Distinguished Architect - Solutions Architect|

You want more out of a career. A place to share your ideas freely - even if they're daring or different. Where the true you can learn, grow, and thrive. At Verizon, we power and empower how people live, work and play by connecting them to what brings them joy. We do what we love - driving innovation, creativity, and impact in the world. Our V Team is a community of people who anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together - lifting our communities and building trust in how we show up, everywhere & always. Want in? Join the #VTeamLife.

What you'll be doing...

Join Verizon as a Tier 1 Solution Architect and be at the forefront of shaping the future of our Wave and Dark Fiber solutions. In this critical role, you will leverage your deep technical expertise in Layer 1 optical technologies to develop and articulate complex solutions for Verizon's most strategic customers. You will play a key role in not only winning new business but also in influencing the evolution of our product offerings.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Pioneering innovative Layer 1 solutions that address complex customer challenges and leverage the full potential of Verizon's Wave and Dark Fiber capabilities.

• Evaluating the impact of emerging technologies, particularly AI and related network standards, on future network designs and proactively incorporating these insights into solution development.

• Collaborating strategically with product management and marketing to define and drive the roadmap for Verizon's wave and dark fiber portfolio.

• Serving as a trusted technical advisor and architectural expert for high-value sales opportunities across various vertical markets and geographic regions.

• Cultivating strong client relationships by providing expert technical guidance and developing tailored solutions that generate significant sales and revenue.

• Leading the design and delivery of advanced technical solutions throughout the sales lifecycle, from initial engagement to successful implementation.

• Creating compelling reference architectures and customer use cases that showcase the value and benefits of Verizon's advanced optical solutions.

What we're looking for...

You'll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related discipline or four or more years of work experience.

• Eight or more years of relevant experience required, demonstrated through one or a combination of work and/or military experience, or specialized training.

• A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in network design, with a significant focus on optical networking technologies.

• A comprehensive understanding of network solutions incorporating optic switching, ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer), and wavelength management

• In-depth knowledge of Layer 1 optical networking technologies, including a strong understanding of wave and dark fiber principles and their applications.

• Experience in developing and presenting complex technical solutions to enterprise clients.

• A strong understanding of network design principles and the ability to translate business requirements into technical architectures.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively interact with both technical and non-technical audiences.

• A forward-thinking mindset with an awareness of emerging technology trends and their potential impact on optical networking.

• Familiarity with OTN (Optical Transport Network) standards, 400GBASE-LR4 interfaces, and relevant IEEE standards.

• An understanding of the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on network design and associated emerging standards.

• Insight into current market trends within optical network design, standards evolution, and industry processes.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the creation of both short-term and long-term strategic plans.

• Proven ability to think strategically and analytically, leading to sound process and business recommendations and contributing to shaping business strategy.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience in developing and delivering impactful presentations to diverse audiences, including senior management.

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple projects concurrently, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, customer-centric, and team-oriented environment.

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every "even better" qualification listed above.

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Our benefits are designed to help you move forward in your career, and in areas of your life outside of Verizon. From health and wellness benefit options including: medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance, AD&D insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance and group home & auto insurance. We also offer a matched 401(k) savings plan, stock incentive programs, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition assistance, plus other incentives, we've got you covered with our award-winning total rewards package. Depending on the role, employees have the opportunity to receive compensation in the form of premium pay such as overtime, shift differential, holiday pay, allowances, etc. Newly hired employees receive up to 15 days of vacation per year, which grows with additional service. For part-timers, your coverage will vary as you may be eligible for some of these benefits depending on your individual circumstances.