ISP Network Engineer III

Job Description Job Description

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 in 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
•  Other duties as assigned 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), IS-IS, OSPF, MPLS, VLANs, LAGs, VRRP/HSRP/GLBP), IPv4/IPv6, NAT, DHCP, RADIUS, and DNS
•  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
•  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
•  7+ years of experience in service provider network engineering, including hands-on experience with Cisco and Juniper platforms Physical Demands
•  Position may be remote or hybrid with occasional travel (
•  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.

Powered by JazzHR

71LeD9ukGC

Company Description

NRTC - Member Driven and Technology Focused
NRTC provides 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 smart grid solutions, advanced metering networks, next-generation energy, grid intelligence, broadband, managed services, mobile and video. We are a dynamic, growing cooperative with more than 800 employees operating out of eight office locations. We are looking to add experienced staff to our growing company to help our rural cooperative members develop their technology. Our approach is to educate and support our members as we work with them through a consultative process.

Mission
NRTC provides solutions that help our telecommunications and electric members bring all of the advantages of today's evolving technology to rural America

Vision
We will be our members' most trusted technology partner

Values
Our members are our reason for being
We put the needs of our members first.
We focus on delivering impactful solutions to them.
Our team is the foundation of our success
We trust each other. We cooperate with each other.
We unite to accomplish our goals together.
Our passion is supporting rural communities
We are dedicated to our members and the communities they serve.

IDEA Committee
At NRTC, we are committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness in the broadest sense to honor our company values. We believe an inclusive work environment provides an atmosphere that allows all employees to attain their greatest potential and achieve the greatest benefits for our Members. The IDEA Committee is committed to furthering a supportive and welcoming workplace environment in which employees of all backgrounds and demographic characteristics can productively and cohesively work together.

Total Rewards
We are proud to offer our employees an appealing total rewards package including competitive pay and a matching 401(k) plan, along with medical (with HSA contributions from NRTC), dental, vision, and short/long term disability insurance. We also offer 12 paid company holidays, paid-time off and paid training, as well as an employee assistance program, discounted wireless plan, and so much more.

Growth and Development
At NRTC, we pride ourselves in promoting from within and developing careers through our mentorship, Educational Assistance programs, NRTC University webinars, and a learning management platform. Most of our positions are posted internally first, where we give our existing employees the opportunity to elevate their careers. NRTC also provides a mentorship program that helps employees find experienced mentors who can lead them on their professional journeys. Our educational assistance program offers an annual reimbursement of up to $5 . click apply for full job details