Engineer, Staff Engineering & Architecture

PURPOSE OF POSITION:  This is an advanced level position and requires a high level of specific discipline expertise and the ability to make technical decisions independently on significant engineering problems. This position serves as a technical expert within the discipline and makes technical decisions collaboratively as well as independently. Serves as technical consultant to management in area of expertise. Required to have knowledge of multiple Engineering disciplines and capable of performing the role of Lead Project Engineer for major, highly complex projects or unique special work assignments. This role, will evaluate manufacturers' products, develop test plans, and run/oversee the projects. Maintains current discipline systems design standards and help maintain upgrades/modifications as required. Serve as an integral resource to facilitate the integration of work processes, physical plant, employees, and customers throughout the company. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

This leadership position requires the following non-delegable responsibilities:

 

• Fully own the mission, goals, operations, and results of the team and areas of responsibility. 
• Provide strong leadership to span of control (direct and indirect reports); demonstrate effective leadership in all interactions companywide.    This leadership includes generating enthusiasm and shared commitment; identifying and setting direction; teaching, growing, and empowering; owning outcomes; and leading by example. Specific leadership duties include:
• Establishing the vision and tone for the department, consistent with company culture and mission.
• Establishing clear, measurable, and achievable goals and performance expectations and following up appropriately. 
• Hiring individuals who can accomplish those goals and meet those expectations; providing them the open communication, training, tools, and mentoring needed to be successful and develop professionally; establishing a development path commensurate with capabilities and potential.
• Providing clear and accurate feedback to individuals and teams on a timely and consistent basis. Identifying and addressing performance problems early and effectively before they damage GCI's interests and demoralize other employees. Effectively managing processes including annual performance reviews, compensation adjustments, promotions, demotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions up to and including termination in an unbiased and consistent manner.

Essential Duties of Position: Depending on the focus of the Business Unit/Group/s assigned to; must be able to follow IEEE/Industry regulations, codes & standards, working at industry leading levels and following engineering discipline practices for the duties as outlined below.

Focus Areas:

1. Forecasting, Automation, & Optimization
   1. Accountable for forecasting demand on the GCI network (satellite, microwave, core, TERRA, HFC, Mobility)
      1. Provides forecasts bi-annually for input into the LRP (long range plan)
      2. Provides ad-hoc capacity checks as requested from other GCI departments.
   2. Coordinates with other departments to optimize costs by consolidating or "right sizing" leased capacity as necessary.

These are leadership roles which are expected to perform at high levels throughout the company, interacting with directors, senior directors, and vice presidents; works with great autonomy, is an expert in their given field of discipline; has profit and loss responsibility and is accountable; works with department management in developing departmental short and long-range objectives, plans, budget, and policies. Lead by example ensuring team members take full advantage of advances in the technologies used by the company to improve and add new services for our customers. Provides technical leadership, oversight, and mentors junior engineers. Identify risks, dependencies, and critical path items for mitigation/resolution. Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and perform the role of Lead Project Engineer for major and highly complex company initiatives, crossing departmental boundaries for projects involving multiple disciplines and requiring advanced technical leadership. Develop and document technical standards and processes. Direct technical groups in development conceptual development of network systems to support business line services and goals. Determining growth and technology direction of network operating systems to improve performance of and enhance business line services and corporate goals. Develop performance measurement subsystems for reporting network systems performance and perform advanced monitoring and review of Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Develop and maintain detailed 1-2-year capital and 5 year forward looking plans consistent with the 5-year technology roadmap.     Leads/participates in the development of inter and intra team processes for system performance.     Serve as KPI subject matter, monitoring statistical network performance data.  Function as an integral resource to lead the integration of the company's customers and employees alike. Work with operational teams to troubleshoot problems.     Responsible for leading and providing guidance to a team in technical discussions with vendors for resolution issues. Define requirements for new initiatives and products that require new network capabilities; requirements include system design, standards compliance, availability targets, operating performance metrics, operational support, and staff training. Direct technical groups in conceptual development of network systems to support end-to-end project goals.

 

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated commitment to GCI's core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by promoting and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees and contractors, and in interactions with customers, vendors, and the general public. 
• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
  • Maintains currency and professional skillset by advancing credentials, as well as participating in training, continuing educational opportunities and technical organizations.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI's Code of Conduct for Employees - the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
• Demonstrated superior diplomatic and interpersonal communications skills including experience managing/coordinating project teams and interfacing with engineering staff members and other SMEs.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Must be able to translate solutions into language consumable by technical and non-technical people.
  • Must be able to articulate technical information in both report and presentation formats.
  • Excellent communication, speaking, and presentation skills with experience presenting to a variety of audiences varying from senior management to junior engineering and technician staff members, and other internal and external customers.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI's Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Ability to organize and manage large sets of data and many simultaneous tasks while continuing to deliver work products to stakeholders.
  • Ability to operate autonomously and complete complex tasks with little direction.
  • Subject matter expertise and broad knowledge across the spectrum of Telecommunications infrastructure and systems to include Satellite & Microwave transport, Data & IP Transport, Inside/Outside Plant, Cellular & Broadband Wireless, Access, Long-haul, Facilities and the acceptance testing of these systems. 
  • Extensive experience designing and deploying projects for rural, suburban, and urban locales.
  • History of project engineering success with a focus on action and results-centered behaviors.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: champions and supports department and company change.
• DECISION MAKING: uses sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action.
• PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION: analyzes workload and establishes appropriate priorities; sets measurable and achievable goals and objectives for the team.
  • Ability to analyze problems and technical situations leading to optimal solutions. Position relies heavily on the ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
  • Ability to develop the organization necessary to meet the group mission and to interface with other units within the company.
• MENTORING & DEVELOPMENT:  utilizes interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results.
• PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: sets clear performance expectations for team.
  • Ability to review and "redline" teams work product, design packages and other project artifacts for technical content, clarity, and quality in a constructive manner.
• Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into database or equivalent.

 

Level Definition

Position Title: Staff Engineer, Engineering & Architecture

Grade: E09

 

Additional Job Requirements:

This is a significantly advanced level Engineer, serves as a technical consultant the company and business unit's management in area of expertise.  Performs highly complex or unique special work assignments and requires ability to coordinate complex technical issues. Capable of performing the role of Lead Project Engineer for major and complex company initiatives, crossing department boundaries or for projects involving multiple disciplines and requires advanced technical leadership.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

 

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related field. *
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of professional engineering experience. *

Preferred: 

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering.
• Broad experience within a Telecommunications industry
• Other telecom industry or job specific certifications. 

  Required at ALL Levels

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.   
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.
• Drug Testing: A pre-employment drug test and/or participation in a random drug or alcohol testing program may be required to satisfy conditions of a contract or proposed contract with a business partner or client.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.