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 leading technical teams, driving revenue growth, and managing large infrastructure projects. Proficient in financial analysis, contract negotiation, and delivering impactful customer presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Dark Fiber ExpertiseAI/ML Digital TransformationFinancial Analysis SkillsLeadership in Technical TalentInfrastructure Deal Design

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-WayInfrastructure Design

Soft Skills

CoachingPerformance ManagementCustomer EngagementEffective Presentation

Tools & Technologies

Automation ToolsData Center Interconnect SolutionsMulti-Year Infrastructure SolutionsCloud On-Ramps

Certifications & Qualifications

CCIECCNPOptical Vendor CertificationsFOA CFOS

Industry Keywords

HyperscalersNeocloudsIRUsSwapsSLAsMSAsMetro Fiber ProgramsLong-Haul RoutesIntercity RoutesFiber-Layer Requirements

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 strategic AI Connect customers across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio
Drive bookings and revenue growth
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
Apply with a resume and a brief note about the largest infrastructure design or pursuit led and the team built around it

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
OSP engineering, construction, or delivery background, including ULH or metro fiber programs, permitting and right-of-way, and contractor management
Knowledge of AI and GPU cluster networking, including scale-out and scale-across topologies and their fiber-layer requirements
Familiarity with power-driven site selection and its effect on network routes
Experience with IRUs, swaps, anchor-tenant builds, SLAs, and MSAs
Relevant certifications such as CCIE/CCNP, optical vendor certifications, or FOA CFOS
Ability to work primarily from customer or field locations, with occasional visits to a Verizon location
Ability to work a scheduled 40-hour week

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Basic life insurance
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
Other incentives
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
Annual incentive
Long-term incentive
Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
Mobile role with customer or field location work and occasional Verizon-location visits for training and meetings