Telecommunications Engineering Specialist (VTC Focus)

About the role

The Senior Telecommunications Engineering Specialist is a subject matter expert (SME) responsible for the architectural design, engineering, and high-level management of the organization's enterprise unified communications (UC) and collaboration infrastructure. With a deep focus on Video Teleconferencing (VTC), this role leads the planning and implementation of complex communication solutions, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and aligned with mission requirements. The Senior Specialist serves as the final escalation point for the most critical and complex VTC and VoIP issues, provides technical leadership on UC projects, and mentors junior technicians. They are responsible for the health and performance of the entire real-time communication ecosystem, from endpoint devices to the core infrastructure, including gateways, session border controllers, and bridging systems.

Typical Task List

Unified Communications (UC) Architecture and Design

• Design, engineer, and lead the implementation of enterprise-level VTC and VoIP solutions, including the integration of on-premises and cloud-based services.
• Develop and maintain the architectural roadmap for the organization's unified communications technologies, evaluating new products and recommending solutions for technology refresh and capability enhancement.
• Create and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including detailed network diagrams, call routing plans, and system configuration standards.
• Install, configure, and test VTC hardware, including codecs, cameras, microphones, and control systems in conference rooms and other designated facilities.
• Integrate VTC systems with associated audio-visual (AV) equipment, such as displays, projectors, and room control panels (e.g., Extron, Crestron, AMX).

Infrastructure Management and Optimization

• Manage and administer the core UC infrastructure, including video communication servers, multipoint control units (MCUs)/bridges, session border controllers (SBCs), and gateways.
• Perform capacity planning and performance analysis of the UC network to ensure quality of service (QoS) and prevent degradation of voice and video traffic.
• Lead the implementation of security controls across the UC environment, ensuring compliance with DoD STIGs and other security mandates.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Problem Management

• Serve as the Tier 3 escalation point for resolving complex and persistent issues related to VTC, VoIP, and overall UC system interoperability.
• Conduct root cause analysis for major service outages or performance degradation incidents.
• Analyze network packet captures and system logs to diagnose complex real-time communication problems.

Project Leadership and Mentorship

• Act as the technical lead for major UC projects, such as conference room technology upgrades or the deployment of new collaboration platforms.
• Provide expert technical guidance, on-the-job training, and mentorship to junior and journeyman telecommunications specialists.
• Collaborate with network and cybersecurity teams to ensure seamless and secure integration of UC systems with the broader IT enterprise.

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements

Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in telecommunications and network engineering.
• At least five (5) years of this experience must be focused on designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-level VTC and VoIP systems (Cisco based environments preferred).

Certifications (Baseline)

• Must possess a current CompTIA Security+ CE certification (or higher) to meet DoD 8140 requirements for IAT Level II.
• This position requires current industry certifications, including AVIXA CTS, Extron Specialist/Engineer-level certifications, and Biamp Tesira certifications, reflecting proficiency in AV fundamentals, control system design, and professional grade DSP configuration.

Security Clearance

• Must be able to acquire and maintain a DoW Security Clearance.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level knowledge of VTC and voice signaling protocols (SIP, H.323, SCCP).
• In-depth, hands-on experience managing Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Cisco Meeting Server (CMS), and Expressway/VCS.
• Strong understanding of network engineering principles as they relate to real-time traffic, including Quality of Service (QoS), multicast, and IP routing.
• Proficiency with network and protocol analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark).
• Experience securing UC systems in a DoD environment.