Senior Network Planning & Build Architect

Job Title: Senior Network Planning & Build Architect Location: Bellevue ,WA (Onsite) Duration: 6+ Months of Contract with Possible Extension Roles And Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Execution Drive network planning and build strategy execution, translating business goals into actionable roadmaps Lead strategic initiatives such as 5G expansion, fiber densification, rural coverage, and capacity upgrades Partner with leadership to define OKRs/KPIs (coverage, capacity, cost efficiency, deployment velocity) [indeed.com] Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities to optimize network investment decisions Program & Portfolio Governance Oversee end-to-end program management across planning, design, site acquisition, and deployment lifecycle Establish governance frameworks, RAG reporting, and executive dashboards Drive accountability for milestone delivery across cross-functional teams (RAN, Transport, Core, Operations) Ensure alignment to budget, timeline, and regulatory commitments Cross-Functional Alignment & Execution Act as the central coordination point across: Network Engineering (RAN/Core/Transport) Site Acquisition & Construction Vendors/OEMs and Managed Service Partners Finance, Procurement, and Regulatory teams Break silos and ensure seamless communication and execution across domains Executive Advisory & Decision Support Serve as a trusted advisor to the Network Planning & Build leadership Provide data-driven insights on network performance, coverage gaps, and capacity planning Prepare executive reviews, board materials, and investment cases Support decision-making on network investments, vendor selection, and prioritization Operational Excellence & Transformation Drive process optimization and tools rationalization across planning and deployment workflows Introduce automation, AI/ML insights, and digital transformation initiatives in network planning Improve cycle times for site rollout, permitting, and deployment execution Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cost, quality, and speed Vendor & Ecosystem Management Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and partners for network deployment execution Track vendor performance, SLAs, and delivery commitments Support commercial and operational governance of vendor ecosystem Communication & Stakeholder Management Manage executive communications, reporting cadence, and leadership reviews Ensure alignment between field teams, engineering groups, and executive leadership Represent the leadership team in critical internal/external forums Key Outcomes / Success Metrics Network rollout milestones delivered on time and within budget Improved coverage, capacity, and network performance metrics Reduction in deployment cycle time and cost per site Strong cross-functional alignment and execution discipline High-quality executive reporting and decision enablement 1218+ years in telecom (Network Planning / Deployment / Engineering / Program Management) Proven leadership in large-scale network build programs (5G, fiber, RAN transformation) Experience working with cross-functional engineering and vendor ecosystems Education Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field MBA preferred Skills & Competencies Strategic thinking + execution excellence Strong program and portfolio management capabilities Deep understanding of telecom network architecture (RAN, Core, Transport) Ability to translate technical concepts into business outcomes Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills Strong analytical and decision-making ability Experience with KPIs, dashboards, and performance tracking frameworks Leadership Traits Influencer without authority Structured, data-driven, and outcome-oriented Ability to operate in high ambiguity, high scale environments Strong bias for action and accountability Thanks & Regards Devendra Rai Technical Recruiter Direct: 609-766-0054 Email: devendra.rai@applabsystems.com www.applabsystems.com