Routing and Optical Network Engineering Manager

Routing And Optical Network Engineering Manager

The Routing and Optical Network Engineering Manager leads the team that builds and operates the backbone of one of the world's most advanced scientific networks. This role manages a team of network engineers responsible for designing, building, and running ESnet's global routing and optical backbone, along with the advanced services it delivers to support the nation's most demanding scientific data. As a member of the Network Services leadership team, you will report to the Network Services Department Head and partner with fellow leaders to shape department-wide vision, strategy, plans, and programs. We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab? We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on: Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year. Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers) Pet insurance

You will: Provides day-to-day leadership for a team of network engineers supporting ESnet's global routing and optical backbone by setting goals, coaching, fostering career growth, and driving accountability. Builds a high-performing, collaborative team culture and continuously improves processes and practices. Ensures network operational excellence, including outage response and proactive risk mitigation. Oversees network engineering projects by assigning resources, coordinating priorities, and driving execution. Supports budget planning through procurement forecasting, manages technical vendor relationships, contributes to department strategy and prioritization, and leads hiring to grow the engineering team.

We are looking for: Typically requires an advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related field, plus three (3) years of experience in formal or informal lead/supervisory roles or equivalent experience. Demonstrated expertise and experience in leading technical staff, with emphasis on wide area network engineering disciplines. Ability to develop and maintain a high trust, psychologically safe team atmosphere. Ability to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of a technical engineering team. Understanding of currently applicable networking engineering/architecture, systems and services design, and implementation and support experience, including both Optical and WAN routing fields. Knowledge and experience guiding network architecture, engineering, and service strategy development, with the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated success collaborating as both a team member and team leader. Demonstrated experience hiring, training, and mentoring technical staff. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing network engineering processes and plans, with strong network implementation project management skills. Excellent operational skills, with a focus on global network infrastructure, continuous improvement, and metric-driven operational performance management.

Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $203,496 - $248,736, which fits into the full salary of $180,876 - $305,268 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience. Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. Work modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).