IP Engineer III - Wireline/Fiber
Houston, Texas
Direct Hire
$120k - $140k
Job Summary:
IP Engineer III is responsible for the design, implementation, support, and optimization of carrier-grade IP/MPLS networks.
This role requires deep hands-on expertise in large-scale service provider environments, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work across multiple routing, switching, and optical transport platforms.
The IP Engineer III acts as a technical leader for complex network initiatives, leads operational escalations, and drives capacity planning and network architecture improvements.
Role overview
A senior-level, IP Engineer III is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining carrier-grade IP/MPLS networks across service provider infrastructure, spanning core, edge, aggregation, and transport layers. The role acts as a technical lead for complex initiatives rather than a people manager (no direct reports).
Key context
Client's network is mid-transition, moving from a Nokia-centric environment toward Juniper, while still running Brocade, ADTRAN, and Cisco gear. The engineer would also be working across four partially merged networks resulting from acquisitions, so multi-vendor fluency and integration experience matter a lot.
Core responsibilities
- Architect and troubleshoot IP/MPLS networks (BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, MPLS, L2/L3 VPNs, traffic engineering, HA design).
- Lead network migrations/upgrades with minimal service disruption.
- Perform capacity planning and proactive health reviews.
- Mentor junior engineers and lead incident escalations.
- Maintain design docs, standards, and operational procedures.
- Participate in on call/change management.
Required qualifications
- 10–15 years in carrier/service-provider networking.
- Expert-level MPLS (LDP, RSVP-TE or segment routing, L2/L3 VPNs, carrier Ethernet).
- Deep BGP experience (policy, communities, route reflectors, peering).
- Strong IS-IS/OSPF in large, routed networks.
- Hands-on with Juniper, Cisco, Nokia, and Ciena in production.
- Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
Nice-to-haves
- Optical transport knowledge (ROADM, DWDM, coherent optics).
- Automation/scripting (Python, Ansible, NETCONF/YANG, gNMI).
- Certifications: JNCIP/JNCIE, CCNP/CCIE-SP, Nokia NRS, Ciena.
- Experience with segment routing, EVPN, DCI, or backbone expansion.
Key Experience Areas
- MPLS Deployments
- MPLS Network Integration:
- MPLS Protocol Preference/Experience
- IPv6 & QoS Knowledge
- BGP and Peering
- RSVP-TE Design
- Optical Networking
- Project Management Approach
- Network Security
- Automation Experience
You will receive the following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid vacations and Paid holidays, 401K etc
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability.
As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.
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What you didn’t know about us:
- Competitive salary
- Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Short/Long Term Disability and Critical Care/Illness Protection
- Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- With this position, you will get the opportunity to work with our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom industry!
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You should know: Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.