Network Tech Planning and Engineering Specialist

This particular posting is for a dual-role Cabling SME and DCLAN Planner position.

In the Cabling SME role, you will support Cabling requirements for the Enterprise Data Centers and various Campus Transformation projects throughout Southeast Michigan (i.e. opening new buildings, closing old buildings). You will also assist with providing ongoing support for Dearborn Fiber Network. The Cabling SME duties require onsite work at various locations (job sites) which could include Data Center platforms, Computer Rooms, MDF/IDF closets, tunnels, construction sites and locations in the public right-of-ways. It also involves desk work to maintain cabling records and provide cable mapping support for Planners.

In the DCLAN Planner role, you will coordinate planning activities for new network deployments or network refresh projects inside the Enterprise Data Centers that support various forms of Hosting and Storage infrastructure and ultimately global applications and their end-user experience. A good DCLAN Planner needs to be deeply familiar with the Enterprise Data Center environment, visiting the sites as needed. A solid working understanding of network technology and cabling is essential as well as the ability to coordinate all aspects of complex projects, technically and logistically, to deliver timely deployments. Solid communication skills are also essential to understand and translate Customer requirements into designs and set expectations for delivery and then successfully navigate the process to deliver the infrastructure on-time.

What you’ll do…

• Assist Network Planners with structured cabling designs and patch cable mappings for network deployments in the Enterprise Data Centers and at global LAN sites
• Manage cable inventories, customer forecasts and custom cable orders
• Assist with auditing structured cabling installations for standards and codes compliance
• Troubleshoot cabling incidents/issues
• Assist with training Network Planners, Network Operations and UAW Trades resources on best practices for structured cabling and patch cabling installations
• Manage relationships with UAW Trades (communications, electricians)
• Negotiate labor clearances when needed
• Create Scope of Work documents for UAW Labor quotes
• Oversee installations
• Manage relationships with cabling suppliers and contractors
• Support Dearborn Fiber Network (private metro fiber optic network)
• Support site survey, quote, design and installation for new DFN construction – both inside plant (ISP) and outside plant (OSP)
• Process DFN circuit installs/deletes; update fiber plan documentation
• Support ongoing right-of-way obligations (MDOT requests, MISS DIG, maintenance, etc.)
• Lead design and implementation planning for Data Center LAN projects:
• Communicate with various Server Hosting, Mainframe and Storage teams to understand network connectivity requirements; encourage compliance with Data Center standards
• Design network (logical, physical) according to approved standards; consult with Network Engineering team as appropriate if customer requirements don’t align with standards
• Arrange space and power with Data Center Facilities team
• Maintain bill-of-materials, obtain quotes, order network hardware and cabling
• Plan changes to network configurations in accordance with standards and following change control process/policy; plan associated DNS configuration changes
• Coordinate hardware, cabling and configuration tasks with Network Operations
• Create logical network drawings and change control documents
• Attend change control meetings to present project information and resolve implementation issues
• Manage project resources/timing and communicate plans to stakeholders
• Create network design and process documentation in various formats (drawings, spreadsheets)
• Coordinate Network Refresh projects (Cisco L2/L3 and ACI switches)
• Coordinate with Network Engineering to test new network designs, hardware, code updates, etc.
• Conduct site surveys
• Create Bill of Materials (BOM) for quotes
• Project Manage installations

You’ll have…

• Bachelors degree in Technology or related field.
• At least 3+ years of related industry experience:
• Working knowledge with troubleshooting skills in network and cabling
• Working knowledge of Singlemode and Multimode optical fiber and Cat-6a copper cable
• Working knowledge of Cisco IOS, NXOS, ACI, L2/L3 switch technologies and DNS
• Working knowledge of Ethernet switching (1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G)
• Working knowledge of basic networking, TCP/IP protocols and DNS
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Visio, Excel and Sharepoint applications
• Knowledge of BICSI structured cabling best practices
• Strong project management skills, organization skills, personal discipline, attention to detail, communication skills (written and oral) and quality mindset

Even better, you may have…

• Experience working in Enterprise Data Center environments
• Experience with outside plant (OSP) construction methods – directional boring, trenching and aerial
• Experience working with OTDR and Powermeter test kits
• Willingness to work in various environments (offices, plants, construction sites, tunnels, etc.)
• Cisco Networking Certifications (ex: CCNA, CCNP)
• Cabling Certifications (ex: RCDD)
• Project Management Certifications (ex: PMI)

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we’ve outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

For a detailed look at our benefits, click here: Benefit Summary

• Please note: This is a hybrid role, you are expected to relocate if you are not within commutable distance, and responsible to be on site at minimum 1 day a week *
• Visa Sponsorship is NOT provided for this role*

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

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