MARK B. SHIMALA
Sr. Engineer - OSP Engineering
Needville,TX
Summary
Accomplished Senior OSP Engineer and U.S. Army Combat Veteran with over 15 years of experience in telecommunications infrastructure and mission-critical project execution, specializing in high-precision OTDR trace analysis and fiber characterization. Expertise includes serving Large Enterprise, Hyper-scale, and Dark Fiber customers, with a proven track record involving global leaders such as Google, Meta, and Tesla. Played a crucial technical role in ensuring network integrity for infrastructure projects exceeding $3M, directly contributing to over $500,000 in annual operational savings and securing enterprise revenue through rigorous quality assurance. Currently advancing engineering excellence at Uniti (formerly Windstream) by delivering top-tier fiber solutions for data center and Tier-1 clients.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Engineer – OSP Engineering & Dark Fiber Services
Uniti (formerly Windstream)
Houston, TX
03.2023 - Current
- Execute advanced OTDR trace analysis and fiber characterization to maintain 100% path integrity and readiness on day one for large enterprise and hyper-scale dark fiber customers (e.g. Google, Meta, Tesla).
- Direct technical efforts for high-capacity network deployments, guaranteeing superior fiber spans to facilitate mission-critical data center connectivity and long-haul transport.
- Enhance revenue generation and operational efficiency by providing technical validation for extensive enterprise contracts, verifying that all fiber adheres to strict loss-budget criteria established by global tech leaders.
- Orchestrate OSP engineering projects that elevated network capacity by 20% and minimized annual operational costs by 15% achieving over $500,000 in annual savings.
- Established compliance verification protocols ensuring full alignment with engineering standards and quality assurance objectives for tier-1 Dark Fiber clients.
Manager – OSP Planning & Engineering Design
AT&T Communications
Houston, TX
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Executed strategic infrastructure initiatives involving high-priority FTTP overbuilds and SWAT biz-dense projects to enhance core network performance for high-density business districts.
- Obtained vital fiber installation permissions from 50+ business owners, successfully decreasing project lead times by 30% and accelerating speed to market.
- Managed capital budgets exceeding $3M, implementing engineering-led cost-control measures that improved overall team efficiency and project throughput by 25%.
- Spearheaded regional network expansion by facilitating 151000+ total year-to-date consumer and business lines, ensuring 100% compliance with technical specifications and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Developed advanced solutions to navigate physical and regulatory obstacles sustaining project progress for mission-critical network deployments.
Engineer & Construction Manager – OSP Engineering & Construction (CLEC)
Windstream
Houston, TX
09.2018 - 03.2022
- Conducted 100+ detailed site surveys and fiber path audits, identifying and mitigating construction roadblocks to ensure 100% path integrity for Large Enterprise and Dark Fiber accounts.
- Engineered high-capacity OSP solutions that directly improved network performance metrics by 25% for mission-critical Tier-1 client deployments.
- Streamlined regulatory approval and permitting processes by 20% through meticulous documentation, ensuring timely delivery of infrastructure for time-sensitive enterprise contracts.
- Supervised a field crew of 10 workers, maintaining rigorous standards of productivity and safety while delivering complex fiber builds for high-value customers.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure all network builds met stringent loss-budget requirements and engineering standards before final hand-off to the customer.
Engineer – OSP Engineering & Construction (ILEC)
Windstream
Houston, TX
08.2016 - 09.2018
- Directed engineering and design of FTTH (fiber to the home) rollouts facilitating launch of Windstream's gigabit internet service across key ILEC market areas.
- Engineered 30+ tailored OSP solutions utilizing expertise in gigabit-capable fiber optics and legacy copper networks to elevate regional network capabilities by 20%
- Managed a diverse portfolio of 300+ ILEC projects, ensuring 100% alignment with technical specifications, budget limits, and deployment timelines.
- Facilitated comprehensive site surveys and route audits utilizing expert engineering tools to optimize project outcomes and mitigate field construction errors.
- Engaged with municipal and utility partners to obtain essential permits and right-of-way (ROW) access, sustaining momentum for critical infrastructure upgrades.
Enlisted Soldier (Combat Veteran)
United States Army (Reserves & National Guard)
08.1997 - 10.2010
- Operation Iraqi Freedom IV (2005–2007): Honorably discharged combat veteran; recognized for outstanding leadership in tactical missions and high-pressure environments.
- Tactical Leadership: Trained and led soldiers in complex missions, managing personnel, heavy weaponry, and logistics.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TXSkills
- Strategic project management
- Construction Management
- Collaborative stakeholder management
- Capital Budgeting ($3M)
- Dark fiber infrastructure
- Network stability
- Hyper-scale Connectivity
- Fiber Engineering
- Telecom infrastructure design
- FTTH network expansion
- GIS & Route Mapping
- Expert OTDR analysis
- Fiber Characterization
Websites
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
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morning
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