Planner II

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

The Role

Planning Engineer II is a remote-based full-time position, individual contributor who is part of the Local/ILEC Edge Planning team in Lumen’s North American Operations group.

Creates plans to enable Lumen's network in support of multi-gig services/products for residential and business customers. Manages the network elements and evaluates capacity utilization. Forecasts and trends bandwidth growth to produce capacity triggers for bandwidth relief. Submits projects based on capacity triggers. These activities are in support of both Inside & Outside Plant planning activities in the assigned wire centers

The Main Responsibilities

• Research, plan and release projects to engineering.
• Develop electronics, fiber feeder and distribution desktop costing estimate for new residential & overbuild projects.
• Develop lit/dark fiber desktop costing estimate for cell tower projects.
• Develop planning handoff package to engineering partners.
• Anticipate capacity requirements in the network utilizing forecast data, existing network inventory data, strategic planning data.
• Perform network analysis and review to determine optimal network architecture for funding.
• Perform other strategic planning activities including but not limited to Grants, RDOF, as business needs dictate.
• Perform other support activities including but not limited to road moves, rehab, DSI growth & HSI augment.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Minimum:

• 2+ years in Inside plant, Outside plant & Passive Optical Network.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and relevant experience.
• Experience with Metro/Ethernet network a plus.
• Experience with GSA (GE Smallworld) or any GIS-based planning tools.
• Knowledge of Outside Plant Copper and Fiber Optic Cable (Underground, Aerial, Buried) and manhole and conduit design.
• Knowledge of Fiber to the Tower, Fiber to the Business, Fiber to the Node and Fiber to the Home Architectures and Technologies.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel or equivalent program. Requires use of systems, including but not limited to GSA, Google Earth, Fireworks, etc.
• Strong writing, analytical and presentation skills.
• Must be highly adept at collaborating and communicating with others, at all levels in the organization.
• Work independently with little or no oversight, be able to self-manage their workload and deliver all projects to meet SLA/deadlines.

Preferred:

• Master's degree
• 3+ years of related experience
• Experience in an engineering role that included a substantial business financial focus

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

$67,703 - $90,270 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY $71,088 - $94,784 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $74,474 - $99,297 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA

Lumen 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. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.

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Learn more about Lumen's: Benefits Bonus Structure

LI-Remote

Requisition #: 343546

Life at Lumen

Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and