Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Work Preference
Playing guitar, fishing, camping, hiking
Timeline
Generic
Eric Huffman

Eric Huffman

Director of Engineering
Butler,Pennsylvania

Summary

Innovative Director of Engineering with 27 years developing and applying new technologies to deliver exceptional final products. Combines technical engineering capability with effective management techniques. Dedicated to driving rapid, advanced product development through meticulous oversight of staff and hands-on participation.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Engineering

Armstrong
Butler, PA
01.2021 - Current
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
  • Built strong teams through selective recruitment and post-hire mentorship of junior engineers.
  • Collaborated closely with sales teams to develop customized solutions that met client needs while driving revenue growth.
  • Evaluated existing procedures and made proactive adjustments to meet changing demands.
  • Managed resource allocation and utilization for entire Engineering department.
  • Managed budgets effectively while ensuring resource allocation aligned with company goals and objectives.
  • Delivered cost savings by negotiating favorable contracts with vendors, lowering material expenses without sacrificing quality.
  • Integrated architectural and engineering drawings to create cohesive packages.
  • Streamlined engineering processes for increased efficiency, leading to faster project completion and reduced costs.
  • Designed and monitored project schedules and project manager assignments.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to keep material costs within set budgets.
  • Completed annual capital budgeting, invoice review and approval and weekly work schedules.
  • Attended weekly department head meetings to share information and voice concerns.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Network Design Engineer

Armstrong
Butler, PA
01.2014 - 01.2021
  • Assisted with implementation and support of network monitoring tools.
  • Collaborated with vendors to identify best options for optimizing network performance.
  • Prioritized simultaneous projects to perform effectively under shifting deadlines in fast-paced environment.
  • Spearheaded migration projects to transition legacy systems onto modern platforms, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.
  • Managed vendor relationships to negotiate favorable pricing on hardware acquisitions, reducing overall project costs substantially.
  • Reviewed technical specifications from clients and vendors to confirm adequacy, accuracy and functionality.
  • Standardized configuration templates for various networking devices to simplify deployments consistently across sites while reducing human error chances.
  • Developed detailed network documentation, greatly simplifying future expansion efforts and troubleshooting procedures.

Voice Operations Manager

Armstrong
Butler, PA
03.2005 - 01.2014
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Led change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation without compromising employee morale or productivity levels.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Network Operations Manager

XO Communications
Columbus, OH
02.2000 - 03.2005
  • Identified timeslots for preventive maintenance by examining work schedules and reducing service disruptions for network users.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, driving continuous optimization of the network environment.
  • Maintained prescribed network software configurations to support consistent and reliable infrastructure performance levels.
  • Conducted regular audits of the network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
  • Responded to network outages and issues related to circuits, websites, vendors and telecoms.
  • Coordinated efforts between internal teams and external partners during complex troubleshooting scenarios, effectively addressing root causes to prevent recurrence.
  • Devised scripts and automation tools to improve system efficiency.
  • Identified and resolved network congestion issues and bottlenecks.
  • Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software.
  • Monitored networks and network devices to resolve technical problems quickly.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless integration of new technologies into the existing network infrastructure.
  • Optimized resource allocation with thorough capacity planning and forecasting activities.
  • Analyzed network traffic and performance metrics to optimize system performance.
  • Championed the successful implementation of key infrastructure upgrades, enhancing the organization''s overall network capabilities and long-term stability.
  • Led successful network migration projects, minimizing disruptions to business operations during transitions.
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost-effective solutions while meeting performance requirements.

Implementation Engineer

XO Communications
Columbus, OH
09.1997 - 02.2000
  • Proactively identified areas for improvement within current processes, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and productivity.
  • Worked with technical staff on system audit to execute implementations on time and within functional parameters.
  • Implemented operations and installations for turn up of SONET and DWDM systems.
  • Established and conducted quality control programs to verify construction projects met required quality standards.
  • Analyzed existing structures to create plans for modifications and improvements.
  • Championed an innovative, result-driven approach that fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
  • Assisted in the design and development of innovative technical solutions, resulting in increased profitability for the company.
  • Prepared, checked, and coordinated documentation to support network design and application.

Communications Technician

Ameritech
Columbus, OH
09.1995 - 09.1997
  • Installed and configured new devices and system components.
  • Maximized productivity by effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality or timeliness.
  • Optimized system performance with regular testing, troubleshooting, and repairs of communication devices.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by sharing expertise with junior technicians, fostering teamwork and professional development within the department.
  • Increased system reliability through routine maintenance of communication equipment and infrastructure.
  • Developed detailed documentation and technical manuals for telecommunications systems
  • Conducted site surveys to assess the feasibility of proposed communication installations, saving time and resources during project planning stages.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete complex projects on time and within budget.
  • Tested equipment and circuits using various tools such as standard hand tools and network diagnostic tools.
  • Performed periodic system upgrades and maintenance to meet industry standards.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Communications

Ohio University
1994

Skills

  • Facility Management
  • Change Management Process
  • Team Direction
  • Goal Management
  • Maintenance Procedures
  • Workflow Planning
  • Facility Operations
  • Systems Integration
  • Capital Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Construction Documentation
  • Equipment Monitoring
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Data Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Employee Development
  • Project Management
  • Best Practices and Standards
  • Technical Direction
  • Engineering Leadership

Accomplishments

  • Optical Networking, DWDM, SONET
  • VoIP, SIP, MGCP
  • Cisco IOS/XR
  • MPLS, OSPF, BGP L3 routing
  • L2 Ethernet Services E-Line, E-Tree, VPLS
  • DOCSIS last mile technology
  • GPON / XGS-PON FTTH technology
  • IP Video (Streaming) Architecture

Affiliations

Project Management Institute (PMI) Member & completion of Project Management fundamentals coursework The Dale Carnegie Leadership Course

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

HybridOn-SiteRemote

Important To Me

Company CultureWork-life balance401k matchPaid time offFlexible work hoursStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingCareer advancement

Playing guitar, fishing, camping, hiking

An avid collector and guitarist with a passion for the outdoors. Regularly fishes local lakes and streams and enjoys weekend camping and hiking trips to explore new terrain. Music and nature hobbies provide a creative outlet and much-needed respite from daily stresses. Continuously seeking new guitars to add to my collection and outdoor adventures to undertake.

Timeline

Director of Engineering

Armstrong
01.2021 - Current

Network Design Engineer

Armstrong
01.2014 - 01.2021

Voice Operations Manager

Armstrong
03.2005 - 01.2014

Network Operations Manager

XO Communications
02.2000 - 03.2005

Implementation Engineer

XO Communications
09.1997 - 02.2000

Communications Technician

Ameritech
09.1995 - 09.1997

Bachelor of Science - Communications

Ohio University
Eric HuffmanDirector of Engineering