Director – Network Performance Optimization & Automation

AT&T•Atlanta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director – Network Performance Optimization & Automation is a senior wireless engineering leader responsible for improving network performance and customer experience through data-driven optimization, rigorous field trials, and scalable automation. This role leads a large, nationally distributed engineering organization that overlays local markets—driving consistent performance standards while enabling region-specific tuning based on RF conditions, device mix, and traffic behaviors. Working in close partnership with RAN engineering, RF performance, architecture, operations, and vendor partners, this leader develops and executes a multi-year roadmap focused on: (1) optimizing existing network configurations, (2) ensuring performance excellence through major RAN modernization/vendor transitions, and (3) building automation and algorithms that continuously fine-tune the network at scale. This role is based in Dallas TX or Atlanta GA requiring in-office presence 5 days/week. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in wireless RAN engineering, with significant depth in LTE/5G performance and optimization.
Demonstrated success leading large, distributed engineering organizations, including managers-of-managers.
Strong experience with field trials/studies, feature validation, and translating results into production network standards.
Proven ability to drive measurable KPI improvement through parameter tuning, feature strategy, and systemic root-cause remediation.
Experience leading performance outcomes through major RAN modernization and/or vendor technology transitions.
Ability to build and operationalize automation and algorithms for optimization at scale (tooling, data, controls, and governance).
Strong communication, cross-functional influence, and stakeholder management skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field (advanced degree a plus).

Responsibilities

RAN Performance Strategy & Leadership Build and lead a high-performing RAN performance engineering organization with strong technical rigor and an engineering-first mindset. Define and execute a national performance roadmap aligned to customer experience outcomes and measurable KPI improvement. Establish operating mechanisms (cadences, governance, escalation paths, standards) that drive repeatable execution across all markets.
Network Optimization, Field Trials & Technical Studies Lead end-to-end optimization initiatives across LTE/5G NR to improve key outcomes (e.g., accessibility, retainability, mobility robustness, throughput, latency). Design and execute field trials and technical studies to validate new features, parameter strategies, and optimization approaches; translate findings into scalable playbooks. Identify chronic/systemic performance issues, determine root causes, and drive durable corrective actions across markets.
Modernization / Vendor Transition Performance Oversight Own the performance strategy and KPI assurance plan for large-scale RAN modernization efforts, ensuring stability and continuous improvement before, during, and after cutovers. Partner with engineering and vendor teams to evaluate feature behavior, configuration baselines, and rollout sequencing to mitigate risk and maximize outcomes. Develop performance acceptance criteria, scorecards, and go/no-go readiness checkpoints.
Automation, Algorithms & Continuous Tuning Lead development of automation and algorithmic optimization (e.g., closed-loop tuning concepts, policy-based optimization, model-driven parameter strategies). Ensure algorithms are configurable and adaptable to regional conditions and market-level differences. Drive instrumentation and measurement strategies that connect network changes to KPI movement and customer experience impact.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration Partner across national engineering teams, local market organizations, operations, and vendor partners to align priorities and accelerate execution. Communicate performance progress, risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations to leadership in clear, decision-ready narratives. Support annual planning and investment prioritization by quantifying expected KPI impact, effort, and operational considerations.
Talent Management & Culture Lead, mentor, and develop a large, multi-layer engineering organization (including managers and senior engineers). Foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, accountability, and disciplined engineering execution.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
401(k) plan
Tuition reimbursement program
Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 28 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Caregiver Leave
Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
Adoption Reimbursement
Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
Life and Accidental Death Insurance
Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Extensive employee wellness programs
Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone
Long Term Grants and Deferred Compensation