Aaron Tarver
Salina,KS
Summary
Accomplished technology leader with 25+ years of experience in telecommunications, progressing from Switch Technician to Distinguished Engineer and Product Manager at Verizon. Proven innovator who created automated network optimization platforms now used company-wide. Expert in network performance engineering, product management, and leading cross-functional teams across multiple states and offshore locations. Strong track record of improving operational efficiency, implementing AI-driven solutions, and managing enterprise-scale network tools supporting thousands of end users and millions of customers.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Product Manager & Distinguished HQ Network Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Led product strategy for 5 enterprise network monitoring, management, and optimization platforms with 14 development teams. 200+ team members
- Product Manager of Real Time Tool Suite (7 teams), VSON (2 teams), XLPT (2 teams), Big Data Pipeline (1 team), and Airwave (2 teams)
- Increased team delivery efficiency from 60% to 90% through enhanced user story management and scope control
- Pioneered AI-powered analytics for performance optimization and UI reporting, significantly reducing end-user analysis time
- Streamlined stakeholder communication for 3,000+ internal end users, improving requirement gathering workflows
- Architected multiple data infrastructure projects to enable future AI/ML capabilities
- Note: Position concluded December 2024 (voluntary departure during workforce reduction)
Product Owner & Principal HQ Network Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Owned transformation of Real Time Tool (RTT) from Java desktop/Oracle backend to web application using React UI and Apache Druid architecture
- Scaled product from 1 to 7 development teams managing petabyte-scale data processing
- Worked with Nokia to design and implement enhanced data stitching of needed network data to feed the RTT suite.
- Completed Agile certification in Product Ownership, Product Management, and DevOps training
- Collaborated with thousands of end users and company leadership to design and prioritize feature improvements of the tools.
- Worked with teams to plan and execute on-time delivery of features and user stories.
Principal HQ Network Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Provided technical leadership and guidance to engineers across all Verizon markets nationally
- Led large-scale network deployments and created tools adopted company-wide
- Developed and delivered technical training and guidance for engineering teams
System Performance Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2003 - 01.2015
- Served as principal engineer over Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Illinois teams
- Managed network optimization for Kansas market primarily with unique Nortel/Ericsson equipment configuration
- Invented automated network parameter optimization platform using .NET/C# (prototype for current VSON tool)
- Handled millions of daily network changes through rule-based algorithms
- Scaled successfully until formal HQ adoption and development
- Built and maintained custom network statistics collection and reporting tools
- Led CDMA, EVDO, and LTE network deployments across the market
- Deployed reporting tools, configuration scripting tools, and trained engineers across 13 former CenturyTel markets
- Collaborated with HQ development teams to build reporting tools for all Nortel markets
- Promoted from Level 2 → Level 3 → Senior → Principal Engineer
RF Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Managed network design, real estate acquisition, and network optimization for Kansas
- Responsible for parameter optimization, antenna optimization, and tower design improvements
- Implemented capacity management and statistical reporting systems
Switch Technician
Verizon Wireless
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Managed day-to-day switching center operations in Moundridge, KS
- Worked with DMS-MTX 100, SS7, Voicemail, Billing systems, Windows, Unix
- Self-taught programming skills (C#, VB.NET, Perl, scripting) to automate common tasks and reporting
- Resolved technical issues across multiple platforms
Nortel Switching Center Commissioner
Field Telecoms, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Installed and commissioned switching center equipment for major carriers (Sprint, Nextel, LCI)
- Ensured proper installation and operation, troubleshooting issues before customer handoff
- Progressed from installation to commissioning responsibilities
Education
Technical Degree - Telecommunications
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Goodland, KS01.1998
Skills
- Programming Languages: C#, VBNET, Perl, Unix Shell Scripting, Windows Shell Scripting
- Frameworks & Technologies: NET, WPF, React, Java
- Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, Apache Druid, Oracle
- Network Technologies: CDMA, DMS-MTX 100, SS7, Nortel/Ericsson equipment
- Project Management Tools: Jira, Rally (Broadcomm), Microsoft Office
- Platforms: Unix, Windows, Web Applications
- Methodologies: Agile (Certified), DevOps, Product Management, Scrum
- Enterprise Tools: VSON, RTT, XLPT, Airwave, Big Data Pipeline
- Research and trend analysis
- Stakeholder relations
- Product vision and strategy
- Roadmap development
- Deep Engineering background in Network Engineering
Accomplishments
- Created automated network configuration platform adopted company-wide as VSON
- Successfully managed 14 development teams across 5 major network platforms
- Improved team efficiency by 50% through process optimization
- Led petabyte-scale data architecture transformation
- 25-year tenure with consistent promotions and expanded responsibilities
Timeline
Product Manager & Distinguished HQ Network Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2023 - 01.2024
Product Owner & Principal HQ Network Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2021 - 01.2023
Principal HQ Network Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2015 - 01.2021
System Performance Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2003 - 01.2015
RF Engineer
Verizon Wireless
01.2002 - 01.2003
Switch Technician
Verizon Wireless
01.2000 - 01.2002
Nortel Switching Center Commissioner
Field Telecoms, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2000
Technical Degree - Telecommunications
Northwest Kansas Technical College
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