Network Solutions Engineer, On-site: Scott Air Force Base, IL

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact. Network Solution Engineer (Optical Engineer) Work Location: Onsite at Scott AFB, IL (This is not a remote position) Ciena Government Solutions Inc. (CGSI) is seeking a talented Network Solutions Engineer to join our team and provide onsite support for a key customer and project. In this role, you will take the lead in designing, coordinating, and executing test plans to ensure seamless implementation and interoperability of Ciena products within the customer’s legacy network. Additionally, you will serve as the local subject matter expert (SME), contributing to standards development, interpreting customer requirements, and guiding network modernization efforts. You will report to the Senior Manager while working closely with the Project Manager and Sales Account Manager responsible for this customer account. How You Will Contribute: Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and provide support for network architecture design and implementation. Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance based on customer requirements. Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and provide expert engineering support during deployment, including Layer-0, Layer-1, and Layer-2 (Layer-3 experience is a plus). Perform pre-commissioning activities in customer labs or staging facilities, including: Conducting equipment inventory assessments against the final Ciena Bill of Materials (BOM). Initial commissioning of Ciena systems based on provided documentation. Support greenfield network implementation by commissioning equipment, optimizing span/channel parameters, and ensuring seamless deployment. Turn up network services following Ciena best practices, including performing end-to-end circuit testing to ensure error-free operation. Perform basic electrical tasks and determine when specialized contractors are required. Provide customer guidance and operational training on Ciena Network Management Systems (NMS), including tasks such as: Enrolling network elements. Creating device profiles. Configuring backups. Provisioning services. Escalate and resolve issues with Ciena platforms in accordance with Ciena procedures. Collaborate with customer and internal technical teams to analyze optical performance and escalate anomalies to appropriate stakeholders. Deliver accurate documentation for configuration, provisioning, and testing results as part of project deliverables. The Must Haves: U.S. Citizenship is required. Active Secret Security Clearance (Top Secret Preferred) Ability to work independently (self-starter) and in a team environment. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Experience with Ciena products. Strong understanding of: SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM architecture, and provisioning/implementation. Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation. IP/MPLS/L3 protocols, including MPLS-TP. Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator. 10+ years of experience with low-speed network access interfaces and terminations (e.g., sub-T-1, DS0, T1, E-1, DS-3, OC-3, OC-12, OC-48). Knowledge of fiber optics, including: ISP (patches and connectors). OSP (fiber characterization and OTDR familiarity). Ability to work in a lab environment. Read/follow network diagrams, cabling guides, signal flow diagrams. A diverse Telecommunications background, strong hands-on technical experience, organizational and interpersonal skills. Willingness to assist team members with other projects as required.