Senior Network Technical Consultant - Collaboration

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. 

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD. 

Ahead is actively seeking a Senior Technical Consultant, UC/Voice/Collaboration Engineer to join our team on a full-time basis. As a rapidly growing leader in Network, Network Security, and Unified Communications, AHEAD is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet business goals and exceed client expectations. This role will play a critical part in delivering exceptional collaboration solutions. Technologies include UCaas platforms such as Webex Calling, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom; CCaaS platforms like Webex Contact Center and Five9; and Cisco on-premise solutions, including Call Manager, Unity Connection, and Unified Contact Center Express.

This senior-level role within AHEAD’s Network & Collaboration delivery environment requires a strong focus on technology leadership and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will lead the planning, design, and implementation of advanced collaboration solutions, working closely with partners and internal teams. Responsibilities include delivering tailored Unified Communications and Video solutions, providing technical leadership, and supporting the achievement of AHEAD’s sales and service objectives. Additionally, the role will focus on mentoring junior engineers and enhancing the collaboration practice.

• Collaborate with AHEAD management, Cisco, and third-party vendors to implement customized Unified Communications & Video solutions tailored to client needs.
• Document all aspects of the delivery process, including installation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Provide senior-level support for AHEAD’s internal networking and telephony solutions, supporting sales, consultants, and executive management.
• Work with the AHEAD sales team to identify new opportunities and solutions for customers.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior voice engineers.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide advanced technical expertise.
• Stay updated on vendor-agnostic collaboration technologies and contribute to enhancing AHEAD’s collaboration offerings.
• Assist in building standards for AHEAD’s collaboration practice.

• Plan, install, upgrade, and maintain Cisco IP Communications infrastructure components, including:
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM)
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager Session Management Edition (SME)
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (Unified CME)
• Cisco Unity Connection (CUC)
• Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX), including:
• DB integration to SQL
• Skill-based routing configuration
• Outbound dialing setup
• CCX script creation
• 3rd party CRM integration (e.g., Salesforce)
• Finesse layout design
• Cisco IM & Presence (IM&P)
• Cisco Expressway Core & Edge
• Cisco Video Solutions, including:
• Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (TMS)
• Cisco TelePresence Management Suite Extension for Microsoft Exchange (TMSXE)
• Cisco Meeting Server (CMS)
• Cisco Video Codecs
• Cisco IP Telephones
• Third-party applications
• Maintain a working knowledge of network infrastructure components supporting Unified Communications solutions, with an emphasis on voice gateways, including:
• Cisco Switching
• Cisco Integrated Services Routers (29XX, 39XX, 4XXX)
• Cisco Analog Gateways
• Dial-plan design
• SIP, MGCP, and H.323
• Plan, install, upgrade, and maintain cloud collaboration solutions (UCaaS), including:
• Webex Meetings/IM/Calling
• Webex Calling with Cloud PSTN
• Webex Calling with Local Gateway
• Webex Contact Center
• Microsoft PBX
• Microsoft Teams with Cloud PSTN
• Microsoft Teams with Direct Routing (BYOC via supported third-party SBC)
• Microsoft Teams Meetings
• Zoom Phone
• Zoom Phone with Cloud PSTN
• Zoom Phone with BYOC
• Zoom Meeting
• Perform system-level testing and user acceptance testing (UAT) for all applications and devices.
• Provide training for end-users and administrators.
• Provide support for third-party training resources.

• Prepare as-built documentation, design/topology drawings, and detailed testing documentation (system/user).
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with Ahead management regarding project status, scheduling conflicts, and delivery methodologies.

• Cisco CCNP-Collaboration or CCIE-Collaboration certification preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (equivalent experience will be considered).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with enterprise IP Telephony, PBX, Voice/Unified Messaging, and Call/Contact Center (ACD, IVR, CTI) systems.
• Strong working knowledge of TCP/IP internetworking, with a preference for experience in designing, planning, and implementing LANs and WANs using Cisco technology.
• Ability to work weekends and after-hours as necessary to resolve operational issues and meet business needs.
• Willingness to travel within the New York Metro Area.

Why AHEAD:

Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.

We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.

USA Employment Benefits include: 

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

- 401(k) 

- Paid company holidays 

- Paid time off 

- Paid parental and caregiver leave 

- Plus more! See benefits https://www.aheadbenefits.com/ for additional details.