Senior Nokia WAN & Optical Network Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Senior Nokia WAN & Optical Network Architect/Engineer to provide advanced engineering, implementation, administration, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support for mission-critical WAN and optical transport networks.

Summary:
This role serves as a subject matter expert for Nokia IP/MPLS routing, DWDM optical transport, network management systems, and fiber infrastructure connecting substations, generation facilities, operations centers, offices, data centers, and other locations. The Senior Nokia WAN & Optical Network Architect will troubleshoot complex issues across physical, optical, Ethernet, IP, and MPLS layers, design resilient, supportable solutions, and provide technical leadership for network projects, improvements, and emergency restoration

Key Responsibilities:
* Engineer, configure, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot Nokia IP/MPLS routing platforms, WAN services, routing, Ethernet, resiliency, QoS, and traffic engineering
* Engineer and support Nokia DWDM/optical transport, including wavelengths, coherent optics, optical power, amplification, protection, and ROADMs
* Lead incident response and root-cause analysis across routers, optical equipment, fiber, network management systems, and connected OT services
* Administer Nokia network management platforms, alarms, performance, configurations, and software upgrades
* Develop architecture documentation, engineering standards, configuration templates, diagrams, procedures, test plans, and as-built documentation
* Lead lifecycle, capacity, reliability, modernization, and technology-integration initiatives
* Provide technical guidance and knowledge transfer to engineers, technicians, operations teams, and project teams
* Support planned maintenance, on-call escalation, emergency restoration, and occasional travel to company facilities

REQUIREMENTS:
* Advanced WAN/IP networking knowledge, including IPv4/IPv6, subnetting, Ethernet, VLANs, QoS, redundancy, and high-availability design
* Strong routing and transport knowledge, including BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS, LDP, RSVP-TE, Segment Routing, VPLS, VPRN, and E-Pipe
* Hands-on experience with Nokia routing platforms such as 7705 SAR, 7750 SR, SR OS, and Nokia 1830 PSS/DWDM optical transport
* Strong understanding of optical networking fundamentals, including fiber, wavelengths, optical loss, OSNR, coherent optics, amplifiers, ROADMs, protection, dispersion, FEC, and link budgets
* Ability to interpret OTDR traces, optical power measurements, fiber drawings, splice documentation, schematics, and network diagrams
* Experience troubleshooting complex issues across physical, optical, Ethernet, IP, and MPLS layers
* Experience supporting service-provider, utility, or large enterprise WAN and optical transport networks
* Ability to lead technical work, execute controlled network changes, document findings, and communicate risks and recommendations
* Strong communication, collaboration, documentation, customer service, and vendor-management skills
* Valid driver's license required

Preferred:
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Telecommunications, or related field
* Nokia Network Routing Specialist I/II, Nokia Service Routing Architect, Nokia optical/DWDM, Cisco CCNP, MEF, or similar certifications
* Experience with Nokia NSP, NFM-P, NFM-T, network management, telemetry, logging, packet capture, performance monitoring, and fault-management tools
* Nokia Wavence/microwave, private LTE, fixed wireless, RF, antenna systems, or wireless backhaul knowledge
* Experience supporting electric utilities, critical infrastructure, OT, SCADA, teleprotection, or field operations environments
* Experience with Nokia Wavence microwave or other wireless transport technologies

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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