Network Engineering and Infrastructure Director

As the Director of Network Engineering and Infrastructure, you will Lead and Direct the design, implementation, deployment, and performance of Lyte Fiber network and Network Infrastructure. In this role, you will:

·       Inspire and Lead: Leveraging your expertise to mentor and inspire the team.

·       Technical Leadership: 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 fiber internet and enterprise services.

·       Operational Management: 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 Lyte Fiber's network and inside plant.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

·       Develop and implement a strategic vision for Lyte Fiber’s fiber network infrastructure and 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 network management efforts.

·       Work with our vendors and labs to deliver a best-in-class network architecture and performance.

·       Implement practices that will ensure the enforcement and respect of engineering guidelines in the inside plant deployments.

·       Maintain the inside plant in a pristine state.

·       Enforce the documentation and the wiring standards including for the electrical plant across the entire inside plant.

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 Lyte Fiber’s 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.

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 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.

 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 network, to expand the inside plant, 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.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

·       15 years of experience in network engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.

·       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.

·       Experience deploying MPLS-TE, EVPN, IGP, BGP in IP networks.

·       Experience deploying PON technologies.

·       24/7 availability for occasional escalation calls and ability to lead on-call teams and provide directions when needed.

Preferred Qualification.

·       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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

·       Flexibility to work extended hours, as necessary.

·       Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.

·       Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

About Lyte Fiber

Established in 2023 and headquartered in Houston, TX, Lyte Fiber, LLC (“Lyte”) is dedicated to bringing the fastest, most reliable home and business fiber optic internet to Texas and beyond. Formed in partnership with SDC Capital Partners, a leading digital infrastructure investment firm, Lyte was started by internet industry veterans who are passionate about providing a best-in-class customer experience, building a company where great employees want to work and connecting Texas communities. As part of our commitment to each community we serve, Lyte pledges a 1% giveback to local charities and causes annually.

Lyte Fiber, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender identity, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, genetic information, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by federal or Texas law.

Applicants who believe they need an accommodation on account of a disability or sincerely held religious belief to perform the essential functions of the job they are applying for, should submit those requests to HR. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed