Vice President, Geographic Information Systems and Fiber Network Planning
Essentia Inc. is a leader in telecommunications infrastructure development, specializing in fiber network planning, construction, and deployment across the United States. We design and build fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, as well as high-capacity fiber routes connecting hyperscale data centers through metro and long-haul fiber builds. To and support our continued growth, we are seeking a Vice President of Geographic Information Systems and Fiber Network Planning to lead the development of FTTH, metro, and long-haul fiber routes for both residential and hyperscaler connectivity.
Position Overview :
The Vice President, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Fiber Network Planning (FNP) will be responsible for leading fiber network design, GIS strategy, and route feasibility analysis for both FTTH deployments and hyperscaler interconnectivity. This executive will oversee fiber route development, including metro fiber builds within cities and long-haul fiber routes between data centers and major interconnection hubs. The role will also focus on optimizing fiber paths for cost efficiency, permitting feasibility, and long-term scalability.
This position will lead a high-performance GIS team in India that supports U.S.-based operations, working closely with engineering, construction, and permitting teams to execute network expansion projects. The ideal candidate is a GIS and fiber network expert with deep experience in FTTH, metro, and long-haul fiber route planning.
Key Responsibilities :
Strategic Leadership & GIS Management
- Develop and execute a GIS strategy to support FTTH, metro, and long-haul fiber planning.
- Lead and mentor a remote GIS team in India or the Philippines, ensuring high-quality support for U.S. operations.
- Oversee the automation of GIS workflows using Python, SQL, FME, and ModelBuilder to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Align GIS initiatives with Essentia’s long-term business strategy, supporting both residential broadband and hyperscaler fiber connectivity.
Fiber Network Planning & Hyperscaler Connectivity
Direct the design, analysis, and optimization of fiber networks for :FTTH deployments, ensuring cost-effective coverage for residential and business customers.Metro fiber builds, optimizing connectivity between hyperscale data centers, enterprise customers, and network aggregation points.Long-haul fiber routes, identifying and evaluating city-to-city fiber paths for hyperscaler interconnectivity and low-latency applications.Perform route feasibility analysis for metro and long-haul fiber builds, considering terrain, existing ROWs, permitting requirements, and network scalability.Identify dark fiber, conduit, and right-of-way opportunities to support cost-effective network expansion.Work closely with hyperscaler customers, data center operators, and fiber carriers to develop high-capacity, resilient fiber routes.Regulatory Compliance, Permitting & Right-of-Way Analysis
Oversee GIS-based permitting analysis for :DOT approvals, pole attachments, and underground fiber construction.Railroad, highway, and utility right-of-way negotiations.Federal, state, and local permitting processes for fiber deployment.Develop strategies to navigate long-haul fiber permitting challenges, including environmental impact studies, railroad crossings, and complex ROW negotiations.Provide GIS data and mapping support for broadband grants (BEAD, RDOF) and public-private partnership projects.Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting
Serve as the key liaison between GIS, network engineering, construction, finance, and executive leadership.Deliver high-level GIS reports, fiber coverage analysis, and network expansion recommendations to senior executives and hyperscaler customers.Work closely with business development teams to evaluate hyperscaler, enterprise, and carrier fiber demands, supporting new market expansion.Manage GIS integration with OSS / BSS platforms, network inventory systems, and real-time fiber monitoring tools.The Successful Candidate Will Possess :
Required Qualifications :
10+ years of experience in US Mainland GIS, fiber network planning, or telecommunications infrastructure.Proven leadership experience managing GIS teams, preferably in an offshore / remote setting.Expertise in ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD Map 3D, Google Earth, and spatial databases.Deep understanding of FTTH, metro, and long-haul fiber networks, including fiber route design, feasibility analysis, and permitting.Strong knowledge of hyperscaler connectivity, including data center interconnection requirements, latency considerations, and backbone fiber planning.Experience with permitting, DOT regulations, and ROW planning for fiber deployment in the U.S.Technical proficiency in Python, SQL, ModelBuilder, and automation tools for GIS workflows.Excellent communication skills to collaborate across international teams and time zones.Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in GIS, Geography, Telecommunications, Engineering, or a related field.Preferred Qualifications :
Experience working with United States hyperscalers, data center operators, or wholesale fiber carriers.Knowledge of OSS / BSS systems, ESRI Utility NetworkBackground in government-funded broadband projects (BEAD, RDOF, CAF II).