Associate Director, AI Connect Sales Engineering

Verizon

. Set the vision and execute strategy for dark fiber and AI Connect design engineering .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $130,000 - $248,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in dark fiber and AI Connect design engineering, with a strong focus on financial analysis, infrastructure deal negotiation, and leadership in technical talent development. Proven ability to collaborate across departments to ensure project success and articulate strategic advantages to customers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Dark Fiber ExpertiseAI/ML Digital TransformationFinancial Analysis SkillsInfrastructure Deal DesignLeadership in Technical Talent

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Telecom EngineeringNetwork Infrastructure ArchitectureP&L AnalysisROI ModelingCost AnalysisContract NegotiationAI and GPU NetworkingOSP EngineeringPermitting and Right-of-WayAutomation Implementation

Soft Skills

CoachingPerformance ManagementCustomer Presentation SkillsCollaborationThought Leadership

Tools & Technologies

AI ConnectDark Fiber SolutionsCloud On-RampsMetro Fiber ProgramsData Center Interconnect

Certifications & Qualifications

CCIECCNPFOA CFOS

Industry Keywords

HyperscalersNeocloudsInfrastructure DealsMulti-Year ContractsSLAMSA

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the vision and execute strategy for dark fiber and AI Connect design engineering
Lead sales engineers supporting Verizon's top strategic AI Connect customers across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio
Own solutions for GPU campus interconnect, data center interconnect, long-haul and intercity routes, metro rings, and cloud on-ramps
Define standards for ultra-high-count fiber, route diversity, latency budgets, splice and handhole strategy, ILA/regen siting, and phased growth for multi-stage AI builds
Evaluate build, IRU, lease, and swap options with Finance and Product
Build ROI and cost models for large pursuits
Partner with Network Planning, Construction, Right-of-Way, Legal, and Operations to ensure quoted routes are constructible, on schedule, and on budget
Equip the team to articulate Verizon's advantages across AI Connect, Dark Fiber, Lit Fiber/Wave, and Edge Data Centers
Introduce automation and off-load low-value work
Hire, coach, and retain top engineers; maintain certifications and build a succession bench
Represent Verizon at industry events, in thought leadership, and on customer advisory boards

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or directly related equivalent experience
10+ years in engineering and architecting telecom, IT, or network infrastructure
Deep expertise in dark fiber and the intersection of physical assets with AI/ML digital transformation
3+ years leading senior technical talent, including workforce planning, coaching, and performance management
Proven record designing and winning large, multi-year infrastructure deals, including technical qualification, pricing, and contract negotiation
Experience engaging senior executives and delivering effective customer presentations
Demonstrated financial analysis skills: P&L, ROI, cost analysis, and business-case development
MS or MBA preferred as an additional qualification
Direct experience with hyperscalers or neoclouds preferred as an additional qualification
OSP engineering, construction, or delivery background, including ULH or metro fiber programs, permitting and right-of-way, and contractor management preferred as an additional qualification
Knowledge of AI and GPU cluster networking, including scale-out and scale-across topologies and their requirements on the fiber layer preferred as an additional qualification
Familiarity with power-driven site selection and its effect on network routes preferred as an additional qualification
Experience with IRUs, swaps, anchor-tenant builds, SLAs, and MSAs preferred as an additional qualification
Relevant certifications, such as CCIE/CCNP, optical vendor, or FOA CFOS, preferred as an additional qualification

Benefits

Comp & perks

Base salary
Annual incentive
Long-term incentive
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
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 role
Up to 15 days of vacation per year for newly hired employees, increasing with service
Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
Occasional visits to a Verizon location for in-person training and meetings