Telecom Program Manager

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Summary:
This specific role will have responsibility for leading and being a team member on multiple projects inside the Cat Technology Connectivity Telecom team.  These projects could range from telecom connectivity strategy, country / region specific connectivity, or other types of focused projects related to telecom and telematics solutions.  The candidate will be involved with multiple telecommunications carriers and internal Caterpillar organizations to deliver IoT connectivity via satellite and cellular technologies.   

The Connectivity organization builds innovative and scalable connectivity solutions that enable seamless data flow between onboard and offboard systems - delivering exceptional customer value through unified, intuitive integration. We enable IoT connectivity via multiple technologies, including cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more. This team has enterprise accountability for the telematics product line and network strategy, rationalization, quality, and cost.  Connected devices and telecom management are critical enablers to our services growth strategy as well as being foundational to the deployment of effective digital solutions for our dealers and customers.

What You Will Do:

As a Telecom Program Manager, you will own deliverables, projects, and processes related to telecommunications and carrier management to keep Caterpillar machines connected in the field, including contracts, rate/cost management, technology expertise, support, and development projects around related technologies and regional deployment.   The candidate will work with a variety of other teams within Connectivity, across the enterprise, and with outside current and potential vendors. 

• Daily and weekly management of telecom vendor business and technical relationships and ongoing activities
• Involved in negotiation and execution of new carrier contracts and amendments involving Caterpillar procurement and legal for telecom services, pricing adjustments, and operational changes
• Exploring new Telecom technologies, analyzing technical, operational, and commercial fit of new technologies and services for Caterpillar and working in conjunction with Connectivity Solutions team on execution
• Working with our internal regulatory experts to understand and apply technology-, carrier-, and country-specific regulations
• Guiding telecom service projects through the planning, development and validation process, overseeing project progress and costs; communicating status with stakeholders and participating functional areas; addressing and resolving problems
• Understanding, refining and documenting operational, technical, and financial project requirements
• Work with architecture, onboard and backoffice software, and telematics hardware technical organizations
• Heavily involved in optimization of telecom expenses
• Scheduling and leading project team meetings

What You Will Have:

• Data Gathering and Reporting: Knowledge of tools, techniques and processes for gathering and reporting data; ability to practice them effectively.
• Planning: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.
• Project Management: Knowledge of project management best practices; ability to plan, organize, monitor and control projects using appropriate strategies, tools, and technical resources.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Considerations For Top Candidates:

• Experience with IoT/Telematics solutions, architecture, business models, etc.
• Knowledge of cellular, satellite or IoT emerging technologies such as 5G SA networks, eSIM, Satellite broadband, Non-Terrestrial Networks, and Direct-to-Device services
• Experience analyz