AI Connect Associate Director

Verizon

. Lead a high-performing team of Engineers and Project Managers responsible for fiber optic infrastructure design, engineering, and deployment .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $219,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading engineering and project management teams for fiber optic infrastructure design and deployment, with a strong focus on integrating AI/ML tools and optimizing operational workflows. Proven ability to manage large-scale projects while ensuring compliance with capacity requirements, budgets, and timelines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fiber Optic Infrastructure DesignAI/ML IntegrationOutside Plant (OSP) EngineeringProject Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fiber Network DesignPredictive AnalyticsProcess ImprovementWorkflow AutomationOperational Workflow EvaluationTelecom Network DeploymentDigital Transformation InitiativesRisk AnalyticsConstruction OversightTechnical Direction

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationProblem-SolvingTeam Management

Tools & Technologies

OSP Design PlatformsIntelligent Permitting SoftwareSpatial Data Analytics ToolsComputer VisionAutomated GIS Workflows

Certifications & Qualifications

Lean Six SigmaAgile/ScrumProject Management Professional (PMP)

Industry Keywords

Ultra Long Haul (ULH)Municipality Permitting ProcessesNext-Generation Optical Transmission TechnologiesDark Fiber AcquisitionHigh-Count Fiber Architectures

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a high-performing team of Engineers and Project Managers responsible for fiber optic infrastructure design, engineering, and deployment
Oversee In-Line Amplifier (ILA) site preparation and construction for Ultra Long Haul network continuity
Identify OSP lifecycle bottlenecks across engineering design, permitting, and construction
Implement AI/ML tools, computer vision, and predictive analytics to automate repetitive tasks and accelerate route delivery
Provide technical direction and executive oversight for large-scale fiber infrastructure programs across ULH and Metro markets
Ensure builds align with AI Connect capacity requirements, budgets, and timelines
Review high-level designs, identify challenged areas, and develop alternative routes
Interface with senior leadership, Fiber Planning, ILA Site Acquisition, permitting teams, Sourcing, and OSP vendors
Collaborate with engineering firms, general contractors, and material suppliers to enforce execution standards and track milestones
Use predictive risk analytics and forecasting to mitigate permitting, supply chain, and field-delivery risks
Synthesize deployment metrics, technology roadmaps, and process-improvement ROI for executive and governance updates

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or four or more years of work experience
Eight or more years of relevant experience, demonstrated through work and/or military experience or specialized training
Experience across Outside Plant (OSP) engineering, telecom network deployment, or infrastructure project management
Experience evaluating operational workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and designing or deploying process improvements, digital transformation initiatives, or workflow automation
Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering and project management teams in high-growth, deadline-driven environments
Willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time
Willingness to be on-call after hours and on weekends
Direct experience integrating AI, machine learning, computer vision, or automated GIS workflows into civil infrastructure, utility routing, or fiber network design
Working knowledge of modern OSP design platforms, intelligent permitting software, and spatial data analytics tools
Six or more years of direct people leadership experience
Knowledge of next-generation optical transmission technologies, ultra-high-count fiber architectures, dark fiber acquisition, and municipality permitting processes
Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Agile/Scrum, or Project Management (PMP)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
AD&D insurance
Identity theft protection
Pet insurance
Group home and auto insurance
Matched 401(k) savings plan
Up to 8 company-paid holidays per year
Up to 6 personal days per year
Paid parental leave
Adoption assistance
Tuition assistance
Premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, and allowances, depending on the role
Up to 15 days of vacation per year for newly hired employees, increasing with additional service
Hybrid work arrangement with working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office