Remote Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

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 Senior Network Engineer is a critical member of the Architecture, Engineering, and Technology Support (AET) team, responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and scalability of the access and transport network. This role is primarily focused on Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and Optical Network Terminal (ONT) testing, validation, and certification, as well as providing Tier 4 operational support for complex network incidents and systemic issues.

This position partners closely with network architecture, engineering, operations, vendors, and field teams to validate new platforms, technologies, and configurations while serving as the highest level of escalation for network failures. The Senior Network Engineer is expected to operate with minimal supervision, apply deep technical expertise, and influence network design and operational best practices.

Work Location: Hybrid - Scottsdale AZ

The Main Responsibilities

Network Design and Architecture

• Partner with Network Architecture teams to review, validate, and influence access network designs, ensuring scalability, reliability, and operational soundness.

• Provide technical input and recommendations for network architectures based on lab testing, field performance, and operational experience.

• Evaluate design risks and propose mitigation strategies related to access and transport network deployments.

Implementation and Configuration

• Lead and support configuration standards for OLTs and ONTs, including profiles, service models, firmware, and integration into production networks.

• Support implementation efforts by validating configuration templates, provisioning workflows, and deployment readiness.

• Ensure configurations align with architectural intent, operational requirements, and industry best practices.

Technology Evaluation

• Plan, execute, and document OLT and ONT testing, including lab validation, interoperability testing, performance benchmarking, and feature certification.

• Validate new hardware platforms, software releases, firmware updates, and network features prior to production deployment.

• Collaborate with vendors on testing outcomes, defect resolution, firmware improvements, and roadmap alignment.

• Define acceptance criteria and certification requirements for new access network technologies and vendors.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Work cross-functionally with Architecture, Engineering, Operations, IT, and Field teams to ensure seamless technology introduction and operational readiness.

• Function as a technical liaison between internal teams and external vendors during testing, deployment, and issue resolution.

• Mentor junior engineers and operations staff on advanced networking concepts, testing methodologies, and troubleshooting approaches.

• Produce and maintain high-quality technical documentation, including test plans, test results, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

Tier 4 Operational Support

• Serve as Tier 4 escalation for complex, high-impact network incidents affecting access and transport networks.

• Perform deep root cause analysis (RCA) across hardware, software, configuration, and process domains.

• Drive long-term corrective and preventive actions to eliminate chronic issues and improve overall network stability.

• Participate in post-incident reviews and recommend architectural, configuration, or operational improvements.

Project Management

• Manage and contribute to cross-functional initiatives related to network testing, technology introduction, and reliability improvement.

• Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and dependencies for testing and validation activities.

• Track risks, issues, and action items, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication to stakeholders.

• Participate in change management processes, including change reviews, deployment planning, and go-live readiness assessments.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Forged Fiber’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. We’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.

Main Requirements

Core Competencies

• Expert-level knowledge of fiber access networks and Passive Optical Network (PON) technologies such as GPON, XGS-PON, and 10G PON.

• Strong direct experience with OLT and ONT platforms, lifecycle management, provisioning models, and firmware management.

• Advanced understanding of IP networking concepts, including routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, multicast, and network security fundamentals.

• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues in large-scale, carrier-grade environments.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence across teams and organizational boundaries.

• Initiative-taking and capable of managing multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Engineering, Information Systems, or related field desired.

• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience

Required Experience

· 3+ years in network engineering, architecture, or infrastructure-focused roles.

· Experience supporting production networks at Tier 3 or Tier 4 escalation levels.

· Direct experience testing, validating, and supporting network hardware and software.

· Direct experience with OLT/ONT testing, certification, and operational support.

· Experience in broadband, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), or service provider access networks.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with test automation, scripting, or structured testing frameworks.

• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, JNCIE, or equivalent.

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.

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 in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Employers can only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑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.

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