Sr Consultant- IP & MPLS Network Architecture

Sr. Consultant, IP & MPLS Network Architecture Windstream’s Converged Network Architecture team continues building upon award-winning innovation momentum in IP and MPLS networks and products. Windstream is seeking to fill a Sr. Consultant position in the Network Architecture team to guide the innovation and evolution of the Core to Edge routing and switching technology and intelligent data services solutions in the IP and MPLS domains. The desired candidate would have 7-10 years working in the development, testing and deployment of new IP routing and switch technology, network engineering, and network automation experience in communication service provider core and edge IP networks. Windstream is seeking a network Architect to lead the evolution of Windstream’s key existing networks, enabling the newest technology capabilities and lowest cost profiles. Build your experience in IP and data network technologies and services to new levels and domains while working with the leading-edge technologies to grow and expand Windstream’s industry-leading networks and services within and beyond North America. The Sr. Consultant role would lead Windstream’s IP and data network architecture and evolution, looking ahead towards next gen components and systems to propel Windstream to the front edge of routing and switching technology and network cost efficiency. The ideal candidate would take a lead role to: - Evaluate and select new technologies and systems in routing, switching, IPoDWDM integration, and network automation leveraging experience in: - ISIS, BGP, SR-MPLS, LDP, IP planning and analysis tools, thin vs. thick core designs, network virtualization, and network security practices - Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, and/or Ciena routing products of various silicon, O/S, and fabric generations - Further knowledge and use of disaggregated routing solutions using merchant silicon, network O/S, and VNF integrations - L2 and L3 services models, including designs for end-to-end QoS, SLA, OAM, and SAT - Conduct RFx analysis work, lead proof of concept tests, and instigate field trial activities - Champion innovation in new technologies, new services, and existing product evolution - Work with peers in partner organizations to select and integrate hardware and software for network deployment and growth - Evolve existing and establish new IP testbeds, enhance testing methods/procedures, and develop test case automation within a network lab facility. - Document platform, product, and service configurations and support network automation programs requiring lab resources. - Possess excellent attention to detail with written, verbal, and presentation skills - Stand committed to the Windstream Engineering Values of Accountability, Collaboration, Agility, and Respect. Location: Position is remote office/WFH-compatible and travel-enabled. Ability to support company travel as required/available is essential to visit IP/data technology suppliers, attend/present at conferences, support hands-on initiatives, and access testbeds in the network lab in Little Rock, AR and supplier facilities. Tasks: Develop requirements for new IP routing and MPLS switching network solutions. Analyze requirements to meet growth and evolution in the data network domain platforms and products. Own RFx processes through feature, cost, and lab analysis. Candidate must anticipate and understand new routing technology and protocols and review its application to the Windstream network. Design, prototype, test, and deploy new L2 and L3 services. Recommend new hardware and software for testing and deployment. Write test plans, execute tests, install and remove hardware and connectivity in the lab. Write scripts and develop tools to automate test cases. Cost model new network systems and technologies in comparison to each other and to existing network designs. Perform hands-on testing with network test equipment in a field trial and lab environment. Provide documentation and handoff of tested and approved data network hardware to downstream Engineering and Operations teams. Support deployment through development of new documentation and quality assurance through network First Office Application. Position is responsi