Network Engineer

Job Title: Network Engineer

Job Location: Billings, MT

Department: Network Operations

Reports to: VP Network Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Overview: Vision Net, Montana’s state-wide fiber optic network and premier data center provider, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Engineer to join our dynamic Network Operations team. In this role, you will play a critical part in design, implementation, and maintenance of our robust photonics, routed & switching network infrastructure, and outside plant (OSP) facilities.

This position demands excellent communication skills, sharp attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the telecommunications industry. The ideal candidate brings a proactive mindset, a positive attitude and the ability to ensure seamless network operations while optimizing performance and reliability.

Essential Job Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Provide visionary leadership and executive guidance on network architecture and cloud integration through detailed road maps and reference architectures.

• Design and Implementation: Design, implement, and manage complex network solutions, focusing heavily on fiber optic networks, optical transport, and core routing/switching devices.

• Performance Optimization: Proactively monitor network performance metrics and implement engineering strategies to guarantee optimal uptime and reliability.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic planning of network technologies and processes, making informed decisions to enhance long-term network efficiency and security.

• Innovation and Growth: Champion cloud native transformation and drive automation through AI – assisted network tools to drive business growth and improve operational efficiency.

• Industry Awareness: Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies (such as automation and next-gen optical), and best practices to continuously modernize network infrastructure and security.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments and external stakeholders to design and deploy network solutions tailored to organizational and customer requirements.

• Tier-3 Support: Provide Tier-3 troubleshooting escalation assistance to the Network Operations Center (NOC).

Additional Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience: 10+ years of proven experience in telecom or service provider network engineering.

• Technical Domain Expertise:

• Lead the design and evolution of IP/MPLS and photonics / optical transport networks (DWDM/OTN).

• Solid understanding of Outside Plant (OSP) facilities, fiber splicing, and path engineering.

• Proficiency in carrier-grade routing and switching protocols ( BGP, OSPF, MPLS, Segment Routing).

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Certification: Relevant industry certifications required (CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, MEF, or OEM vendor certifications).

• Core Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities with a history of diagnosing and resolving complex network issues efficiently. Proficiency in networking strategy and integration planning.

• Professional Attributes: Initiative-taking, goal-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Demonstrates a strong work ethic and collaborative attitude.

• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel as needed for site visits, client meetings, and industry events.

Any combination of the above requirements or equivalent education will be considered

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, rotating shifts (weekends, evenings, overnights, holidays).

• Rotating On-Call duty may also be required.

• In-state travel and overnights as needed.

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

• Occasional outdoors work in adverse weather conditions.

• Occasional confined spaces conditions.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities will be made.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including top-tier health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.

• Professional Growth: We invest in your future with professional development and training opportunities.

• Innovative Technology: Work with the latest advancements in optical networking technologies.

Additional Information:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee will also perform other related business duties as assigned. Vision Net reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.