Verizon Communications

AVP — Network Automation & Infrastructure AI

Verizon Communications$191K — $367K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in large-scale network or software engineering, with 5+ years leading cross-functional teams.
  • Proven delivery of cloud-native network functions (CNF/VNF), NFV, or SDN at carrier or hyperscale.
  • Hands-on experience in network automation, orchestration, and closed-loop assurance.
  • Experience applying AI/ML for anomaly detection or resource optimization.

Responsibilities

  • Tie automation to customer experience, ensuring proactive issue resolution for a self-healing network.
  • Own execution of automation intent from network intelligence for live network management.
  • Automate virtualized network functions across a multi-vendor, cloud-native environment.
  • Lead AI-driven optimization for compute and energy management within the network.
  • Scale the orchestration and assurance platform delivering high volumes of automated upgrades and actions.
  • Define the operating model and standards for autonomous network operations across domains.
  • Engage with industry partners and ensure compliance in automated network actions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage.
  • 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions and generous holiday and personal day allowances.
  • Paid parental leave, adoption assistance, and tuition assistance to support family and education.
  • Up to 15 days of vacation which increases with service, alongside additional incentives.
  • Variety of insurance options including life, AD&D, identity theft, pet, and home & auto coverage.
Full Job Description

What you'll be doing…

Verizon is building one of the most advanced autonomous networks in the industry — self-healing, closed-loop, and increasingly agentic — across a national, multi-vendor 5G footprint.

We are looking for an Associate Vice President to own the run layer of that network: the automation and AI that turn virtualized RAN and 5G Core into self-optimizing, energy-aware, cloud-native infrastructure. You will lead the engineering organization and the automation platform that already operates at a national scale, and take Verizon from human-led operations toward TM Forum Level 4 autonomy across Plan, Build, and Run.

This is a builder’s role for a leader who wants to work at the frontier of cloud-native networking and applied AI — backed by the scale of Verizon.

Key responsibilities:

Obsessed with the customer

  • Tie automation to experience. Turn reliability and customer-experience targets into closed-loop operations that detect, diagnose, and resolve issues before customers feel them — the foundation of a self-healing network.

  • Own the execution of intent. Partner with the network intelligence organization: take the RAN and cross-domain intent they generate and act on it through automated, policy-governed change on the live network.

Build with speed

  • Automate the virtualized network. Own zero-touch lifecycle, upgrade, scaling, and healing for virtualized RAN (L2/L3) and 5G Core network functions across a multi-vendor, cloud-native environment.

  • Make the infrastructure AI-native. Lead AI/ML-driven optimization of compute and energy — dynamic power management across vCPU and radio resources, workload placement, and capacity — so the network optimizes itself.

  • Own and scale the platform. Run the orchestration, closed-loop assurance, and on-premises AI inference platform that already delivers hundreds of thousands of virtualized RAN upgrades and millions of automated actions each year — and take it to the next level.

  • Set the reference architecture. Define the agentic operating model, policy-as-code guardrails, and safe-autonomy standards for the run layer across domains and vendors.

Drive excellence

  • Build and lead the team. Grow and lead a distributed engineering organization spanning cloud-native and SRE, MLOps, and network automation, with multiple director-level leaders.

  • Own the autonomy roadmap. Drive toward Level 4 against hard metrics: zero-touch success rate, mean-time-to-resolve, automation coverage, and energy savings.

  • Represent Verizon externally. Engage industry and standards bodies (TM Forum, O-RAN, 3GPP) and technology and hyper scaler partners.

  • Keep autonomy safe. Ensure the security, resilience, and regulatory compliance of automated action on the production network.

What we're looking for…

Required:-

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or four or more years of equivalent work experience.

  • Ten or more years in large-scale network or software engineering, including five or more years leading distributed, cross-functional technical organizations.

  • Proven delivery of cloud-native network functions (CNF/VNF), NFV, or SDN at carrier or hyperscale.

  • Hands-on depth in network automation, orchestration, and closed-loop assurance.

  • Experience applying AI/ML to infrastructure — anomaly detection, energy or resource optimization, or autonomous operations.

  • Working knowledge of 5G Core, virtualized and O-RAN, edge, and multi-cloud or on-premises AI infrastructure.

Preferred:-

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • Experience moving an operator toward TM Forum autonomous networks Level 4.

  • Production experience with agentic AI or LLM-based operations.

  • Cloud-native platform leadership — Kubernetes, GitOps, SRE — and network energy-efficiency programs.

  • Experience with hyper scaler partnerships (Google Cloud, AWS, Azure) and on-premises AI inference at the edge.

  • Ability to translate deep technical strategy for board-level stakeholders and to lead cultural change across engineering.

Where you’ll be working
In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes working from home and a minimum of three days per week in the office, which will be set by your manager. Employees are responsible for maintaining compliance with hybrid work policies.

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Benefits and Compensation
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, up to 8 company paid holidays per year and up to 6 personal days per year, paid 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.

The salary will vary depending on your location and confirmed job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.

The annual salary range for the location(s) listed on this job requisition based on a full-time schedule is: $191,500.00 - $367,000.00.

About Verizon Communications

MCIS delivers wireless links, turn-key systems, broadband leases, and system maintenance.

Verizon Communications Careers

Join the vibrant team at Verizon Communications, a global leader in technology and communications, where innovation meets purpose. Our diverse and inclusive culture champions forward-thinking and offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to enhancing your professional growth and career trajectory. Work You’ll Do At Verizon Communications, you will be part of a dynamic team that is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in the telecommunications industry. Our commitment to diversity and innovation is not just about staying competitive but fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Lead with Innovation Embrace the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that redefine how people connect. Verizon is not just a company; it's a community of leaders and innovators. With over tens of thousands of employees worldwide, our leadership is committed to providing a platform where skills and ideas converge to create impactful solutions. Join Our Inclusive Team Verizon’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to our company’s ethos. We believe in empowering our team members by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This includes comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and opportunities for professional development. Explore Career Opportunities Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Verizon offers a range of employment options to match your career ambitions. Our team is hiring creative and solution-driven professionals who are eager to learn and grow. Networking and Professional Growth Advance your career with Verizon’s unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Engage in networking events, leadership programs, and training sessions designed to hone your skills and expand your industry knowledge. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Verizon internship. Gain hands-on experience, work with seasoned professionals, and understand the inner workings of one of the world’s leading tech companies. Our internships offer a unique insight into our company culture and operations, setting a solid foundation for your career. Benefits and Culture At Verizon, we prioritize the well-being of our team members. Enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits that supports both your professional and personal life. Our culture promotes work-life balance, employee wellness, and continuous learning. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various job opportunities at Verizon Communications and find the position that best suits your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Verizon Communications. Join Verizon Communications today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. Shape your future in an environment where your work makes a real impact.
Learn more about Verizon Communications
Size
118,400 employees
Market Cap
$164.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$17.8 billion
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$128.2 billion
NASDAQ

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