Senior Director of Network R&D

Job Summary

Leading a high-caliber team, the remote Senior Director of Network R&D will drive long-horizon experimentation and technology validation to shape future network capabilities, managing a focused portfolio of emerging technology initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Network R&D function, focusing on long-horizon experimentation and technology validation across emerging network technologies
• Build and manage a dedicated R&D team while collaborating with internal and external partners to support innovative initiatives
• Establish and govern a clear R&D charter, ensuring initiatives have defined hypotheses, learning milestones, and decision criteria

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, telecommunications, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in network engineering, advanced technology strategy, R&D, or related technical leadership roles
• 10+ years of experience leading technical teams or cross-functional innovation programs
• Deep understanding of network architecture, optical and transport systems, and advanced network technologies
• Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into structured experiments and business-relevant recommendations