Technical Implementation Liaison

*This is a full-time, hybrid position. During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location in Ann Arbor, MI. Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week.

*This is a term-limited position. The position end-date will be 3 years from your official start date.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Network Operations, the Network Services Technical Implementation Liaison coordinates end-to-end delivery of Internet and WAN-related services, from requirements intake and scheduling through carrier turn-up, testing/acceptance, documentation, and operational handoff. The role bridges technical teams (Network Engineering/Operations and third-party providers) and non-technical stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure implementations are completed on time, communicated clearly, and transitioned into support with minimal disruption.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/

Have questions about the role or want to learn more before applying?

Join our informal, open-forum Zoom sessions to connect with the hiring team! Drop in at any time during the hour and stay as long as you'd like - whether you have specific questions or just want to listen in.

Friday, May 15 | 12 PM - 1 PM EST | Click Here to Join Friday's Zoom Meeting

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Network Services Technical Implementation Liaison, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Translate client business requirements into technical specifications for network teams, and explain technical solutions or alternatives to clients. (E)
• Coordinate and track the processes of installing, configuring, and testing networking solutions to meet specific client needs, ensuring required documentation and approvals are captured. (E)
• Manage carrier turn-ups and delivery activities, applicable authorization support, delivery milestones, test plans/results, and outage/escalation communications as needed. (E)
• Review equipment location specifications for proper carrier activities and communicate information for proper internal reporting after changes are made.
• Lead delivery of network implementations and upgrades across Internet and Wide Area Network (WAN) related services. (E)
• Own implementation outcomes including (E):
  • Scheduling and milestone tracking
  • Change/release readiness and maintenance window coordination
  • Risk management, mitigation, and issue tracking
  • Stakeholder communications and status updates
  • Operational handoff
• Act as the first line of technical support during the implementation phase to support both network teams and customers. (E)
• Support testing and acceptance processes.
• Track and manage quoting, installation charges, and ongoing cost review for third-party circuit providers. (E)
• Assist in report development and compilation, prepare financial and operational projections of activity and costs, analyze and interpret budget-to-actual variances, and assist in developing accurate and timely internal reports.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of you for this job. Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

You have no supervisory responsibilities, however at times will direct the work of others within the scope of project management activities.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. You will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and up to 50lbs throughout the office or building.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 2+ years of experience coordinating technical implementations, service deliveries, or network-related projects
• Working knowledge of network service delivery concepts (e.g., WAN/Internet circuits, carrier turn-ups, demarcation/hand-off points, basic routing/switching concepts, and implementation testing/validation)
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical requirements into implementation plans, schedules, and stakeholder-ready communications
• Proven project coordination skills in managing multiple workstreams, priorities, risks/issues, and cross-functional dependencies
• Strong documentation skills and comfort working in ticketing and collaboration tools
• Ability to manage vendor/provider relationships and escalate effectively to meet timelines and service expectations

• Experience delivering network or telecom implementations
• Exposure to structured project methods, performance dashboards, and presentations and change management practices

Starting salary range is $65,000 - $70,000 annually, depending on experience and credentials.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance
• Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career
• And more, discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits

Merit's Mission: To advance a future of digital opportunity with abundant network connectivity that enriches research, learning, and vitality for people across Michigan and around the world. We pursue this mission by operating an open, trusted, high-performing network and by sharing knowledge that builds capacity to connect. To learn more about Merit Network, please visit: www.merit.edu.