Courtney Smith
Rowlett,TX
Summary
Accomplished Distinguished Engineer at Verizon with expertise in project management and cost analysis. Successfully negotiated vendor agreements, achieving significant cost reductions while enhancing service quality. Proven ability to foster collaboration and communicate effectively across teams, driving operational efficiency and delivering innovative engineering solutions.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Distinguished Engineer
Verizon
01.2019 - 12.2025
- Manage and negotiate vendor support agreements to meet a corporate budget of approximately $900M.
- Identified and implemented strategic actions to reduce vendor support costs to meet corporate guidance and avoid upward pressure budget impacts.
- Communicated with a broad range of Verizon organizations to ensure quality support is maintained while meeting financial guidance.
- Established strong working relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Developed positive working relationships with stakeholders to effectively coordinate work activities.
Distinguished Engineer
Verizon
01.2009 - 12.2018
- Virtualization of applications and systems for implementation on the Verizon Cloud Network.
- Integration testing of all aspects of planned project for seamless network deployment
- Conducted rigorous quality assurance tests, identifying areas of improvement for product optimization.
- Implemented innovative engineering solutions to reduce downtime and improve service quality.
- Developed and executed project plans, ensuring timely delivery of engineering initiatives as well as providing comprehensive Tier IV support.
Senior Engineer
Worldcom/MCI/Verizon
01.2000 - 12.2008
- Developed and executed strategic plans for technology adoption, aligning with organizational goals and industry standards.
- Conducted comprehensive system analysis, identifying opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiency.
- Improved software reliability, conducting thorough testing and debugging sessions.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and delivering custom solutions.
- Facilitated major upgrade of manufacturing equipment, leading to enhanced production capabilities.
Engineer III
MCI/Worldcom
05.1997 - 12.1999
- Led cross-functional teams to implement technical solutions, enhancing operational efficiency across projects.
- Developed and executed engineering specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Achieved successful project outcomes by maintaining accurate documentation and meeting strict deadlines.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
Technical Training Engineer
Ericsson
07.1996 - 05.1997
- Developed and implemented training programs for technical customers to enhance skill proficiency.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in training and optimize learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design effective instructional materials and resources.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback mechanisms and adjusted content accordingly.
Network Surveillance Engineer I/II
MCI
01.1995 - 07.1996
- Analyzed system performance data to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
- Led investigations into incidents, utilizing surveillance data to take corrective actions.
- Provided technical support to end-users, resolving issues in a timely manner and minimizing system downtime.
- Performed network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose common problems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC12-1994
Minor - Business Management
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC12-1994
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Project management
- Project planning
- Data analysis
- Technical reporting
- System troubleshooting
- Root-cause analysis
- Time management
- Technical writing
- Cost analysis
- Team collaboration
- Network configuration
- Hardware troubleshooting
- Automated testing
- Technical documentation
- Quality assurance testing
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Troubleshooting
- Excellent communication
- Multitasking
- Problem resolution
- Work Planning and Prioritization
Accomplishments
Technology Leadership Award
Various Verizon Recognition Awards
Certification
Certified Ericsson Gateway Translation Instructor
Certified Ericsson IXC/EO Translation Instructor
Timeline
Distinguished Engineer
Verizon
01.2019 - 12.2025
Distinguished Engineer
Verizon
01.2009 - 12.2018
Senior Engineer
Worldcom/MCI/Verizon
01.2000 - 12.2008
Engineer III
MCI/Worldcom
05.1997 - 12.1999
Technical Training Engineer
Ericsson
07.1996 - 05.1997
Network Surveillance Engineer I/II
MCI
01.1995 - 07.1996
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
North Carolina State University
Minor - Business Management
North Carolina State University