Director of Network Engineering

Company Description:
This company designs manufactures markets and supports a full line of airborne telecommunication systems for the Business Aviation General Aviation Government and Air Transport markets. The company''s latest generation of products provide voice and data services for passengers and flight crews using the global Iridium Satellite System.
They have shipped more than 4 000 telecommunications systems. Its products are offered as standard or optional equipment by virtually every fixed- and rotor-wing airframe manufacturer in business aviation and are installed aboard the world''s three largest fractional ownership fleets - NetJets Flight Options and CitationShares. They are a privately-held company headquartered in Louisville Colorado USA.

Position Description
POSITION: Director of Network Engineering
REPORTS TO: VP of Engineering
LOCATION: Chicago IL

Summary:
Define network design requirements and direct overall design of Company terrestrial network to meet coverage and capacity objectives in an economical and timely fashion. Manage ongoing growth of terrestrial network by modifying existing sites and adding sites.

Key Responsibilities:
• Recruit and retain top engineering talent to build and direct a team capable of leading the company''s development of technology and innovation to support the company’s services. Provide leadership professional development mentoring performance management technical direction and support.
• Create and implement a strategic vision for the development of new network design and management concept.
• Direct the department in the design deployment and optimization of a nationwide cellular network including overseeing equipment capability analysis technology assessment market analysis network planning site surveys interference analysis facility needs developing testing procedures and interfacing directly with the client.
• Analyze technology trends human resource needs and market demand to plan projects.
• Establish clear and realistic timeline and cost analysis for each project. Accurately budgets and forecasts departmental operating expenses and ensures all projects follow established timelines and budgets.
• Confer with management production and marketing staff to determine engineering feasibility cost effectiveness and customer demand for new and existing products.
• Provide high-level technical support and direction including extensive use of terrestrial communication capabilities with significant network management related problems; developing new concepts for network management systems; working to evolve the concepts; supporting related system acquisitions; supporting related systems integration and development; and supporting related systems operation and maintenance.
• Promote and directly support related research and development publication standard development contributions innovation business development and strategic planning and execution.
• Drive technical innovation by maintaining a working knowledge of new technologies and bringing those which may improve operations into the company directly or hiring the appropriate technology competencies
• Provide direction and example for interpretation and application of company policies and procedures to the engineering activities.
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:
• B.S. in engineering or related technical field – advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering in the telecommunications and wireless industry; at least five in a management capacity
• Experience successfully building and leading a team in the product development process (from concept to launch) while meeting all strategic business and budgetary objectives.
• Solid theoretical and practical knowledge of RF propagation and telecommunications systems.
• Competency in all RF engineering activities including network dimensioning link-budget coverage analysis frequency and capacity planning drive testing data analysis system-wide optimization network quality audit and network acceptance.
• Working knowledge and experience in telecommunications compliance issues and requirements related to governmental regulations.