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Fiber Network Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Richardson, TX Minimum years of experience: 8 Years Experienced Telecom Transport Planner with expertise in SONET, DWDM, MetroE, IP, and fiber network planning across multi-vendor environments.

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Fiber Network Planning information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Fiber Network Planning, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fiber Network Planning, you need a strong background in telecommunications engineering, network design principles, and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, AutoCAD, and network planning software such as ArcGIS or OSP Insight is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with cross-functional teams and addressing complex deployment challenges. These skills are crucial for designing efficient, scalable fiber networks that meet technical requirements and ensure reliable connectivity.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in fiber network planning, and how are they addressed?

Fiber network planning professionals often encounter challenges such as accurately forecasting future bandwidth demands, navigating complex permitting processes, and coordinating with utility companies or local government agencies. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, up-to-date knowledge of regulations, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and field technicians. Staying proactive in communication and leveraging specialized planning software can help streamline processes and ensure projects remain on schedule.

What is fiber network planning?

Fiber network planning is the process of designing and organizing the layout, capacity, and implementation of fiber optic networks. This includes determining optimal routes for cables, estimating costs, considering future expansion, and ensuring the network meets technical requirements for speed and reliability. Effective planning helps minimize construction costs, avoids potential obstacles, and supports efficient network operation. Professionals in this field use specialized software and mapping tools to create detailed network designs and project plans.

What is the difference between Fiber Network Planning vs Fiber Network Design?

AspectFiber Network PlanningFiber Network Design
FocusStrategic planning, route selection, capacity forecastingTechnical layout, detailed schematics, equipment placement
SkillsProject management, GIS analysis, industry standardsCAD tools, technical specifications, engineering principles
Work EnvironmentField surveys, planning meetings, collaboration with stakeholdersDesign offices, technical review sessions, CAD software use

Fiber Network Planning involves high-level strategic decisions about network routes and capacity, while Fiber Network Design focuses on detailed technical schematics and equipment placement. Both roles require related skills and often collaborate to ensure a successful fiber infrastructure deployment.

More about Fiber Network Planning jobs
What cities are hiring for Fiber Network Planning jobs? Cities with the most Fiber Network Planning job openings:
What states have the most Fiber Network Planning jobs? States with the most job openings for Fiber Network Planning jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fiber Network Planning job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 46% Physical, 18% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution.

Lead Planning Engineer Network Planning-Denver, CO or Dallas, TX

Forged Fiber 37

Denver, CO โ€ข Remote

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Lead Planning Engineer Network Planning

About Forged Fiber

At Forged Fiber, our mission is bold but simple: deliver fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity that builds the foundation for everything online. As we execute, we believe the right way to do something is the only way. This foundation guides how the company builds, operates, and maintains a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform that empowers millions.

Forged Fiber is about more than building a network. It is about people. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, employees create impact through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Role

The Lead Planning Engineer, Network Planning role is a trusted technical authority, where you will define and govern how fiber networks are architected, modeled, and scaled, establishing planning standards, IT system requirements, and design frameworks that guide longโ€‘term network investment, performance, and growth across the organization. This is a senior planning role for experienced professionals who want to shape the design, scalability, and technical foundation of the rapidly expanding Forged Fiber 37 network as we build the nationโ€™s best open access fiber network platformโ€”reliable, future proof infrastructure that empowers communities and unlocks next generation internet experiences. This role sits at the intersection of fiber network architecture, design strategy, and planning systemsโ€”combining deep technical design expertise with strong command of network planning tools and data platforms.

Work Location- Hybrid, Denver, CO or Dallas, TX

The Main Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Serve as a Network Planning authority, translating business objectives, market strategy, and growth priorities into clear, actionable planning and system requirements

  • Define and document network planning standards, data models, and workflows that govern how fiber networks are designed, represented, and maintained across planning platforms

  • Act as Tierโ€‘2 planning systems support, providing subjectโ€‘matter expertise for 3GIS and related GIS / planning tools, resolving complex data, modeling, and workflow issues beyond frontline support

  • Partner closely with IT, engineering, and vendors to define system enhancements, integrations, and configuration requirements that enable scalable and accurate network planning

  • Ensure network designs are accurately represented across planning systems, maintaining alignment between physical network architecture, logical models, and business intent

  • Translate complex planning needs into wellโ€‘defined technical requirements, user stories, and documentation to support system development, upgrades, and process automation

  • Establish governance and quality standards for planning data, ensuring consistency, traceability, and reliability across the network lifecycle

  • Provide expert guidance and escalation support to planners and crossโ€‘functional teams on planning tools, design interpretation, and system capabilities

  • Influence planning tool roadmap decisions by identifying systemic gaps, optimization opportunities, and longโ€‘term platform needs

  • Mentor planners and analysts on planning systems usage, data integrity, and best practices, raising overall planning maturity and technical fluency across the organization

You will operate as a selfโ€‘directed individual contributor, bringing strong technical judgment, clear communication, and a high standard of quality and integrity while collaborating effectively in a fastโ€‘paced, dynamic environment.

Required Competencies & Qualifications:

  • 3+ years experience of PON network design

  • 3+ years experience using 3GIS or similar GIS platform ex: ArcGIS or QGIS

  • 3+ years of Outside Plant and Fiber Optic Cable design principles RSRFF37

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science

  • Knowledge of open access network design principles

  • Knowledge of Power BI and Power Apps

  • High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel or equivalent program

  • Work independently with little or no oversight, be able to self-manage their workload and deliver all projects to meet deadlines

  • Strong documentation writing and analytical skills

  • Highly adept at collaborating with others, at all levels in the organization

  • Experience with Metro/Ethernet network

  • Knowledge of network inventory and element management systems and utilizing data within systems efficiently

What We Look For in a Candidate

Forged Fiberโ€™s culture is built on honesty, respect, trust, transparency, and a growth mindset. We strive to treat people as they want to be treated, and to operate with consistency, integrity, customer obsession, and courage. Weโ€™re looking for top tier talent to join Forged Fiber that can help us bring this mindset to our everyday work and deliver meaningful results.

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

โ€ฏLocation Based Pay Ranges:

$100,000-$160,000

Forged Fiber offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.

What to Expect Next

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements.

Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC participates inโ€ฏEโ€‘Verifyโ€ฏand will provide the federal government with your Form Iโ€‘9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.โ€ฏEmployers can only useโ€ฏEโ€‘Verifyโ€ฏonce you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form Iโ€‘9.

Equal Employment Opportunities

It is the policy of Forged Fiber to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, martial status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. In addition, Forged Fiber will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, and is a fair change employer and does not initiate a background check until after an offer is made.

ยฉ 2026 Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC