ISP Network Engineer

NRTC is Member Driven and Technology Focused – providing solutions that help our 1,500 electric and telephone members bring all the advantages of today’s evolving technology to rural America. NRTC ’s solutions are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, and include integrated broadband, managed services, smart grid, mobile and video solutions. We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior ISP Network Engineer to become a vital member of our Managed Services Provider (MSP) team. In this role, you will design, implement, troubleshoot, and support complex multi-vendor broadband networks for rural and regional Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Our ideal candidate possesses deep expertise across a range of network environments, including Cisco, Juniper, Adtran, Calix, Nokia, and Ciena, coupled with a strong understanding of carrier-grade IP and optical transport systems. As part of a mission-driven MSP dedicated to empowering rural and independent ISPs, you will work with cutting-edge access and transport technologies in diverse customer environments.

Join a collaborative, expert-driven team that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on underserved communities while advancing your career in a dynamic and supportive setting.

Responsibilities

Design, configure, and maintain service provider networks across access, aggregation, and core layers using Cisco, Juniper, Adtran, Calix, Nokia, and Ciena equipment

Engineer resilient Layer 2 environments with VLANs, LACP, MLAG, MC-LAG, Spanning Tree (RSTP/MSTP), and EVPN/VXLAN overlays

Perform advanced troubleshooting of control plane and data plane issues, including BGP flaps, convergence delays, and CPU/memory anomalies

Design and operate redundant routing and switching environments using VRRP, HSRP, GLBP, and BFD

Act as escalation point for complex Layer 2/3 network incidents and service-impacting issues

Support IPv6 deployments, including dual-stack, NAT64, 6PE, and related technologies

Manage secure remote connectivity via L2TP/IPsec, GRE, DMVPN, and L3 VPN solutions

Work with cross-functional teams to onboard new customers, including network discovery, documentation, and transition into ongoing support

Lead network assessments, migrations, and upgrades for managed ISP customers

Participate in the development and enforcement of standard network design templates, configurations, and operational best practices

Configure and manage routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), MPLS, VLANs, QoS, and IP addressing schemes

Support optical transport and fiber networks, including Ciena (Blue Planet, 6500/3900 series) and Nokia (1830 PSS, SAR)

Manage Calix and Adtran access network gear, including GPON, Active Ethernet, and ONT provisioning platforms.

Perform proactive capacity planning and network performance optimization

Automate routine tasks using tools like Python, Ansible, or Netmiko

Implement structured firmware lifecycle processes and change windows with rollback and validation procedures.

Coordinate with vendors for support, escalation, and solution planning

Monitor network performance, capacity, and fault events; respond to alerts and participate in root cause analysis (RCA)

Collaborate with security teams to enforce internal and external network protections

Provide mentorship to junior engineers and assist in training technical support teams

Ensure high availability and scalability in customer networks while maintaining service level agreements (SLAs)

Maintain and update detailed documentation, diagrams, and change control logs

Required Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required Certifications: CCNP/SP, JNCIP/SP, Nokia NRS II or equivalent

Advanced expertise with routing protocols (BGP (eBGP/iBGP/MP-BGP), IS-IS, OSPF, MPLS, VRFs, VLANs, LAGs, VRRP/HSRP/GLBP), IPv4/IPv6, NAT, DHCP, RADIUS, and DNS

Deep BGP troubleshooting skills, including route filtering, redistribution, and convergence optimization

Proficiency in network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and secure design practices for ISP infrastructure

Experience with network monitoring and management systems (e.g., SNMP, NetFlow, syslog, Kentik, NetBox, LibreNMS, PRTG, or similar)

Proficiency in fiber transport systems, WDM/DWDM technologies, and network planning tools

Solid understanding of ISP operations, provisioning, IP addressing, peering, and customer edge configurations

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment

A level of networking knowledge in Ethernet, routing protocols, and overall architecture that enables them to mentor and guide junior engineers effectively

Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills

Ability to pass background screening as required by NRTC policies

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Cisco CCNP SPCOR or CCIE-SP

Calix Ethernet Access Network Fundamentals

Adtran AOE Administrator

Arista ACE-A

ITIL Foundation v4 or equivalent

Strong working knowledge of Nokia IP and optical transport platforms (1830, 7750, SAR), and Ciena (3900, 6500, Blue Planet)

Demonstrable experience with Adtran TA5000, AOS and Calix E7/E9, SMx/CMS provisioning tools

Familiarity with network automation and scripting (Python, Ansible, etc.) is a plus

Experience with Broadband Network Gateway (BNG), CGNAT, and IPv6 dual-stack networks and transition technologies (e.g., Native, DS-Lite, 6rd)

Understanding of NOC operations and managed services delivery models

Familiarity with RDOF/BEAD/FCC broadband initiatives and rural broadband deployments

Minimum Education and Experience

10+ years of experience in service provider network engineering, including hands-on experience with Arista, Cisco and Juniper platforms

Physical Demands

Position may be remote or hybrid with occasional travel (<5%) to customer sites or data centers

Participation in an on-call rotation and after-hours support as needed

Disclaimer: The above job description summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. The order in which responsibilities, duties and skills are listed is not significant.

#zr

Originally posted on Himalayas