Senior Network Engineer

Overview of the Senior Network Engineer Role

North Star Staffing is seeking a Senior Network Engineer with over 10 years of experience in IP or Optical networking. This critical role involves providing technical leadership and operational oversight for large-scale network infrastructure deployments. The successful candidate will ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. This position requires a blend of deep networking expertise with robust program management and cross-functional collaboration skills, operating in a 100% remote capacity globally, with a focus on the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Deployment & Operations: Lead technical and operational oversight for IP or Optical network deployments, ensuring high-quality, on-time, and in-scope infrastructure project delivery. Develop and manage deployment schedules, scope, and resource allocation.
• Technical Leadership: Facilitate technical discussions across engineering, operations, and data center teams. Proactively identify risks, propose effective solutions, and drive innovation in deployment processes. Ensure strict adherence to networking standards, best practices, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Performance & KPI Management: Define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to deployment speed, quality, efficiency, and SLA adherence. Utilize performance data to continuously improve processes and decision-making, providing data-driven insights to senior leadership.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Cultivate and manage strong relationships with vendors and external partners, ensuring all contractual obligations and quality standards are met. Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across network engineering, data center engineering, and operations teams.
• Reporting & Communication: Maintain structured and clear reporting for senior leadership, communicating program status, identified risks, proposed mitigation strategies, and new opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in IP or Optical network deployment.
• Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale network infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical expertise in IP networking protocols, architectures, and technologies (e.g., BGP, OSPF, MPLS, TCP/IP).
• Extensive experience with program management, operations, and process improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Core Technical Competencies

• IP Networking (BGP, OSPF, MPLS, TCP/IP)
• Optical Networking Technologies
• Network Architecture & Infrastructure Deployment
• SLA & KPI Management
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Risk Mitigation & Process Optimization
• Cross-Functional Program Leadership

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position, primarily focused on the United States, operating within a fast-paced, infrastructure-driven engineering environment. The role offers high visibility and interaction with senior leadership stakeholders.

Key skills/competency

• Network Deployment
• IP Networking
• Optical Networking
• Program Management
• Technical Leadership
• KPI Management
• Vendor Management
• Process Improvement
• Risk Mitigation
• Stakeholder Communication