Sr Planning Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Sr Planning Engineer based in the United States. The Senior Planning Engineer is responsible for planning and optimizing telecommunications network infrastructure to support business growth, new services, and evolving technology requirements. This remote role offers the opportunity to influence network capacity, reliability, and long-term infrastructure development across a designated territory. The successful candidate will develop engineering plans, evaluate existing facilities, and guide network construction and modification projects. Working closely with engineering, operations, implementation, and other cross-functional teams, you will balance technical performance with cost efficiency. The position combines strategic planning, field data analysis, capital budgeting, and project oversight. You will help shape both immediate capacity improvements and longer-term technology transformation over a three-to-five-year horizon. This is a high-accountability role for an experienced telecommunications professional who can work independently and deliver measurable operational and financial results.

Develop and define plans for new outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) construction, as well as modifications to existing network facilities, including risers and inter-building cabling. Monitor network capacity trends, identify current and anticipated constraints, evaluate potential solutions, and recommend cost-effective improvements to leadership. Ensure network capacity requirements are met while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and reliability. Develop and implement territory-level network strategies that address immediate capacity needs and longer-term product and technology transformation over a three-to-five-year period. Collaborate with cross-functional teams across transport, core and wave networks, field operations and implementation, custom networks, architecture, and engineering. Gather field data and prepare engineering plans, designs, and specifications that identify practical, feasible, and economical approaches to completing projects. Provide cost estimates and supporting analysis for capital planning and budgeting activities. Monitor project expenditures and help maintain financial accountability throughout project execution. Oversee the installation, construction, and testing of network facilities to ensure that work meets design specifications and quality expectations. Stay informed about industry developments, emerging technologies, competitor offerings, and customer needs through professional networking, industry publications, conferences, and direct engagement. Work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound technical judgment and taking ownership of planning decisions and outcomes. Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and typically six or more years of relevant professional experience, or a master’s degree and four or more years of experience. At least four years of telecommunications inside plant and outside plant experience, including in-depth knowledge of ISP/OSP equipment, network designs, and infrastructure planning, or equivalent training and experience. Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, meet objectives, and deliver results in a dynamic, multifaceted, and fast-paced environment. Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams with different operational priorities and objectives. Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including accountability, integrity, empathy, coaching, mentoring, and the ability to establish a clear vision. Strong analytical and economic evaluation skills, including the ability to assess costs, network capacity, and investment opportunities. Experience creating or analyzing engineering designs using geospatial and design tools such as ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD, and Google Earth. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Access, Visio, and PowerPoint. Exceptional attention to detail, a strong commitment to quality, and a positive, professional approach to working with colleagues and stakeholders. Preferred qualifications: A master’s degree in business, computer science, or engineering. Comprehensive understanding of network topologies across access, transport, and data networks, including their features, functions, and applications. Two to three years of experience supporting cost-saving initiatives and capital budgeting. Lean or Six Sigma certification. Project management experience, preferably supported by a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification. Experience developing, operating, and optimizing business or operational processes to achieve measurable financial and operational objectives. Previous engineering experience with a substantial business, financial, or investment-planning component. Benefits: Competitive annual base salary , with the anticipated range determined by work location: $84,629–$112,838 in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. $88,860–$118,480 in Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, and Rhode Island. $93,092–$124,122 in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Individual compensation based on skills, professional experience, location, and other relevant factors. Comprehensive benefits covering health, life insurance, voluntary lifestyle options, and additional employee perks. Programs and resources designed to support physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. Potential eligibility for short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or other compensation programs, depending on the applicable role and plan. Fully remote work arrangement within the United States. Opportunities to influence telecommunications infrastructure strategy, network investment decisions, and the delivery of reliable, high-performance connectivity. A collaborative, innovation-focused working environment that values accountability, professional development, and cross-functional teamwork. Employment is subject to applicable background screening, which may include criminal record checks, motor vehicle reports, and drug screening, depending on position requirements.