Director – Network Performance Optimization, Automation

Role Overview

• Build and lead a high-performing RAN performance engineering organization with strong technical rigor and an engineering-first mindset.
• Define and execute a national performance roadmap aligned to customer experience outcomes and measurable KPI improvement.
• Establish operating mechanisms (cadences, governance, escalation paths, standards) that drive repeatable execution across all markets.
• Lead end-to-end optimization initiatives across LTE/5G NR to improve key outcomes (e.g., accessibility, retainability, mobility robustness, throughput, latency).
• Design and execute field trials and technical studies to validate new features, parameter strategies, and optimization approaches; translate findings into scalable playbooks.
• Identify chronic/systemic performance issues, determine root causes, and drive durable corrective actions across markets.
• Own the performance strategy and KPI assurance plan for large-scale RAN modernization efforts, ensuring stability and continuous improvement before, during, and after cutovers.
• Partner with engineering and vendor teams to evaluate feature behavior, configuration baselines, and rollout sequencing to mitigate risk and maximize outcomes.
• Develop performance acceptance criteria, scorecards, and go/no-go readiness checkpoints.
• Lead development of automation and algorithmic optimization (e.g., closed-loop tuning concepts, policy-based optimization, model-driven parameter strategies).
• Ensure algorithms are configurable and adaptable to regional conditions and market-level differences.
• Drive instrumentation and measurement strategies that connect network changes to KPI movement and customer experience impact.
• Partner across national engineering teams, local market organizations, operations, and vendor partners to align priorities and accelerate execution.
• Communicate performance progress, risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations to leadership in clear, decision-ready narratives.
• Support annual planning and investment prioritization by quantifying expected KPI impact, effort, and operational considerations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large, multi-layer engineering organization (including managers and senior engineers).

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in wireless RAN engineering, with significant depth in LTE/5G performance and optimization.
• Demonstrated success leading large, distributed engineering organizations, including managers-of-managers.
• Strong experience with field trials/studies, feature validation, and translating results into production network standards.
• Proven ability to drive measurable KPI improvement through parameter tuning, feature strategy, and systemic root-cause remediation.
• Experience leading performance outcomes through major RAN modernization and/or vendor technology transitions.
• Ability to build and operationalize automation and algorithms for optimization at scale (tooling, data, controls, and governance).
• Strong communication, cross-functional influence, and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field (advanced degree a plus).

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 28 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
• Adoption Reimbursement
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Extensive employee wellness programs
• Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone
• Long Term Grants and Deferred Compensation