Network Planning Technical Project Manager (North America)

The role

We are seeking a highly technical and experienced Network Planning Technical Project Manager to join our infrastructure team. In this pivotal role, you will be the bridge between internal data center development teams and external telecommunications partners.

You will own the connectivity lifecycle—from initial site opportunity assessment through to the final Outside Plant infrastructure delivery—ensuring our facilities are seamlessly integrated into the global network.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of fiber optics, ISP commercial structures, and geospatial data management, coupled with the project management discipline to drive complex, multi-stakeholder builds across the region. 

You’re welcome to work remotely from the US.

Your responsibilities will include: 

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategy

• Integrated Project Delivery: Work in lock-step with other Network TPMs, DWDM engineers, ITDC (Infrastructure Technical Data Center) teams, Network Procurement, and Construction departments to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Datacenters PoP Selection: Partner with the site selection team to evaluate connectivity feasibility. Lead the technical validation of long-haul wave proposals and dark fiber options to inform Datacenter and PoP selections.
• Infrastructure Design: Act as the technical lead for fiber pathway architecture from the "0 manhole" to the internal access panels. Oversee the design of manhole placements, conduit systems, and site entry points to ensure optimal route diversity.
• MMR/POE Integration: Collaborate with engineering teams on the layout of Point of Entry (POE) and Meet-Me Rooms (MMR), ensuring space, power, and structural readiness for high-capacity, multi-carrier fiber and MOFN (Managed Optical Fiber Network) arrivals.

Carrier Relations & Commercial Management

• Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain strategic relationships with regional/ Continental ISPs, private dark fiber owners, and utility providers.
• Procurement & Negotiation: Collaborate with Network Procurement on RFx process for last-mile, middle-mile, and long-haul capacity. Lead negotiations for IRU (Indefeasible Right of Use) agreements, long-term leases, and MOFN service structures.
• Colocation: Coordinate with fiber owners to secure necessary rack space, power, and environmental resources within ILA (Inline Amplification) sites.

Network Data & Geospatial Management

• Documentation: Maintain internal databases of fiber/connectivity routes, including rigorous management of KMZ/KML files.
• AutoCAD: Utilize AutoCAD to review, modify, and create site infrastructure and conduit design plans, ensuring accurate documentation of physical plant deployments.

We expect you to have: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Industry Expertise: 5+ years of experience in network infrastructure, OSP planning, or data center connectivity project management.
• Technical Proficiency:
  AutoCAD: Proficiency in creating and reviewing site infrastructure/conduit designs.
• GIS: Advanced ability to work with geospatial tools and KMZ/KML files.
• Optical Networking: Strong grasp of DWDM technology, ILA requirements, and the technical lifecycle of MOFN deployments.
• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated success in negotiating complex fiber leases, IRUs, and construction contracts.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to influence stakeholders and external vendors to meet aggressive regional deployment timelines.
  
  

Preferred technical stack:

• Deep knowledge of the regional fiber landscape, including utility right-of-way and regional infrastructure challenges.
• Experience with large-scale 100Tbps+ capacity planning and deployment.
• Ability to read and create code in Python or Go that is relevant to the position.
• Knowledge of serviceprovider or datacenter IP Networking is preferred.