Data Center Telecom SME (Data Center)

Jacobs is seeking a seasoned Telecom Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead technical excellence across our global data center portfolio. This role blends deep telecom infrastructure expertise with strategic foresight, serving as both an internal authority and external representative of Jacobs' mission-critical communications capabilities. The SME will drive innovation in network architecture, mentor emerging talent, and shape the future of resilient, high-performance data center connectivity.

Ideally, this SME will be based in our Omaha, NE office. However, we're aiming to hire the best candidate and that individual could work from any JACOBS US based office.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Provide internal leadership across telecom/network disciplines, setting direction and elevating standards.

• Lead design, review, and optimization of structured cabling, fiber optics, and network infrastructure for hyperscale and enterprise data centers.

• Champion innovation in high-speed connectivity, low-latency architecture, and fault-tolerant systems.

• Develop and maintain Jacobs' telecom standards, specifications, and best practices.

Strategic Impact & Business Development

• Act as the external face of Jacobs' telecom expertise in client engagements, industry forums, and strategic pursuits.

• Collaborate with sales teams to secure complex, high-value data center projects.

• Participate in client workshops, proposal development, and strategic planning to shape winning solutions.

• Support business strategy through thought leadership, technical differentiation, and delivery excellence.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and coach engineers and designers within the telecom discipline.

• Publish technical papers and contribute to Jacobs' internal knowledge base.

• Present at industry conferences and represent Jacobs in professional associations.

Execution & Multi-Tasking

• Balance strategic initiatives with hands-on project execution, managing multiple priorities in parallel.

• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and lifecycle performance of telecom systems.

• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts across global sites.

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).

• 20+ years of experience in telecom engineering, with 15+ years in mission-critical/data center environments.

• Proven expertise in structured cabling systems, fiber optics, DWDM, SD-WAN, and network resiliency.

• Strong familiarity with ANSI/TIA standards, BICSI guidelines, and global telecom regulations.

• Experience with network design tools such as REVIT, cable management systems, and telecom commissioning protocols.

• RCDD certification or equivalent is a plus.

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and multi-tasking skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center clients.

• Involvement in sustainability and energy-efficient telecom design.

• Vendor management and contract negotiation experience.

• Hands-on commissioning and retro-commissioning expertise.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to data center sites and client locations.

• Travel up to 25% based on project and business needs.

• On-call availability for critical incident support.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.