JOB SUMMARY: The Telecommunications Sales Engineer is responsible for developing, designing, and supporting telecommunications solutions for existing and prospective customers utilizing the Authority's Open Access Fiber Network. The position serves as the primary technical and commercial liaison among customers, engineering and operations teams, telecommunications carriers, and service providers. The Telecommunications Sales Engineer translates customer business and technical requirements into practical, reliable, and cost-effective network solutions. The position is responsible for customer consultation, solution development, proposal and quotation preparation, contract coordination, carrier and service-provider relations, service implementation, revenue growth, and long-term account management. The position requires a strong technical understanding of fiber optic telecommunications networks and related services, combined with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to customers, business partners, and internal stakeholders.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet with prospective and existing customers to understand business objectives, technical requirements, network architecture, and service needs.
• Develop telecommunications solutions utilizing the Authority's Open Access Fiber Network and applicable telecommunications standards, regulations and industry practices.
• Evaluate service requirements and coordinate with engineering and operations staff to determine technical feasibility, network availability, implementations requirements, and pricing.
• Prepare technical proposals, quotations, statement of work, and customer presentations.
• Provide technical and commercial guidance regarding fiber transport, Ethernet services, DWDM wavelengths, dark fiber, colocation, and other network connectivity solutions.
• Manage off-net installations, service disconnects, change orders, service modifications, and related customer requirements.
• Assist customers with network architecture, connectivity options, service configurations, and implementation considerations.
• Participate in customer and prospective customer meetings as the Authority's technical sales representative.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers, network operators, and other service providers.
• Negotiate, coordinate, and administer telecommunications agreements and service agreements, including IRUs, Dark Fiber Agreements, Last Mile Agreements, Colocation Agreements, and Service Orders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts and ensure timely follow-up on customer requests and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and current customer, service, contract, and supporting documentation such as tax documents are up to date.
• Develop, document and implement standard operating procedures and best practices for telecommunications sales and account management processes.
• Improve and maintain efficient sales workflows using Authority systems and applications, including OnBase.
• Collaborate with internal departments to improve customer service, streamline processes, and support effective service delivery.
• Assist with strategic planning related to future telecommunications network expansion, capacity, services, and market opportunities.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive offerings, and customer needs to identify opportunities for network and service development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the overall operations and objectives of the Authority.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to learn and effectively use Authority specific systems and applications, including OnBase.
• Demonstrated sales, business development, customer service, and relationship management skills.
• Strong knowledge of telecommunication industry practices, standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business and customer focused solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, customers, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, decision making, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to independently exercise sound judgement while also working effectively as part of a cross functional team.
• Ability to manage, adjust, and prioritize varied workload based on such factors as work objectives, schedule, and customer needs.
• Ability to work with a variety of internal and external customers.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related field required.
• Master's in Business Administration (MBA) preferred.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION/LICENSES:

• None required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of experience in technical sales, business development, or a related telecommunications discipline preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following areas: Telecommunications engineering, Network engineering, Telecommunications operations, Technical sales, Sales engineering, Carrier relations, Broadband network management.
• Experience designing, implementing, operating, or supporting fiber optic telecommunications networks preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing customer solutions, preparing proposals or quotations, and managing customer relationships preferred.
• Experience working with carriers, Internet service providers (ISPs), enterprise customers, or public-sector organizations, or similar telecommunications stakeholders strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL EXAM AND DRUG TEST REQUIRED: Yes

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIRED: No

MINIMUM DRIVER'S LICENSE: Class D NYS regular operator

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Frequent day travel in service area, some overnight travel.

TYPICAL WORK SCHEDULE: Regularly works Monday through Friday during normal business hours and requires willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Typical office environment where employee is protected from weather conditions or contaminates.

BENEFITS: The Authority offers a competitive compensation package to include participation in the NYS Employees' Retirement System (PENSION), NYS Deferred Compensation Plan, 12-paid holidays, 3-weeks vacation, 10-sick days, 2-personal days; medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurances. Plus, we offer tuition reimbursement and professional development.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.