Network Operations Engineer

You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely - even if they're daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love - driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together - lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.

Join Verizon as we continue to build and maintain our industry-leading network across Northeast Ohio. As a Network Operations Engineer III in the Cleveland Zone, you will be in the field 80-85% of the time, working at cell sites, small cells, HUBs, and supporting infrastructure across the Greater Cleveland area and surrounding counties. This role covers the full lifecycle of network operations, from commissioning brand new sites to keeping existing infrastructure performing at its best. We are looking for someone ready to own this role, not just fill it.

• Commissioning new cell sites end-to-end including fiber circuit testing, router upgrades, vDU server build-out, RMU installation, alarm verification, network integration, call testing, and 911 testing, then placing the site formally into service with complete and accurate documentation.

• Executing circuit upgrades including physical equipment swap-out, testing, validation, cutover, and all required activation documentation.

• Supporting small cell deployments and temporary infrastructure for special events.

• Coordinating with general contractors to align field schedules and get ahead of commissioning milestones where possible.

• Troubleshooting 4G LTE and 5G NR network issues including radio outages, vDU server maintenance, and RAN performance faults.

• Connecting via SSH to configure and troubleshoot Cisco 540 series (IOS), Ciena 5164 (SAOS), and Nokia platforms to isolate and resolve network faults.

• Diagnosing routing and connectivity issues involving BGP, ISIS, VLANs, hub-and-spoke topologies, and IEN hub infrastructure.

• Performing high-level troubleshooting of supporting systems including HVAC, generators, and GPS, recognizing when to escalate and when to resolve.

• Navigating the Unified System Manager (Samsung USM) and other network management platforms to identify fault conditions, manage alarms, and track work to resolution.

• Completing preventive maintenance at assigned sites accurately and in accordance with established procedures.

• Generating, managing, and closing trouble tickets across multiple systems while actively looking for ways to do it better.

• Participating in an on-call rotation including nights, weekends, and holidays as part of a 24x7 operations environment.

• Bringing new ideas, including AI-assisted workflows, to improve how the team operates.

Physical requirements of the job may include but are not limited to climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated areas, lifting and carrying objects weighing up to approximately 65 pounds, pushing, pulling, grasping, twisting/bending, and crawling, squatting, or kneeling in small spaces.

You are technically sharp, self-driven, and not satisfied with "that's how we've always done it." You learn fast, work well under pressure, and have the confidence to speak up when you see a better way, even when it's not the popular opinion. You understand that great engineers don't just close tickets; they make the network better because they were there. You're ready to earn your place on a seasoned team by outworking and out-thinking, and you're genuinely motivated by that challenge. This role offers a clear path for growth, starting with advancement to Senior Engineer and opportunities beyond that for those who are ready to take them.

You'll need to have:

• Associate's degree or two or more years of work experience.

• Three or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through work experience and/or military experience.

• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals including the OSI model, TCP/IP, VLANs, and routing protocols (BGP, ISIS).

• Proficiency with Linux and command-line interfaces; comfortable navigating and troubleshooting CLI-driven environments.

• Experience connecting via SSH to troubleshoot network devices including routers, switches, and servers.

• Willingness to work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays.

• Ability to perform physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Willingness to travel up to approximately 75% of the time.

• Valid driver's license.

• Willingness to operate a company vehicle throughout the Greater Cleveland area and Northeast Ohio.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

• CCNA, Network+, or equivalent industry certification.

• Hands-on experience with Cisco 540 series (IOS), Ciena 5164 (SAOS), or Nokia platforms.

• Understanding of RAN architecture including 4G LTE and 5G NR vDU environments

• Familiarity with hub-and-spoke topologies and IEN hub infrastructure.

• Familiarity with network and operations management platforms such as USM, CND, INAM, IOP, FUZE, NSP, or OneEMS.

• Comfort working outdoors at active cell sites in varying weather and physical conditions.

• Exposure to AI tools such as Claude or Gemini in a technical or professional setting.

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every "even better" qualification listed above.

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we've got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.