Director Of Engineering Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: Responsible for driving revenue and account growth through a balanced, hands-on focus on pre-sales engineering strategy and executive-level delivery. In this position, time will be evenly split between originating new business and serving as the lead strategist on marquee accounts nationwide. This position will include 40-50% delivery and 40-50% pre-sales business development support including proposal conversion, and national brand influence. Requires deep operational expertise within broadband service provider environments, seamlessly bridging the gap between engineering, GIS, deployment operations, and federal/state funding mechanisms. Serve as a premier trusted advisor to telecom cooperatives, municipal networks, and independent broadband operators, serving as a prominent public voice for the firm at national trade shows and industry panels. Closely coordinating with all Client Services and Delivery Services teams.

Responsibilities:

Pre-Sales Strategy & National Business Development (50%)

• Lead technical pre-sales discovery to translate client network goals into actionable engineering, GIS, and consulting proposals across a national footprint.

• Architect complex project scopes that seamlessly combine feasibility studies, funding strategies, and outside plant (OSP) engineering.

• Pitch executive-level solutions directly to telecom boards, municipal councils, and commercial C-suites.

• Develop customized collateral including tailored pitches, presentations, and technical briefs that address the highly specific operational and regional challenges of individual clients.

• Drive national pipeline growth by acting as the primary operational and technical subject matter expert during the sales cycle.

• Elevate company market presence by actively attending trade shows, leading presentation topics, and participating as a panelist or moderator on key broadband issues.

Client Advisory & Delivery (50%)

• Serve as the lead executive consultant on major strategic accounts, guiding clients through the entire lifecycle from initial feasibility to active network deployment.

• Communicate effectively across all stakeholder levels, translating complex engineering, financial, and GIS concepts into clear, actionable updates for technical teams, C-suite executives, and public boards alike.

• Direct high-level grant capture strategies for major programs (e.g., BEAD), ensuring strict alignment between funding requirements and physical engineering plans.

• Advise C-suite clients on service provider operational efficiency, back-office workflows, regulatory shifts, market competition, and technology roadmaps.

• Partner with internal engineering teams as needed to support strategic planning and GIS mapping to physical network design and construction.

• Protect and expand margins on major accounts by identifying new billable services and ensuring deliverables meet the highest quality, operational viability, and compliance standards.

Performance Indicators

• Billable utilization and delivery services, customer satisfaction

• Win Rate: Successful conversion of pre-sales opportunities and grant applications into active engineering projects.

• Brand Amplification: Execution of thought leadership targets, including panel placements, speaking engagements, and trade show impact.

• Client Retention: Long-term satisfaction and retention metrics across the strategic account portfolio.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

• Partner with finance, operations, and executive leadership on project funding and reporting.

• Build and maintain strong relationships internally and with suppliers, contractors, and external stakeholders.

• Present strategies, updates, and recommendations to executives, boards, or public partners.

• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering, or combination of post-secondary education and experience in leadership roles.

Experience:

Required:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in the broadband, telecommunications, utility, or engineering consulting industry.

• Knowledge of fiber network design, construction management, and deployment best practices.

• Demonstrated experience leading strategic client engagements, business development initiatives, and executive-level consulting services.

• Deep operational knowledge of broadband service provider environments, including network deployment, OSP engineering, GIS, and telecommunications operations.

• Proven success developing and converting complex technical proposals, consulting engagements, or engineering projects.

• Experience advising executive leadership, boards, municipal organizations, or public-sector stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of broadband funding programs, grant strategies, and regulatory requirements, including programs such as BEAD.

• Exceptional presentation, communication, and relationship-management skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred:

• Experience working with telecommunications cooperatives, municipal broadband networks, independent broadband operators, or electric utilities.

• Background in broadband feasibility studies, network planning, grant writing, or funding strategy development.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, GIS, operations, and consulting functions.

• Established industry presence through speaking engagements, conference presentations, panel participation, or published thought leadership.

• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, GISP, or relevant telecommunications industry certifications.

• Demonstrated success growing strategic accounts and generating new business opportunities in a consulting or professional services environment.

Licenses, Certifications, Training Requirements:

• A valid motor vehicle driver’s license in good standing is required. No DWI/DUI convictions.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors:

• Work is primarily computer work, and most assignments are performed in an office type environment.

• Flow of work involves normal mental and visual attention along with manual coordination much of the time.

• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Location (Office, Field, Hybrid, Remote): Remote

Travel: Travel is estimated 50% of the time.

In the spirit of pay transparency, the starting base pay range listed for this position is exclusive of benefits. If you are hired at Finley Engineering, your base pay will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and experience related to the position. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and will also consider internal equity of our current associates as a part of the final offer. Hiring at the high end of the range would not be typical.

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Finley Engineering does not intend to provide sponsorship for employment visa status for this employment position.