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

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 long‑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 nation’s best open access fiber network platform—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 systems—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 Tier‑2 planning systems support, providing subject‑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 well‑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 cross‑functional teams on planning tools, design interpretation, and system capabilities 

• Influence planning tool roadmap decisions by identifying systemic gaps, optimization opportunities, and long‑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 self‑directed individual contributor, bringing strong technical judgment, clear communication, and a high standard of quality and integrity while collaborating effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. 

Required Competencies & Qualifications: 

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or relevant experience 

• 5+ years experience of PON network equipment design  

• 5+ years experience of capacity management with emphasis on driving innovation solutions and leading the continuous process improvement 

• Former experience using 3GIS 

• Requires use of systems, including but not limited to ESRI, Netbox 

• Knowledge of Outside Plant and Fiber Optic Cable design principles 

• 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 

• Must be highly adept at collaborating with others, at all levels in the organization 

• Experience with Metro/Ethernet network a plus RSRFF37

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. 

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. 

 Location 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 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.