Senior Manager, Network Architecture

Since 1989, SBA Communications has been a pillar of the wireless industry. Today, as a publicly traded global leader and S&P 500 company, our network of over 46,000 communication sites spans 10+ countries, forming the critical infrastructure that connects millions. We are the force behind the scenes —the essential infrastructure that keeps our world connected.

We are looking for innovators to join the dynamic team that makes it all possible. In an industry that moves fast, we rely on our agility to stay ahead of the curve and deliver results. However, we never achieve it alone. Our culture is defined by a "Team First" focus, where every team member matters, and we collaborate passionately to support our customers' objectives.

We believe in shared success. At SBA, we invite every team member to think like an owner.

Financial Wellbeing:

• Plan for your future with our Global Ownership Program (Annual RSU awards for eligible employees), a 401K with a generous company match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan offering company stock at a discount.

Mental Wellbeing:

• We prioritize your health with access to a dedicated Health Concierge service.

Personal Growth & Balance:

• Enjoy a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, paid holidays, and paid volunteer hours. We also fuel your ambition with tuition reimbursement, support for professional certifications, and a wellness reimbursement program.

If you’re ready to make an impact with a stable industry leader, we want to hear from you.

Your Next Career Opportunity – Senior Manager, Network Architecture

The Senior Manager, Network Architecture will lead a team of network architects responsible for the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced network infrastructures. This role will provide strategic direction for network architecture initiatives, focusing on scalability, security, and cutting-edge technology adoption. The Senior Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership to support the growth and innovation of our communication networks.

What You Will Do – Primary Responsibilities

• Architectural Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive network architecture strategy that aligns with the company’s objectives and supports high-performance, secure, and scalable solutions.

• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of network architects, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

• Technology Roadmap Development: Collaborate with senior leadership to create a roadmap for future network upgrades, including transitions to 5G, SD-WAN, and cloud-native infrastructures.

• Network Design and Optimization: Oversee the design of complex network topologies, including IP/MPLS, GPON, wireless backhaul, and next-gen network protocols, ensuring redundancy, low-latency, and minimal packet loss.

• Vendor Management: Evaluate and engage with vendors to select the best products and services. Manage vendor relationships to maintain a competitive edge in technology solutions and negotiate contracts to ensure favorable terms.

• Technical Oversight: Guide the team through critical projects, ensuring best practices for network security, QoS, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., IEEE, ITU).

• Project Management and Budgeting: Provide oversight and budgeting for network architecture projects, working closely with project management teams to establish timelines, allocate resources, and ensure successful project completion.

• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including design specs, network diagrams, and security protocols.

• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a technical advisor to internal stakeholders, including executive leadership, and provide clear communication regarding the status of network initiatives, performance metrics, and future plans.

What You’ll Need – Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field. Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE, CISSP) is a plus.

• 5-10 years in network architecture or engineering roles, with at least 3 years in a management or team leadership capacity.

• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of IP networking, including BGP, OSPF, VLANs, and MPLS. Familiarity with network security protocols and tools, VoIP, SD-WAN, cloud-native architectures, and network automation.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to assess complex technical challenges, perform root cause analysis, and implement robust solutions to prevent future issues.

• Project Management: Proven experience managing large-scale network projects, from conceptual design through implementation and ongoing support, within set deadlines and budgets.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Adaptability: Strong ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and business requirements, with a proactive approach to staying current on network trends and best practices.

Preferred skills

• Cloud Infrastructure: Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native networking strategies.

• Network Automation and AI: Familiarity with network automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Python) and AI-driven network management solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Comfortable working with various departments, including IT, operations, and cybersecurity, to implement and support network solutions.