Senior Manager, Network Engineering (Project Management)

SBA Communications is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure, including towers, buildings, rooftops, DAS and small cells. We offer a competitive benefits and compensation package and are looking for team members who will thrive in our dynamic environment.

We welcome your interest in SBA. Let us know a little about you by checking all that apply:

• You are a self-starter.
• You are resourceful and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• You have a strong work ethic.
• You are passionate and driven to achieve results.
• You are a team player who enjoys working in a collaborative environment.
• You continuously challenge yourself to find innovative ways to improve.

You may be a perfect fit. At SBA, we operate with the highest sense of integrity and commitment to quality. We focus on achievement and operate with responsiveness, timeliness and accountability. Our culture of excellence incorporates working collegially, where every team member can contribute meaningfully and make a difference.

If you are ready to make an impact, join our team!

Your Next Career Opportunity – Senior Manager, Network Engineering

The primary function of this position is to lead a highly technical team that provides Tier III and Engineering support of SBAs entire product lines and services, including Microwave Networks, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Connected Solutions, and the Data Center operations. This role provides technical expertise and platform leadership in areas of SDWAN, WLAN, VPN, L2/L3 routing, Firewall technologies and implement new technologies, such as BGP-LS to demonstrate value and encourage the team to stay up to date on current trends. Utilize your expertise in telecommunication networks, wireless networks, PON technology, and ISP networks to build and deliver a scalable network that provides high-speed internet and enterprise services. The Senior Manager, Network Engineering is also responsible for ensuring that the local and remote teams are managed appropriately; managing outsource vendors; serve as the highest technical level of escalations of the NOC; provide integration support, and operational acceptance for all lines of business. Combine your operational experience in managing P&L, budgets, CapEx, vendor relationships, and team leadership with your technical skills to create and implement the strategic, long-term vision for SBA's entire portfolio.

What You Will Do – Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for SBA critical network infrastructure and wireless networks.

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of network engineers and technical staff.

• Align network engineering initiatives with business objectives including network health, futureproof designs, and network management efforts.

• Work with our vendors to deliver a best-in-class network performance.

• Implement practices that will ensure the enforcement and respect of engineering guidelines in the network engineering design.

• Enforce the documentation and network standards using telecom standards.

• Provide Project management for new network implementations.

• Researching and evaluating new technologies

Network Design and Implementation:

• Oversee resilient, scalable, reliable, and secure network architecture.

• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, such as SD-WAN, edge routing, and AI-driven automation. Lead the planning, updates and expansion of SBA network.

• Design end-to-end network visibility to ensure high network availability (99.999% at the core).

• Manage and analyze network performance metrics, capacity, network utilization and risk mitigation practices toward the development and the implementation of the network strategy.

• Implement and adhere to Network design and architecture standards (e.g., SD-WAN, L2/L3 routing).

• Optimization of network protocols and configurations

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 network performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and outage response.

• Provide Tier III and Engineering expertise to support the Network Operations Center

• Provide on call support during off hours.

• Oversee the maintenance of network hardware and software, ensuring regular updates and patches.

• Provide training and guidance to the network operations team on new technology and policies.

• Work in close coordination with Field Operations, NOC, and IT teams to maintain operational excellence.

• Work closely with the Field Operations and NOC teams to ensure high levels of quality assurance relating to network change management and maintenance.

• Provide Automation of network deployment support and updates

 

 Security and Compliance

• Implement a zero-trust network model to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.

• Implement robust network security measures including conducting regular security audits and risk assessments.

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

 Vendor and Partner Management

• Conduct regular performance reviews of vendors to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

• 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 costs without compromising quality.

• Allocate resources effectively to expand the SBA's footprint to meet project deadlines and fulfill operational requirements.

• Prioritize resources to ensure alignment with critical business goals and deadlines.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.

• Long-term scalability planning

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Work with Talent Acquisition to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ a talented and diverse group of high-performing team members.

• Provide oversight and direction to team members in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures.

• Coach, mentor, and develop team members, including overseeing new team member onboarding and providing career development planning and growth opportunities.

• Empower team members to take ownership of their job and goals. Delegate responsibilities as needed and provide routine constructive feedback on performance.

• Create a culture that is consistent with the organization's focus on team member engagement, and that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and values.

• Lead team members using a performance management and development-focused approach to assist in goal setting, two-way feedback, and performance development planning.

• Lead team members to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment.

What You'll Need – Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field of study.

  • 5 - 10 years of experience in leading multi-technology operations center providing 24/7 support.

  • 3 – 5 years of experience in managing people with varying technical skill levels.

• Juniper Networks Certified Professional (JNCIP-DC) preferred.

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA/CCNP) preferred.

• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge and advanced proficiency working with Microsoft Office Suite software including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook.

• Proven management experience/ability with direct customer contact in a technical environment including Network Operations Center background supporting multi-technology operations.

• Network experience in a centralized repair/troubleshooting/testing environment that included answering telephones, logging events in a ticketing system, and providing technical support and repair coordination. 

• Certification (current or past) in areas of expertise such as Cisco, Juniper, DAS Network, Microwave, WiFI, Optical and other fields is a plus.

• Domestic Travel up to 20% of the time, as required.

• Valid Government Issued Driver's License.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel or crouch.

• Ability to stand, walk and sit.

• Ability to reach with hands and arms

• Visual ability correctable to 20/20.

• Sitting up to 90% of the day.

• Ability to respond verbally in an understandable, professional manner in person and over the telephone.

• Manual dexterity to input data into the computer and the calculator and operate the equipment listed above.

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office/ Cubicle workspace.

• Moderate noise level.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we're the right company for you.

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