Network Planning Engineer - Overland Park, KS

Company Overview

Cogent Communications is a global, Tier 1 facilities-based ISP, consistently ranked as one of the top five networks in the world and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol CCOI. Cogent specializes in providing businesses with high-speed Internet access and Ethernet transport services. Cogent's facilities-based, all-optical IP network backbone provides IP services globally. Since its inception, Cogent has unleashed the benefits of IP technology, building one of the largest and highest capacity IP networks in the world. This network enables Cogent to offer large bandwidth connections at highly competitive prices. Cogent also offers superior customer support by virtue of its end-to-end control of service delivery and network monitoring. A competitive base salary and a full benefits package including; Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off (PTO), Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Holidays, Parental Leave, 401(k) plan with employer match, stock options, and an Employee Assistance Program. Most benefits take effect within 30 days of employment, and some require a waiting period.

Job Summary

The Network Planning Engineer is responsible for the planning and engineering of DWDM optical transport networks across major metropolitan markets in North America. This role evaluates customer orders, determines network augmentation requirements, and prepares the technical documentation needed to support network growth and expansion. The Network Planning Engineer works closely with Network Operations, Field Services, and Sales Engineering to ensure the network is provisioned ahead of demand, and plays a key role in analyzing traffic trends and driving automation to improve planning efficiency.

Compensation: [Starting / Initial] Base Salary Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Specific offers within the listed pay ranges are determined by a variety of factors such as experience, education, skills, certifications and business needs.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plan and engineer DWDM 10GE, 100GE, and 400GE optical transport networks in major metropolitan markets across North America.
• Evaluate and approve customer orders and determine network augmentation requirements.
• Prepare Bill of Materials (BoM) and Statement of Work (SOW) documentation for complex network growth and expansion projects.
• Analyze traffic patterns to inform network planning and future growth strategies.
• Drive automation through the development of network planning tools.
• Collaborate with Network Operations, Field Services, and Sales Engineering teams to support network build-outs and augmentations.
• Maintain accurate records of network capacity, inventory, and forecasted growth.
• Support the resolution of network capacity issues in coordination with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Planning and engineering of DWDM 10GE, 100GE, and 400GE optical transport networks in major metropolitan markets in North America.
• Evaluate & approve customer orders and determine network augmentation requirements.
• Prepare Bill of Materials (BoM) and Statement of Work (SOW) for complex network growth and expansion projects.
• Analyze traffic patterns to drive network inference into future growth strategies.
• Drive automation through network tool development.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Familiarity with 10GE, 100GE, and 400GE technologies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret traffic patterns and forecast network growth.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Proficient In The Following Areas

• Knowledge of optical transport network architecture and design principles.
• Understanding of network capacity planning and augmentation processes.
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python) is a PLUS.
• Experience with network planning or inventory management software is a PLUS.
• Knowledge of IP/MPLS networking concepts is a PLUS.

Physical Requirements

• Remains in a sitting/stationary position continually or almost continually during the work day
• Operates a computer and performs desk-based computer tasks continually; frequently viewing a computer screen
• Rarely lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling objects and/or equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds

NOTE: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

By submitting an application or resume for this position, I understand that is an in-office position.

To apply for the Network Planning Engineer position, please submit your resume to https://cogentco.com/en/about-cogent/careers

Candidates only. No Recruiters, please!

Cogent Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.