Network Switch Engineer

Scope of Position: Oversee daily operations of cellular switching systems. Provide troubleshooting fault resolution of switch and supporting equipment. Conduct hardware, software upgrades, changes and installation of new hardware. Perform routine and preventative maintenance including software database backups.

Specific Responsibilities:
* Maintain switch equipment as needed to ensure appropriate quality.
* Participate in the planning; conduct the installation, testing and activation of new or relocated switch and support equipment to meet customer requirements.
* Assist System Performance Engineer in evaluating system optimization.
* Monitor and maintain system logs as required for performance evaluation and reports.
* Respond to system alarms as required to maintain system-switching operations.
* Develop and maintain contacts with connecting switching system translations and maintenance forces.
* Develop expertise in SS7 and LAN operations, and support data operations.
* Perform and test hardware /software upgrades to in-service MTSO. Supervise vendors if they perform the upgrade.
* Monitor daily statistics via Intranet and coordinate with local techs to provide maximum performance of system.
* Monitor and maintain Inter-system traffic to and from other switches and/or cellular carriers.
* Coordinate installation, provisioning, testing and acceptance of DS3, DS1, DS0 circuits with various PSTN carriers.
* Monitor and perform updates to Least Cost Routing dialing patterns.
* Troubleshoot local and/or roaming customers' call processing issues.
* Capable of installing, wiring, and maintaining transmission equipment, (i.e. DSX panels, T-coder and mux shelves).
* Work with the NOC on national networking (NACN) and other technical issues.
* Work with Data Services Department to install, change, and maintain WAN networks.
* Analyze data gathered from the switch Operational Measurements to determine problems and assist in the resolution.
* Maintain and coordinate circuit activities within the defined area of switching responsibility to include PTSN and new/moving sites.
* Manage billing files, AFT and system backup tapes for the local MTSO.
* Maintain the voice mail system and associated circuits/backups/installs/modifications..
* Coordinate or perform maintenance of local MTSO that involves the emergency generator, batteries/power equipment, including testing and documenting routine exercising of emergency generator and Halon system.
* Set up, monitor, and maintain switch automatic trunk testing for each switch in the region. Results are to be reported to the appropriate Switch Manager and NOM.
* Create and maintain all translation changes, including all cell site tables, routing tables, hardware tables, and networking tables to prioritize work projects.
* Respond to after hour's emergency calls as well as after hours scheduled maintenance that are related to the switch.
* Install and maintain advanced wireless products, i.e. prepay, CDPD, UPS, Highway Master, Cellemetry, Voice Activated Dialing, Local number portability, Home Customer Care, SMS, and Message waiting indicators.
* Responsible for the dialup security of MTSO.

Qualifications:
* High school diploma or equivalent required. Valid driver's license required.
* Two or more years of technical training or related experience required, four years preferred.
* Field experience with Lucent 5E switch, CDMA, and Tellabs (DACS) equipment required.
* Related experience in computer operation, switching, radio or data communication required.
* Strong PC skills; working knowledge of various programming and scripting languages.
* General telco network, microwave systems, and/or cellular experience helpful.