Associate Director, AI Connect Solutions Architecture

Verizon

. Set the vision and execute the end-to-end customer design ownership model across AI Connect, Dark Fiber, Lit Fiber/Wave, and Edge Data Centers .

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 leading complex customer design ownership models across telecom and network infrastructure, with a strong focus on financial analysis, executive engagement, and team leadership. Proven ability to drive customer solutions from design through delivery while ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Customer Design Lifecycle ManagementFinancial Analysis SkillsLeadership of Senior ArchitectsDeep Expertise in Dark FiberExperience with Hyperscalers

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Telecom EngineeringNetwork Infrastructure ArchitectureAI/ML Digital TransformationP&L AnalysisROI DevelopmentContract ManagementOSP EngineeringFiber NetworkingAutomation ImplementationBusiness Case Development

Soft Skills

Coaching and MentoringEffective CommunicationCollaborationProblem-SolvingStrategic Thinking

Tools & Technologies

AI Networking ToolsGPU Cluster NetworkingProject Management SoftwareCustomer Relationship Management (CRM) SystemsData Analysis Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

CCIECCNPPMPFOA CFOSOptical Vendor Certifications

Industry Keywords

Dark FiberHyperscalersNeocloudsIRUsSLAsMSAsMetro Fiber ProgramsContractor ManagementChange ManagementExecutive Presentations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the vision and execute the end-to-end customer design ownership model across AI Connect, Dark Fiber, Lit Fiber/Wave, and Edge Data Centers
Lead architects and sales engineers supporting Verizon's top strategic customers across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio
Drive bookings and quota attainment
Own the customer design lifecycle from discovery through order, engineering hand-off, build tracking, and service turn-up
Govern design and hand-off standards to align sold scope, schedule, and cost with delivered scope
Reduce rework, change orders, and time to revenue
Run customer-health and delivery-readiness cadences
Escalate issues across Sales, Network Planning, Construction, Right-of-Way, and Operations
Lead opportunity teams to align customer strategy, processes, and IT assets
Develop executive presentations, technical storytelling, competitive positioning, and multi-stakeholder account strategy
Build business cases, ROI and cost models, and ensure designs are priced and deliverable
Introduce automation and off-load low-value work
Hire, coach, motivate, and retain architects and engineers
Maintain certifications and represent Verizon at events and customer advisory boards
Build a culture of empowerment, collaboration, innovation, and integrity

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 architects or sales engineers, including workforce planning, coaching, and performance management
Experience owning complex customer solutions from design through delivery, including scope, change, and contract management
Experience engaging senior executives and delivering effective customer presentations
Demonstrated financial analysis skills, including P&L, ROI, cost analysis, and business-case development
MS or MBA preferred as an additional qualification
Direct experience with hyperscalers, neoclouds, or carriers preferred
OSP engineering, construction, or delivery background, including ULH or metro fiber programs and contractor management preferred
Knowledge of AI and GPU cluster networking and how topology drives fiber-layer requirements preferred
Experience with IRUs, swaps, anchor-tenant builds, SLAs, and MSAs preferred
Relevant certifications such as CCIE/CCNP, optical vendor, PMP, or FOA CFOS preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Base salary
Annual incentive
Long-term incentive
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
Occasional visits to a Verizon location for in-person training and meetings