Vice President, Network Architecture & Engineering

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Washington.

📋 Description

• Define and oversee the multi-year network architecture roadmap encompassing voice, access, subscriber edge, IP core, metro, transport, and infrastructure domains.

• Lead technology transformation initiatives such as exiting legacy platforms, adopting vendor-agnostic architecture, implementing zero-touch provisioning, and advancing network automation.

• Manage and expand a team of Principal Architects and Directors.

• Enhance organizational capabilities through targeted hiring and development at the director and principal levels.

• Represent the technology organization in discussions with executives, during board briefings, and in strategic partnership negotiations.

• Establish objectives, success metrics, and accountability for architecture and engineering leaders.

• Guide teams through technical, financial, and organizational trade-offs.

• Foster succession planning and strengthen leadership depth.

• Develop and manage business cases for significant network investments.

• Quantify cost savings, stranded asset recovery, and competitive positioning for approval by executives and the board.

• Achieve cost reductions through optics standardization, technology consolidation, and operational independence from TSA and vendor lock-in agreements.

• Collaborate on CapEx and OpEx planning for network engineering projects.

• Establish and maintain a technology certification program that includes device qualification, PoC lab management, vendor-donated equipment programs, and expedited certification cycles.

• Oversee vendor and technology selection processes through RFPs, PoCs, architecture reviews, and contract negotiations.

• Collaborate with Network Planning, Platform Ops, IT/Platform Technology, and NOC to enhance operational efficiency and enable autonomous network operations.

• Perform additional duties as necessary to support the business and its evolving needs.

⛳️ Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Information Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Over 15 years of progressive network engineering and architecture experience.

• More than 5 years in a senior leadership position at a broadband ISP, CLEC, or telecommunications company.

• Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale network transformation programs with measurable business impact.

• Experience in scaling high-performance architecture or engineering teams.

• Proven track record in recruiting director- and principal-level talent.

• Hands-on experience with 400G/100G transport, fiber voice/VoIP business cases, and large-scale CPE/modem platform migrations.

• Profound knowledge of zero-touch provisioning, vendor-agnostic orchestration, and network automation platforms.

• Experience in transitioning away from legacy technology dependencies, including TSA agreements, DACS, TDM, legacy ACS, and third-party operational agreements.

• Ability to develop, defend, and present multi-million-dollar investment proposals to executives.

• Strong cross-functional leadership skills across engineering, operations, finance, and vendor partnerships.

• Capability to work independently while exercising sound judgment.

• Proficiency in multitasking, effective collaboration, and meeting deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities.

• Adaptability to changing priorities and schedules.

• Executive presence with the ability to influence stakeholders in Technology, Operations, Finance, Legal, Product, and executive leadership.

• Strong analytical, financial, and decision-making capabilities.

• Applicants must currently have authorization to work in the US for any employer.

• Sponsorship is not available.

• A pre-employment background check is required.

• Pre-employment drug screening may be necessary.

• Must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.

• Must meet physical requirements involving prolonged sitting, bending, stooping, walking, or standing.

• Must possess required close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, along with the ability to adjust focus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical.

• Dental.

• Vision.

• 401k.

• Flexible spending account.

• Paid sick leave.

• Paid time off.

• Parental leave.

• Quarterly performance bonus.

• Training.

• Career growth and education reimbursement programs.