Architect, VOD Technologies

Description This engineer will be responsible for architecting, investigating, evaluating and overseeing the implementation of new technology in the area of Video on Demand. This may include technology for deployment at our centralized facilities or at our field sites. The candidate is expected to be a subject matter expert in VOD and to have a working knowledge of digital video systems overall. A candidate for this position should have demonstrated experienced with VOD systems operating with the S-A and/or Motorola cable environments with specific interest in Seachange and Concurrent configurations, or familiarity with NGOD implementations. This is a senior position requiring strong matrixed-management and effective communications skills as well as rigorous critical thinking. The position includes opportunity to travel within the U.S. of up to 15%. There may be rare occasions when the engineer is required to support an overnight maintenance window due to trials or pilots of new technology.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with Cox¿s VOD stakeholders and our architecture group to take ideas from concept to design in conjunction with suitable vendors.
Work with Cox business teams to collect and document business and engineering requirements and author RFP/RFI documents and evaluate responses.
Draft architectural and design documents for existing or planned environments.
Conduct hands-on engineering evaluations and make vendor recommendations on VOD related technologies including asset creation, asset distribution, subscriber facing VOD service, VOD ad insertion, and advanced VOD services such as Start over.
Work with other teams to support the integration of VOD to other applications clients.
Work with multiple technology vendors to resolve integration challenges and lead large scale trials and network installations.
Provide written status of your projects and assignments on a regular basis.
Manage technology development or integration against timelines.
Support development of test plans based on requirements
Hands on support for VOD development and test environments

QUALIFICATIONS:
The ability to analyze and reduce complex problems, and strong critical thinking skills are required.
Experience with N.American Motorola or Cisco / SA cable environments is required.
Experience with VOD asset distribution and headend systems is required; experience with either Seachange or Concurrent product lines (back offices or pumps) is preferred.
Broader video engineering experience such as MPEG 2 encoding and transport, multiplexing, encryption and ad insertion is required.
Basic IP networking skills, basic Linux and Windows experience is required
BS degree or higher required. Electrical/Electronic and/or Computer Science is preferred.
10+ years of engineering experience in the video communications industry is required.
Ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical staff.
Must have strong technical writing skills and a proven ability to write technical specifications/requirements including the ability to organize ideas and present analysis
Ability to conduct industry and technology research from all available resources
Must have strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, be extremely self-motivated, be able to work with minimal day-to-day guidance and have the ability to own problems through to resolution.
Must be able to motivate and manage other employees, including clearly communicating objectives and providing coaching to junior team members or under- performing team members.
Some project management experience is optional.
Familiarity with the following is preferred: SARA/Passport/TVGuide, NGOD or ISA, UNIX, & Set-top boxes

There is assistance available for relocation.

Requirements Typical Training / Experience - Typically requires BS/BA in related discipline; Generally 5-8 years of experience in related field. Certification is required in some areas OR MS/MA and generally 3-5 years of experience in related field. Certification required in some areas

Dept/Org Scope & Impact - Seasoned professional contributor with responsibility for an advanced area of work in the professional field; May be responsible for entire projects or functions having modest scope/impact or portions of projects having considerable scope/impact to department, area, and, at times, business unit results

Problem Complexity - Performs advanced areas of work for the professional field; Identifies key barriers/core problems and applies problem-solving skills in order to deal creatively with complex situations. Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems

Autonomy - Independently performs assignments with instruction limited to results expected. Determines and develops approach to solutions; Receives technical guidance only on unusual or complex problems or issues

Knowledge - Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of particular field of specialization to the completion of complex assignments. Advanced knowledge of organization's technologies and practices
Primary contribution is in applying knowledge (product, industry, professional, technical) rather than managing people. Greater than 50% of time is doing individual contributor work
No responsibility for developing and managing operating plans/budgets

Influence/People Leadership - May oversee the completion of projects or assignments, including planning, assigning, monitoring, and reviewing progress and accuracy of work, evaluating results, etc.; Contributes to employees' professional development, but does not have hiring or firing authority

As the third largest cable provider in the nation, Cox Communications, Inc. is noted for its high-capacity, reliable broadband delivery network as well as the company's ability to provide superior customer service. For Cox, it's not about being the biggest; it's about being the best.