Director of Engineering, Network Operations

At GFiber, we believe in the power of great internet that lets people do more, helps communities get stronger and makes amazing things possible. We’re not just growing to build better internet experiences, we’re also building a welcoming place where people who want to make a difference can grow their careers.

GFiber is an Alphabet company that brings Google Fiber and Google Fiber Webpass internet services to homes and businesses across the United States. Our growing, inclusive team is expanding as we connect more cities and people.

The application window will be open until at least July 23, 2024. This opportunity will remain online based on business needs which may be before or after the specified date.

At GFiber, our Network Infrastructure and Engineering team is responsible for creating the most advanced and innovative network for our customers. As a team, we’re curious, forward thinking, embracing change, and new technologies as we are building with the future state in mind. We focus on delivering what’s next as a team.

Role Description

As the Director of Engineer, Network Operations, you will oversee the design, implementation, deployment, and performance of GFiber's network and Network Infrastructure and Engineering team. As a team leader, you will inspire by sharing your personal experience in architecting and implementing new technologies, such as organic and vendor-related AI/ML development, to demonstrate value and encourage the team to stay up to date on current trends. As technical leader, your first-hand experience in telecommunication networks, wireless networks, PON technology, ISP networks, and AI/ML to continue building and delivering on our growing multi-gig network that is known for its speed, capacity, security, and scalability. Success in this role will require combining operational (e.g., managing the P&L, budget, CapEx, vendor relationships, and team leadership) and technical (e.g., demonstrating the ROI on AI/ML solutions, end to end network management) experiences to create and implement the strategic, long-term vision for GFiber.

In this role, you'll:

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Develop and implement a 15-year strategic vision for GFiber's network infrastructure and millimeter wave wireless networks.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of network engineers, network operations center, and technical staff.
• Align network engineering initiatives with business objectives including network health, futureproof designs, and augmented AI/ML network management efforts.
• Work with our vendors and labs to deliver a best-in-class network architecture and performance.
• Combine vendor and homegrown AI/ML solutions to drive a 0-defect network environment.
  

Network Design and Implementation

• Oversee scalable, reliable, and secure network architectures.
• Integrate new technologies and services into the network.
• Lead the planning, expansion and updates of our execution of our network.
• Design an end-to-end network supporting visibility into outages and degraded service.
• Manage and analyze network performance metrics, reporting on performance, capacity, risk mitigation, and utilization then implementing changes and improvements when necessary.
  

Operations and Maintenance

• Ensure the network operates efficiently and reliably, meeting or exceeding industry standards and SLAs.
• Develop and enforce policies for network management, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and incident response.
• Oversee the maintenance of network hardware and software, ensuring regular updates and patches.
• Work closely with the Field Operations teams to ensure high levels of quality assurance relating to network change management and maintenance.
  

Security and Compliance

• Implement robust network security measures including conducting regular security audits and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
  

Vendor and Partner Management

• Manage relationships with network equipment vendors, service providers, and technology partners.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to ensure cost-effective and high-quality solutions.
• Evaluate and choose third-party services and products to enhance network capabilities.
  

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the Network Engineering budget, optimizing for costs without compromising quality.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet project deadlines and operational requirements.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
  

At a minimum we'd like you to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 14 years of experience in network engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
• Experience strategically implementing AI and ML solutions to increase network security, efficiency, and future state solutions, while communicating their ROI.
• Experience with ISP and telecommunications network architectures, protocols, technologies, security principles, and best practices.
• Experience with multiple large-scale network designs, implementations, and operations.
• Experience with budgeting, resource allocation, and vendor management.
  
  

It's preferred if you have:

• A Masters or PhD or advanced degree in a related field.
• Certification in relevant network technologies (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE).
• Experience working with network automation, orchestration tools, network security, and modern security protocols to defend our consumers and network from cyber threats.
• Experience with cloud networking and virtualization technologies.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements in the telecommunications industry.
  
  

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $246,000 - $338,000 + bonus + cash award + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

GFiber is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or Veteran status. Disclosure is voluntary, and this information will be kept confidential in compliance with Google's Candidate Privacy Policy. For more information please refer to our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and the EEOC's "Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal" (PDF).

It's important to us to create an accessible, inclusive workplace for everyone. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our accommodations for applicants form. Our candidate accommodations team will then connect with you to confidentially discuss your options.