Telecom SME (Data Center)

This role can be aligned with any U.S. location. Ideally, we're aiming to hire the best candidate and that individual could work from any JACOBS US based office.

At Jacobs, we're delivering the communications backbone behind some of the world's most advanced facilities. As a leader in mission critical and hyperscale data center design, Jacobs partners with global technology clients to plan and deliver high performance, AI enabled data centers where connectivity, resiliency, and latency are non negotiable.

We are seeking a Senior Telecom Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership across our U.S. data center portfolio. This role blends deep telecom and network infrastructure expertise with strategic influence, supporting both project delivery and long term technical direction. The position may be based at any Jacobs U.S. office location.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

You will serve as a senior technical authority for telecom and network systems across hyperscale and enterprise data center programs. This includes leading the design, review, and optimization of structured cabling, backbone fiber, and resilient network architectures. You will advance Jacobs' telecom standards, guide fault tolerant and low latency design strategies, and support the integration of communications systems within complex, multi discipline environments.

Strategic & Client Impact

As a visible technical leader, you will support key client engagements, proposal efforts, and strategic pursuits-helping define solutions for complex, high value data center programs. You will work closely with business development and delivery teams to articulate technical differentiation and reinforce Jacobs' leadership in mission critical connectivity.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

This role plays an important part in developing Jacobs' telecom capability. You will mentor engineers and designers, contribute to internal standards and knowledge repositories, and represent Jacobs through thought leadership and industry engagement.

Delivery Support & Execution

Balancing strategy with hands on involvement, you will support commissioning, troubleshooting, and lifecycle performance of telecom systems across multiple concurrent projects. You'll lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts, ensuring systems perform as intended in fast paced, schedule driven environments.

Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).

20+ years of experience in telecom engineering, with 15+ years in mission-critical/data center environments.

Proven expertise in structured cabling systems, fiber optics, DWDM, SD-WAN, and network resiliency.

Strong familiarity with ANSI/TIA standards, BICSI guidelines, and global telecom regulations.

Experience with network design tools such as REVIT, cable management systems, and telecom commissioning protocols.

RCDD certification or equivalent is a plus.

Exceptional communication, leadership, and multi-tasking skills.

Preferred Experience

Experience with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center clients.

Involvement in sustainability and energy-efficient telecom design.

Vendor management and contract negotiation experience.

Hands-on commissioning and retro-commissioning expertise.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with occasional travel to data center sites and client locations.

Travel up to 25% based on project and business needs.

On-call availability for critical incident support.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.