FirstLight Fiber is seeking an experienced Analyst to join our Telecom Expense Management Team.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Analyst for TEM is responsible to provide Business Optimization and reduction of COGs for Firstlight. Job Description: Provide knowledge and expertise of various data as it pertains to vendor circuits and costs. Responsible for managing telecom provider contracts, services and invoices. Utilizing a variety of database tools including but not limited to MSCI LAS, Order Management System, Salesforce, Costguard and Excel to track inventory, invoice validation and validate claims. Researching services (voice, data, data center on the buy and sell side for our Vendors/ partnered Carriers. Tracking and providing reports to assist management with billing and reconciliation. Assist the team as needed while maintaining data integrity and holding conduct to high standards of confidentiality and adhere to restrictions Firstlight deems appropriate on use and storage of data. Responsible for working various projects to achieve financial goals set forth by Management. Reviewing data to evaluate accuracy, categorization and mapping. Collect and process data that include cost saving for Firstlight. Duties/Responsibilities:

• Strong organizational skills with ability to meet daily and weekly deadlines
• Attention to detail and professional work ethic with can do attitude
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment that also requires strong team work
• Strong Microsoft office knowledge including enhanced level Excel and database tools at intermediate level
• Telecom and technology expense management experience
• Ability to interpret invoices in various formats
• Project Management and tracking including work effort, financial tracking, work task entries, cost savings, process efficiencies, and quality improvements
• Working knowledge of translating contractual commitments to purchase orders, budgets and reconciling to invoices
• Order Management System experience preferred, working knowledge of purchase order process and invoice reconciliation required
• Exposure to, or working knowledge of expenses related to network, voice, and data centers preferred
• Ability to understand and map processes, define, and measure process performance and metric trends
• Must be able to interface with end-user business, technology customers and vendors in an effective and positive manner

Education and Experience:

• Excel and multiple database systems
• Telecom and Technology expense management
• Financial tracking / expense management
• Self-motivator with excellent organization skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

The Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for the management of a multi-tenant cloud within the FirstLight data center environment. The successful candidate will be experienced in delivering highly available Infrastructure as a service to a diverse user base. This role provides the ability to operate in a dynamic environment, supporting customers deploying a wide range of cutting edge and business critical applications, including VMware, vCloud, Veeam, and Zerto. This position will be part of a highly collaborative team that emphasizes knowledge sharing, documentation, and skills development. Primary Responsibilities:

• Architecture and support of new and existing mixed VMware environments, including troubleshooting and resolving Tier 3 escalations for managed VMware and storage environments
• Deployment & maintenance of new and existing FWaaS deployments, including troubleshooting and resolving customer escalations for managed Fortinet & Sophos environments
• Identify technology upgrades and improvements based on experience and industry best practices
• Participate in the research and development on the latest virtualization technologies tools, and capabilities as well as other emerging infrastructure capabilities
• Create and maintain architecture and troubleshooting documentation to reduce unnecessary escalations
• Contribute to excellent customer service, communication, process support, and accountability

  Required Technology Skills Minimum 6+ years of hands-on experience with architecture, implementation, and support of VMware environments with the following technologies:

• VMware 7+
• Clustering, replication, and high-availability technologies
• High-performance storage
• Enterprise systems and security
• Storage networks
• Solid Power Shell, Power CLI
• Planning and directing complex projects
• Backup as a service
• Disaster Recovery as a service

  Required Executive Functioning:

• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills combined with strong written and oral communication skills
• Independent self-starter who is able to successfully complete job functions with minimal supervision
• Reliable and a responsible team player (documentation, mentoring, and collaboration)
• Strong desire to learn new skills and apply knowledge to solve unique challenges and improve the team

  Certification and Education:

• VMware VCP or VCAP
• Veeam VMCE
• BA/ BS in relevant subject preferred but not required

The Contract Specialist acts as the central point of contact on assigned proposals to lead and guide the work of the Bids with the Business team. Job Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Reviewing RFQs, RFP’s and RFI’s to ensure compliance with company protocol and standards while creating proposal outlines.
• Preparing Templates and other documents used for collaboration and final response.
• Coordinating kickoff call with members of the Sales, Engineering, and Business Team  to ensure that proposals are presented successfully
• Research and gather information to include corporate information, product information, and other standard materials.
• Maintain, augment, and improve library of reusable components, templates, and processes to reduce response time and improve quality on future bids.
• Print, prepare, and ship final RFP’s. Some occasional travel may be required to get a bid in on time.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Knowledge, and Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess strong computer skills with proficiency in Word, Adobe, Excel, and Outlook, as well as an aptitude to learn and navigate multiple operating systems. Ability to communicate professionally through all types of media with associates, management, and customers exhibiting poise, composure, and confidence when confronting high-pressure situations. Must have strong attention to detail, be well organized, and reliable. Ability to manage many proposals at once, prioritizing work projects to meet or exceed deadlines while keeping involved parties up to date on the status of the project. Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness. Knowledge and/or experience with RFPIO (or equivalent software programs) beneficial. Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) with a minimum of two (2) years relevant telecom, sales, or contract experience. Three - five (3-5) years relevant experience preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The OSP Make Ready Specialist is responsible for processing all required utility make ready needed to obtain a license in a timely and compliant manner to allow the OSP construction team to safely attach to utility poles. Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Issue utility make ready packages to approved contractors for review and cost estimate.
• Tracks and follows up on pending estimates to ensure they are obtained within strict time frames.
• Communicate with other third party attachers to coordinate additional make ready that may be required.
• Troubleshooting resolutions to decrease delays and/or expenses.
• Actively seeks to develop business rapport with licensing stakeholders, utility representatives, contractors, and vendors, exhibiting professionalism while representing the company.
• Completes purchase requisitions for licensing and make-ready work. Reviews final invoices for accuracy, addressing discrepancies with the vendor.
• Updates both internal and external electronic databases. Maintains files and documentation thoroughly and accurately in accordance with company policy and accepted industry standards.
• Communicates make ready and licensing developments with internal departments to keep projects moving.
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, and SKILLS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the qualifications, knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have thorough knowledge of applicable outside plant make ready regulations as well as industry standards and procedures. Should possess strong computer skills with an ability to type 60-65 words per minute and be proficient in Excel, Outlook, and Word, as well as have an aptitude to learn and navigate multiple operating systems. Ability to communicate professionally through all types of media with utilities, contractors, municipalities, and associates, exhibiting poise, composure, and confidence when confronting high-pressure situations. Must have strong work ethic, be well organized, and reliable. Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) with a minimum of two (2) years relevant experience. Associates Degree in business administration, engineering, or related field with three (3) years relevant experience preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

First Light Fiber is looking for a highly skilled technical sales professional, with deep specialty in Cisco Collaboration Solutions, but strong proficiency in horizontal Cisco technology domains (Routing/Switching, Security, Data Center, Wireless).  Responsible for providing architectural design expertise on high value opportunities.   Collaborate with the sales, leadership, engineering peers, partners, and customers to develop winning and innovative business solutions and proposals by leveraging expertise, technical depth in architectural models and complimentary technologies, services and solutions.  Provides leadership in driving an architectural approach to understanding customer technical and service requirements within area of architectural specialization, including an in-depth knowledge of the competitive landscape.  Business/Market awareness allowing expertise an in-depth understanding to perform a business to technology translation integrating into the overall solution.  Technical advisor for their area to customer/field/partner architecting a long term (multi-year) business built solution. Responsibilities

• Identify Opportunities
  • Support territory surrounding identification of specialized opportunities
  • Support account planning when specialized opportunities are identified, especially on dedicated accounts
  • Impact market awareness by participating in seminars, showcases, public events, etc.
• Develop & Present Solutions
  • Provide technical qualification for opportunity and can expertly recommend a Cisco Validated Design or an alternative solution
  • Actively recommend solutions options for customer and serve as liaison for driving product and solution innovations.
  • Design customized solutions for specific customers and industries within specialty
  • Produce Bill of Materials including all equipment and professional services required for project completion
  • Identify and engage appropriate post-sales support resources to position a service sell
  • Leverage existing business relationships with the Account Team internally, and various technology and business groups within customers' organizations to recommend innovative customer solutions.
  • Provide leadership and guidance in technical responses to customer RFP's. Trial and demonstration support.
  • Perform executive-level presentations for customers, partners, and prospects.
• Close
  • Adjust design based on customer negotiation process
  • Synch with post-sales engineer and provide adequate documentation for clear handoff to post-sales organization
  • Document technology-focused PoC/PoV if applicable to multiple customers and share findings with Solution Architect community.
• Personal & Organizational Development
  • Research and report on Cisco’s competition to develop "best of breed" white papers in area of technology specialization.
  • Publish white papers in specialty area.
  • Seek out opportunities to partner with and mentor less-experienced teammates within specialty, to share leading practices and help strengthen capabilities.
  • Leverage specialty expertise to help address customer concerns/issues and expedite a deal through the sales process.
  • Educate customer-focused resources on revenue opportunities within specialty
  • Promote new and innovative approaches to addressing business challenges and problems.

Skills & Behaviors

• Business Acumen
  • Maintain a detailed-level of expertise of the business economics and trends within specialty, and how Cisco solutions add financial and strategic value.
  • Expert at understanding Cisco vision and technology; articulate the vision from the customer perspective and create unique, novel value propositions around Cisco solutions
  • Expert understanding of customer business drivers and how to map these to a customer network platform, including identification of improvement areas in network design
  • Interact at a senior technical level within an account. Be a trusted technical advisor to the account team and customer
• Technical Acumen
  • Advanced knowledge of Cisco Collaboration Technologies.
  • Strong understanding of internetworking industry trends, including new products and solutions
  • Strong understanding of competitive product and solution landscape and can articulate trade-offs between Cisco and competitor products
  • Advanced knowledge in Routing & Switching
  • Advanced knowledge in Networking Platform Design
  • Expert technical consulting skills, including ability to define trade-offs, ask probing questions, and incorporate customer solutions into a broader technology environment
  • Expert knowledge in solution design
  • CCNP Collaboration preferred. Cisco CCIE Collaboration highly desired.
• Leadership Ability
  • Viewed internally as the lead mentor in providing technical and career guidance for peers
  • Leads internal virtual teams in domain area and actively collaborates to share best practices and areas of technical innovation
  • Able to drive solution delivery for specific opportunity
  • Has responsibility and demonstrates leadership in organizing special interest teams, industry events, and competitive teams.
  • Clearly and succinctly convey information and ideas, including expert executive communication and presentation skills
  • Probe customer business needs with insightful questions and demonstrate ability to recommend appropriate solutions and defend recommendations in a competitive environment
  • Expert at identifying and leading the appropriate resources (internal and external) required to develop and execute major customer strategic initiatives
  • Expertly recognize contentious situations and build consensus both within Cisco and with customer organizations
  • Promote new and innovative approaches to addressing business challenges and problems.