Director, Broadband Network Engineering at JSI in Huntsville, AL

JSI invites you to join our team as a Director, Broadband Network Engineering, where you'll play a critical role in advancing broadband and telecommunications initiatives that expand connectivity and drive digital inclusion—while advancing your career within a mission-driven, growth-focused organization.

About the Company: JSI is a leading full-service consulting firm specializing in broadband solutions. For over 60 years, we have provided independent communications service providers with expert financial, engineering, management, operational, regulatory, and strategic guidance. Our extensive industry knowledge and proven track record of success have empowered clients to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. With clients nationwide and a powerful presence in markets across the United States, JSI empowers rural and regional broadband providers to expand, evolve, and excel in a rapidly shifting digital world.

Position Overview: As Director of Broadband Network Engineering, you will lead the Network Engineering team that designs and implements network equipment and systems for Internet Service Providers. You will own team performance, utilization, delivery efficiency, and the growth of the people who manage that work. Deep hands-on technical execution isn't core to this role, but a strong technical foundation is essential to credibly direct engineering work, evaluate Managers' technical judgment, and engage clients at an executive level.

You will also be the face of our firm to a significant portfolio of client accounts, acting simultaneously as network engineering leader, trusted advisor, and business development driver: protecting and growing existing revenue, expanding client relationships, contributing to proposals and pricing, and winning new clients through your industry network, credibility, and market insight. This is an active role, not passive account management, requiring someone who builds relationships, spots client needs early, converts expertise into new work, and grows the business, all while providing strong team leadership and operational efficiency.

This is a full-time, salaried position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and must not require employment sponsorship to be considered.

Responsibilities

Management & Engineering Responsibilities:

• Directly manage the team Managers and Senior Engineers providing network engineering and consulting efforts, holding them accountable for delivery quality, client satisfaction, and team development.
• Own practice-wide performance and efficiency outcomes, including billable utilization, project margin, schedule adherence, and delivery quality across all Network Engineering engagements.
• Lead personnel management for the Manager and Senior Engineer team member including hiring and staffing decisions, performance reviews, compensation recommendations, career progression and promotion decisions, and disciplinary action when required.
• Serve as an executive-level advisor to JSI's largest and most strategic clients on cross-domain network strategy spanning fiber, optical transport, routing/switching, RF access, and voice infrastructure.
• Partner with the Vice President on practice-wide strategic planning, staffing forecasts, capacity planning, and development of new service offerings.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce consistent technical standards, quality-assurance processes, and engineering methodologies.
• Represent the Network Engineering practice in client escalations, contract discussions, and executive relationship management.
• Monitor and report practice-wide KPIs, utilization, and financial performance to the Vice President and firm leadership on a regular cadence.
• Support business development efforts, including scoping, proposal input, and participation in client pursuits for major engagements.

Relationship Management & Client Service:

• Proven ability to serve as a trusted client representative across a broad portfolio of technical topics, managing relationships, setting expectations, and consistently delivering results.
• Outstanding client service skills and the ability to communicate complex regulatory matters clearly and confidently — both verbally and in writing — to a wide range of stakeholders.

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple high-stakes client matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong project management skills — ability to deliver on time and on budget, independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• A strong growth mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Required Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience); Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Industry recognized network certifications or PMP preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of combined experience in technical or engineering roles, including significant experience in a consulting or client-facing capacity.
• 5+ years of progressive team and performance management experience, including experience managing managers or other people-leaders.
• Proven track record managing client or customer relationships at a senior or executive level, ideally within a consulting or professional services environment.
• Broad technical experience required; direct experience in networking and/or telecommunications is preferred but not mandatory.
• Wireless and RF engineering and management experience is considered a plus.
• Experience overseeing distributed technical teams across multiple technology domains is preferred.

Management & Leadership Skills:

• Exceptional team and performance management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead and develop Managers who themselves lead engineering staff.
• Strong business acumen, including budget ownership, utilization management, and practice-level financial accountability.
• Excellent executive communication skills, with the ability to represent the practice credibly to clients, prospects, and firm leadership.
• Ability to operate strategically across multiple technical domains without necessarily being the deepest subject-matter expert in each.
• Sound judgment in resolving escalated client and personnel matters diplomatically and decisively.
• Strong understanding of consulting/billable-hour business models, including margin, utilization, and project economics.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k)).
• Generous PTO and wellness opportunities.
• Ongoing professional development and educational opportunities.