Job Overview
The Program Manager – In-Line Amplification (ILA) Construction is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of fiber optic network infrastructure projects involving the construction, installation, and commissioning of In-Line Amplification (ILA) sites. This role oversees all aspects of project execution, including site acquisition, engineering, permitting, civil construction, power installation, fiber deployment, equipment integration, testing, and commissioning. The Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, clients, contractors, utilities, and network operations teams while ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Program Leadership

• · Manage a portfolio of ILA construction projects across multiple geographic regions.
• · Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, risk registers, and resource plans.
• · Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, construction, operations, procurement, and network deployment.
• · Provide executive-level reporting on project status, milestones, risks, and financial performance.

Site Development & Construction

• Oversee all phases of ILA site development from site selection through commissioning.
• Manage construction activities including:
• Site acquisition and lease coordination
• Permitting and regulatory approvals
• Civil and structural construction
• Equipment shelter installation
• Utility coordination and electrical service delivery
• Generator and backup power installation
• Grounding and bonding systems
• Fiber optic cable placement and splicing
• Optical equipment installation
• Network integration and acceptance testing
• Ensure all work complies with engineering designs, specifications, and industry standards.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Manage general contractors, subcontractors, engineering firms, utility providers, and equipment vendors.
• Review and approve scopes of work, contracts, change orders, and invoices.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure adherence to project requirements.
• Lead contractor meetings and coordinate project schedules across multiple stakeholders.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develop and manage capital expenditure budgets for ILA deployment programs.
• Track project costs, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Review and approve contractor pay applications and vendor invoices.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project quality and schedule objectives.

Schedule & Risk Management

• Develop integrated project schedules and critical path analyses.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate utility power delivery timelines and long-lead material procurement.
• Drive issue resolution to prevent schedule delays and cost overruns.

Safety & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety requirements.
• Conduct regular site visits and safety audits.
• Implement quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Verify completion of inspections, testing, commissioning, and turnover documentation.

Telecommunications Infrastructure Oversight

• Coordinate installation and activation of optical transport systems and ILA equipment.
• Ensure proper integration of optical amplifiers, power systems, environmental controls, and network monitoring systems.
• Collaborate with Network Operations Centers (NOC), engineering teams, and commissioning personnel during activation.
• Support network acceptance testing and operational turnover.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Experience with DWDM, Optical Transport Networks (OTN), and long-haul fiber systems.
• OSHA 30 Certification.
• Knowledge of utility power systems, backup generators, UPS systems, and telecommunications facility infrastructure.
• Experience with nationwide telecommunications deployment programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Telecommunications, Project Management, or related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience managing telecommunications, fiber optic, utility, or infrastructure construction projects.
• Experience delivering long-haul fiber, middle-mile, backbone, or transport network projects.
• Strong understanding of ILA site construction, fiber optic infrastructure, and optical transport networks.
• Experience managing multiple construction trades including: Civil Construction, Electrical Construction, Fiber Installation and Splicing, Mechanical Systems, Site Development, Utility Coordination
• Proficiency with project management software, scheduling tools, and construction management platforms.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Champaign, IL 61822