS+, RADIUS, and AAA architecture. Experience supporting fiber broadband and FTTH environments. Required Experience 5+ years supporting EMS, OSS, NMS, or network management platforms. Experience with Calix, Adtran, or Nokia EMS platforms. Experience implementing or supporting TACACS+ and RADIUS. Experience developing automation using Python, Ansible, or APIs. Preferred Experience Nokia Altiplano Calix CMS, SMx or Calix Cloud Adtran Mosaic NetBox and OSS/BSS integrations 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. 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: $100,000-$160,000 AnnuallyForged 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, marital 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. © 2026 Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC