At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.  

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality…designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Check us out on the web!  

Brightspeed is seeking a Senior Core Engineer to design, implement, and maintain core transport and IP network infrastructure supporting our Central Office and regional network environments. This role ensures reliable, scalable, and high-performance connectivity across Brightspeed’s backbone, aggregation, and access networks. 

The ideal candidate has experience with IP routing, optical transport systems, and core network architecture, including circuit design, network provisioning, and backbone capacity planning. This position will provide both technical leadership and project support for engineering, planning, and implementation teams. 

This role plays a critical part in ensuring the stability, scalability, and performance of Brightspeed’s expanding fiber and transport infrastructure.  

Primarily remote-based with occasional travel for site surveys, installation support, or network audits.

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and engineer core transport and IP network infrastructure, including backbone routing, aggregation layers, and optical transport systems. 
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including network diagrams, circuit designs, routing configurations, and implementation guidelines. 
• Plan and provision transport and Ethernet circuits, including channel mapping and capacity allocation across the core network. 
• Support deployment and integration of routers, transport systems, and optical equipment within Brightspeed central offices and network facilities. 
• Collaborate with planning, OLT, and implementation teams to ensure alignment of network design, build schedules, and operational requirements. 
• Perform capacity planning, traffic analysis, and redundancy planning to support network growth and maintain high service availability. 
• Ensure engineering designs comply with Brightspeed standards, industry best practices, and vendor specifications. 
• Provide technical guidance during installation, testing, and commissioning of network equipment and transport circuits. 
• Troubleshoot complex network issues affecting transport systems, routing infrastructure, or backbone connectivity. 
• Review vendor proposals and evaluate equipment suitability, network architecture, and integration requirements. 
• Participate in network modernization initiatives, including router upgrades, optical transport expansion, and backbone resiliency improvements. 
• Support project managers and implementation teams by tracking engineering deliverables and resolving technical issues during deployment. 
• Conduct network audits and design reviews to ensure compliance, performance, and operational readiness. 
• Work with internal teams including planning, operations, project management, and vendors to integrate network infrastructure into the broader Brightspeed architecture. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Strong knowledge of IP routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, and MPLS-based networks. 
• Experience designing and supporting transport and backbone networks using optical and packet technologies. 
• Knowledge of layer 2 and layer 3 Ethernet networking and transport protocols. 
• Ability to read and interpret technical construction drawings, network diagrams, and engineering documentation. 
• Product knowledge of Cisco and Nokia routers, Ciena and Fujitsu transport devices, Calix and Adtran access equipment, fiber infrastructure, and optical modules. 
• Familiarity with systems and tools such as SAP, IQGeo, WMS, ServiceNow, Armor, OneControl (Ciena 6500), Netsmart 1500 (Fujitsu), TNMS (Infinera), Smartsheet, and Microsoft Office. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with planning teams, operations, vendors, and contractors while maintaining project schedules and budgets. 
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills. 
• Experience supporting network provisioning, circuit activation, and service implementation. 

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Associate degree or equivalent education in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Networking, or related field, or equivalent work experience. 
• 5+ years of experience in telecommunications network engineering, core network engineering, or transport engineering. 

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• Experience supporting core router deployments and optical transport networks. 
• Familiarity with central office infrastructure and fiber backbone architecture.  
• Experience with network monitoring and alarm management systems. 
• Understanding of high-availability network design, redundancy planning, and traffic engineering. 

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WHY JOIN US?

We aspire to contemporary ways of working.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer, Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte, NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area, whenever possible, to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed, we have roles that are designated as remote, hybrid, office or field-based, depending on the position, business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why? Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job, wherever they may be.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical, emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program, including competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits. 

Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real. 

When we bring our authentic selves to work, everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible, inclusive and high-quality internet, because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.

Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals, including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact [email protected] to initiate the accommodations process. 

For all applicants, please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:  

• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice for California Residents
• Brightspeed’s Privacy Notice