VP of Network Operations Engineering

About the role

Tract is a team of digital infrastructure experts dedicated to accelerating responsible data center growth by developing master-planned data center parks with access to pre-positioned power and fiber in key markets where hyperscale and AI demand is going. Our approach is collaborative with governments, utilities, cities, and regions to ensure development is targeted for the optimal locations to maximize the economic development benefits for the community while being good stewards of the land and minimizing the impact on neighbors. Tract is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with real estate holdings throughout the United States.

The VP of Network Operations Engineering oversees the day-to-day operations of the network investments, translating corporate strategy into actionable plans, managing budgets, and ensuring alignment with long-term goals. This role is hands-on, requiring strategic vision, operational execution, and engineering skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executives to cascade corporate goals and develop operational strategies that support network business objectives
• Optimize CAPEX and OPEX budgets related to conduit and fiber, manage operational policies, and allocate resources effectively
• Mentor and lead high-performing operations/engineering teams, fostering accountability, leadership succession planning, and a culture of continuous improvement
• Oversee the tactical health of the physical OSP network topology, prioritizing installations, preventative maintenance, and rapid network repair
• Guide teams using project management tools to deliver milestones safely, on time, and within budget
• Enforce rigorous health, safety, and 811 regulations, embedding a proactive safety culture and tracking QA workflows and KPIs
• Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and municipal authorities, securing rights-of-way and permits
• Implement operational/engineering best practices to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve service delivery
• Develop and implement business development strategies, plans, and processes to achieve growth targets, expand market share, and increase revenue
• Develop detailed OSP network designs, including fiber routes, conduit systems, pole attachments, handholes, cabinets, and other supporting infrastructure
• Perform site surveys and field validation to ensure design accuracy and identify potential challenges
• Utilize design software such as GIS and CAD to prepare construction drawings, splicing schematics, and as-built documentation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Telecommunications, Engineering or related degree
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in telecom/broadband, OSP engineering, and fiber construction
• In lieu of degree, 15+ years of progressive leadership in telecom/broadband, OSP engineering and fiber construction
• 5+ years vendor management experience
• 5+ years managing budgets of ($25MM-$100MM)
• 5+ years building and managing teams of 5-10
• Expertise in fiber optic networks, splicing, testing, and construction standards
• Proficiency with project management software and GIS systems
• Strong leadership, analytical & problem solving abilities to make critical decisions with little input from others
• Self-motivated, low-ego leader with high emotional intelligence, transparency, and respect for teams and partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Start-up experience
• Experience with 3 GIS and/or ESRI
• Travel requirement: 25%

Pay

Expected salary range: $175,000 - $250,000 base salary plus discretionary bonus.

Benefits

• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K program
• Standard paid holidays
• Unlimited PTO