Senior Program Engineer

GCI's Senior Program Engineer will function as a technical expert within the discipline, making informed technical decisions both collaboratively and independently. The position is responsible for achieving organizational technical objectives by overseeing various project activities and providing strategic technical guidance and alignment within a specific program, as well as across the enterprise.

As a technical consultant in their area of expertise, the individual is expected to possess a broad knowledge of multiple engineering disciplines and have proven experience in leading engineering projects or managing unique, high-impact assignments.

These roles represent key technical leadership positions within the company, requiring high performance and interaction with directors, senior directors, and vice presidents. The role operates with significant autonomy and is responsible for leading teams to leverage technological advancements, both within the company and the broader industry, to enhance and expand services for our customers.

The position provides critical technical leadership, ensuring alignment and oversight for the assigned program, driving innovation, and maintaining a strategic focus on improving and delivering high-quality solutions.

Acts as the primary liaison with the program management, project engineering & project management teams, providing guidance and alignment across complex company initiatives. This role is adept at directing lead project engineers through major, multifaceted projects that span multiple departments and disciplines, requiring advanced technical leadership and cross-functional coordination.

Coordinate technical resources across Technology Solutions to establish architectural standards. Develop and validate estimates, delivery plans, and execution strategies, and provide post-implementation operational support for projects. Ensure these efforts align with business line services and strategic objectives.

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
  • Ability to work independently, under time constraints, and in an environment with changing priorities and goals; ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment, professionally.
  • Ability to foster trust and cooperation across several teams, have excellent communication skills and relationship management; must work well with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work in a team environment on maintenance bridges with minimal supervision.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. Able to communicate technical information effectively verbally to customers, contractors, utility workers, fellow employees, and the public in an effective manner with their level of understanding. 
  • Ability to facilitate communication across a multi-location department while maintaining a focus on details.
  • High level of interpersonal skills; well-developed written and oral communication skills including active listening skills.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects company and customer confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. Interprets and accurately applies applicable codes, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc.
  • Must remain current within the industry standards and best practices. 
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Develops positive rapport with internal and external customers and contacts. Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to promote teamwork and encourage a professional, courteous work ethic.
  • Dedicated to continually improving personal skills, and the group’s ability to serve the customer.
  • Demonstrated internal and external customer service skills.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. Organize assignments, equipment, and routing to maximize productivity.
• RESULTS – Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Demonstrated knowledge maintaining organization's effectiveness and efficiency by defining, delivering, and supporting strategic plans for aligning organizational technical strategies and long-range plans. 
  • Ability to work independently, under time constraints, and in an environment with changing priorities and goals; ability to prioritize multiple projects. 
  • Demonstrated ability to professionally manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to professionally mediate conflicts, problem solve and foster technical alignment.
  • Ability to manage teams and members without a direct report chain.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.

Technical Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to function proficiently with Microsoft Office applications, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Visio, etc.
• Requires excellent professional and technical knowledge of the telecommunications industry. 
• Critical thinking and strategic planning are essential; ability to anticipate technical requirements to assist in defining architectural standards, implementation requirements, ongoing support needs, and lifecycle management planning.
• Ability to support and reinforce technical standards and drive alignment across multiple teams, departments, and GCI Enterprise.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data and information analysis to support and drive decision-making.

Additional Job Requirements:

This is an advanced engineering position that requires managing highly complex and varied responsibilities within tight deadlines and operational constraints. The role is accountable for the outcomes of one or more programs and involves overseeing intricate projects throughout all phases of the project cycle, which may include coordinating activities across different business units.

The position demands the development and execution of technical plans with significant organizational impact. Responsibilities include contributing to the creation of new architectural standards and technology roadmaps, aligning them with program execution goals and schedules. Adherence to best practices and design standards is essential, as is coordinating with other programs and projects to uncover efficiencies beyond individual program boundaries.

Advanced technical expertise in the relevant area is required, along with a commitment to company policies, procedures, legal compliance, and auditing. The role also involves providing functional leadership to guide and support team members effectively.

Additional Competencies:

• Program Management:
  • Lead and manage multiple engineering programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and successful delivery.
  • Develop and maintain detailed program plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
  • Coordinate with project managers and engineering teams to ensure project milestones and deliverables are met.
• Technical Leadership:
  • Provide expert technical guidance and oversight across all phases of program execution.
  • Drive technical innovation and ensure the application of best practices and industry standards.
  • Lead the development and implementation of architectural standards and technology roadmaps.
• Cross-Functional Coordination:
  • Collaborate with other departments and business units to ensure cohesive program execution and to leverage cross-functional synergies.
  • Facilitate communication between engineering teams, stakeholders, and executive leadership.
  • Identify and address dependencies and risks that may impact program success.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Monitor program performance, including technical, financial, and operational aspects.
  • Prepare and present regular status reports and updates to senior management and stakeholders.
  • Implement corrective actions as needed to address performance issues and ensure program goals are achieved.
• Process Improvement:
  • Continuously assess and improve engineering processes, tools, and methodologies.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the engineering team.
  • Identify and implement efficiencies and innovations to enhance program outcomes and customer satisfaction.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Project Management, Business, IT/IS, or related discipline. *
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive professional engineering experience. *

Preferred:

• Graduate Degree in Engineering.
• Broad experience in the telecommunications industry within any of the fields listed below:
• Other telecom industry or job specific certifications.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification 
  • Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification 
  • Agile or Scrum certifications
• Broadband Internet
• ISP Infrastructure
• Urban & Rural Fiber Optic Networks
• Mobile & Fixed Wireless 
• Microwave & Satellite Communications
• Capacity Planning
• Lifecycle Management
• Information Technology & Security

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.   
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.
• GCI headquarters are based in Anchorage with project work occurring throughout the state of Alaska as well as locations in Oregon and Washington state. Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time to include rural locations off the road system.