Network & Operations Integration Lead (Contract) – Fiber Broadband M&A

About Telence Solutions
Telence Solutions is a multi-vendor network engineering, cybersecurity and AI operations partner for service providers and mission-critical industries. Our 70+ certified engineers and architects, including 21 Nokia Service Router Architects and CCIE and JNCIE holders, deliver vendor-level depth across IP/MPLS, optical, broadband, mobility, data center and security.
The Engagement
We're looking for a senior network integration leader to join a Telence engagement with a fast-growing fiber broadband provider in Texas. Our client is growing through acquisitions, with four to six planned through 2028 and the first integration already underway. You'll own the network, NOC and inside plant side of each integration, answering one question: how do we execute the integration strategy within the network?
You'll work directly with the client's VP of Network Engineering & Operations, coordinating with their M&A technology strategy lead and IT integration team. Corporate IT systems (CRM, billing, ERP, identity) are handled by a separate team, so your focus stays on the network.
What You'll Do
Pre-close due diligence: assess acquired networks (GPON/XGS-PON access, backhaul, core and interconnection), inventory hardware and its end-of-life status, review OSS/BSS platforms and NOC structure, and produce a risk register and preliminary cost estimate.
Day 1 readiness: connect the acquired network to the client's core over VPN, MPLS or direct interconnect, bring it into NOC monitoring within 120 days of close, and keep provisioning and activation running without disruption.
Architecture and standards: document current- and target-state architecture across access, aggregation, core and transport. Set platform standards (OLT vendors such as Calix and Nokia, routing and switching, CPE and optics), and define IP addressing, segmentation and routing policy.
Rationalization: decide whether to keep, integrate, migrate or retire each acquired platform, backed by a timeline and cost model.
OSS/BSS and NOC systems: migrate network inventory data, integrate provisioning workflows (ONT activation, service orders, CPE configuration), feed alarms and events (SNMP, syslog, telemetry) into the client's NOC, and set up SLA monitoring.
NOC and field operations: merge the acquired NOC into the client's operating model with unified runbooks, escalation procedures, truck roll and CPE swap triggers, spares strategy, and headcount planning.
Migration execution: plan and run OLT transitions, router and switch upgrades, CPE replacement and subscriber migrations, with rollback plans and no drop in subscriber experience.
Vendor management: inventory network contracts, find consolidation savings, and support negotiations for hardware, software and support agreements.
Playbook: turn the first integration into a repeatable playbook, with due diligence and Day 1 checklists, a rationalization framework and timeline templates, so each later acquisition goes faster.
Reporting: weekly status updates, an active risk and issue log, and monthly executive-ready summaries.
What You Bring
10+ years in network engineering or operations in fixed broadband or telecom.
Hands-on experience with FTTH/GPON/XGS-PON architecture and operations.
At least one M&A integration, network separation or major platform migration in a telecom or ISP setting.
Deep familiarity with OSS/BSS: provisioning, NMS/EMS, network inventory and ticketing.
A track record of documenting complex networks and producing executive-ready deliverables.
Strong vendor management experience across hardware, software and managed services.
The ability to run a workstream independently and manage up effectively.
Nice to Have
Hands-on experience with Calix, Nokia (7360 ISAM FX / 7750 SR) or Juniper platforms.
NOC buildout, consolidation or operating-model design.
BGP-LU-based network integration; familiarity with SRv6.
Integrating inside plant and field operations (dispatch, truck rolls, break/fix).
Work on a multi-acquisition integration program.
Understanding of telecom M&A regulatory considerations (FCC, state PUC).
Engagement Details
Type: independent contract through Telence Solutions, 12 months and renewable. Full-time during active integration phases, possibly moving to part-time advisory once stable.
Location: remote, with travel to acquired sites; Houston, TX area preferred.
Start: Q4 2026.
Why Telence
You'll have the backing of a deep bench of multi-vendor engineers, and a central role in a multi-year fiber growth program where your playbook shapes every acquisition that follows.
If you've integrated broadband networks through acquisitions and want to build the playbook for the next several, we'd like to hear from you.

Work arrangement
Yes