Senior Network Engineer

Are you an experienced network engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, improving network performance, and building reliable infrastructure that people depend on every day? At East Central Energy (ECE), we’re looking for a Senior Network Engineer to help manage and support the daily operation of ECE Fiber’s broadband network.

In this role, you’ll work with the technology that powers our fiber network, from configuring and deploying equipment to monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, testing new solutions, and planning for future growth. You’ll work with industry-leading technologies including Juniper, Ciena, and Calix platforms while helping ensure our network remains reliable, resilient, and ready to serve our members.

You’ll partner with Broadband Engineering, Operations, field employees, vendors, and other ECE departments to improve network performance, support member satisfaction, and contribute to the continued growth of ECE Fiber. If you enjoy tackling technical challenges, exploring emerging technologies, and seeing the impact of your work firsthand, consider this your sign to apply.

Why You'll Love Working at ECE

• Values-Driven Culture: Built on Respect, Integrity, Courage, and Humility, we foster innovation, accountability, and empowered decision-making to help you succeed.
• Competitive Pay: Starting wage between $99,000 to $111,000, based on qualifications, education, and experience.
• Outstanding Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical with employer contributions to an HSA, dental, vision, STD, LTD and more—including tuition reimbursement and employee assistance programs.
• Future-Ready: Build your financial security with a 401(k)-plan featuring up to a 10% employer contribution.
• Rest and Renewal: Receive 40 hours of PTO after your first 8-hour workday, with additional PTO accrued weekly based on years of service, in addition to 10 paid holidays.
• Community Focused: Be part of a cooperative that actively supports local initiatives and strengthens the communities we serve.

A Day in the Life

Your day will focus on keeping ECE’s broadband network operating reliably, resolving technical issues, and helping position the network for future growth.

• You’ll manage critical network infrastructure by configuring, installing, and supporting routers, transport equipment, servers, and network devices, including Juniper, Ciena, and Calix platforms.
• You’ll support fiber network operations by provisioning circuits, maintaining transport and access network equipment, and ensuring systems at headends, huts, and OLT cabinets perform as expected.
• You’ll monitor and troubleshoot network performance by identifying issues, isolating problems, and resolving hardware, software, and connectivity concerns before they impact members.
• You’ll help drive network growth and reliability by evaluating bandwidth needs, recommending improvements, and supporting projects that strengthen network resiliency and performance.
• You’ll test and validate new technologies by researching solutions, conducting proof-of-concept testing, and using lab environments to ensure equipment and designs meet operational expectations.
• You’ll create clear documentation and procedures that support consistent operations, efficient troubleshooting, and knowledge sharing across teams.
• You’ll collaborate with engineering, operations, field employees, vendors, and other departments to support maintenance activities, upgrades, outages, and strategic initiatives.
• You’ll serve as a technical resource and trusted problem solver by providing guidance on network-related issues and participating in an after-hours on-call rotation.

Success in this role means balancing deep technical expertise with practical problem-solving. You’ll be trusted to make decisions, solve complex issues, and help ensure the network that serves our members remains reliable, secure, and ready for future growth.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and at least four years of industry experience in a service provider or similar environment and at least five years of WAN/LAN administration and maintenance experience, or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge.
• Experience working with firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Experience with routing protocols, including BGP and IS-IS.
• Experience with Juniper MX, SRX, and EX platforms.
• Knowledge of XGS-PON, Ethernet, OLTs, subscriber access networks, and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technologies.
• Ability to create and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and technical knowledge resources.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to participate in an after-hours on-call rotation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or similar network environment.
• Industry certifications such as JNCIP-SP, JNCI-SEC, MCP, Navigator, SMx, for CMS. Junos certifications are highly preferred.
• Experience with advanced networking technologies, including MPLS, EVPN, Segment Routing, QoS, VoIP, multicast, and high-availability architectures.
• Experience with optical networking technologies and Ciena transport networks.
• Familiarity with GPON, XGS-PON, and managing optical budgets.
• Strong Linux skills and experience with scripting languages such as Python, Shell, YAML, or Perl.

Additional Details

• Schedule: Monday through Friday at ECE's Operations North building in Braham, MN.
• Hybrid Option: This position offers a hybrid work arrangement. Our typical approach is three days in the office and up to two days remote, depending on business needs and individual readiness. Hybrid work is not guaranteed and will be based on performance, readiness, and business needs.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: ECE embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value the unique perspectives and experiences they bring.

To help us better understand your experience and interest in this role, please submit your cover letter and resume by Tuesday, October 20, to start your journey with East Central Energy!