Core Network Architect Planner- Denver, CO or Dallas, TX

Core Network Architect Planner 

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 Core Network Architect Planner is a trusted technical authority, where you will define and govern how Forged Fiber 37 Ethernet, IP and Transport networks are architected, modeled, and scaled, establishing planning standards, 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 

Work Location- Hybrid, Denver CO or Dallas, TX  

Key Responsibilities  

Network Architecture & Strategy 

• Define and own the end-to-end core network architecture, including IP/MPLS, optical (DWDM), transport, and interconnect layers

• Develop multi-year network evolution and modernization strategies aligned to business growth, service expansion, and resiliency objectives 

• Establish Planning standards, design principles, and reference models for the core network 

• Leverage emerging technologies (400G/800G opPreferred Qualifications 

• Experience with Tier-1/Tier-2 service provider or hyperscale network architectures 

• Hands-on knowledge of DWDM platforms, ROADM architectures, and coherent optics 

• Familiarity with Segment Routing (SR-MPLS / SRv6), EVPN, and automation frameworks 

• Vendor experience with platforms from Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Ciena, Infinera, or similar 

• Professional certifications (CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent) are a plus 

What Sets This Role Apart 

• Opportunity to shape the foundational network architecture that underpins critical services 

• High visibility with the ability to influence company-wide technology direction and investment strategy 

• Balance of strategic planning and real-world execution, not just theoretical design 

• A role suited for Senior, Staff, or Principal-level architects seeking broad technical ownership 

Network Planning & Design 

• Lead capacity and topology planning for backbone, metro-core, and aggregation networks 

• Translate service, traffic, and growth forecasts into actionable network build plans 

• Produce high-level and detailed designs, including routing strategy, resiliency models, and failure scenarios 

•  Ensure designs meet availability, scalability, latency, and security requirements 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Serve as a technical authority for core network planning across engineering, operations, and IT 

• Partner with product, finance, and program teams to align network investment with business priorities 

• Provide architectural guidance during vendor selection, RFPs, and contract negotiations 

• Mentor planners and engineers; elevate architectural maturity across the organization 

Governance & Execution 

• Review and approve major network changes to ensure architectural consistency and long-term integrity 

• Support deployment teams through design reviews, turn-up readiness, and issue resolution 

• Drive network simplification, standardization, and automation initiatives 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience 

• 10+ years of experience in core or backbone network design and planning within a telecom or large-scale enterprise environment 

• Experience designing high-availability, geographically diverse, large-scale networks 

• Strong ability to communicate complex architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences 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.