William C. Hicks                                                                                                         Page 2

William C. Hicks

 

 

PROFILE

Wireless Network Engineer with over 18 years experience working on sophisticated IT or Telecommunications networks for large companies with a very strong customer support portfolio. Skills include complicated high pressure patching and upgrading procedures on live networks, many years of Tier II emergency support, and two different stints as Network integration for both CDMA and IP based softswitch networks. In addition many demanding secondary skills have been utilized due to mission critical needs. These skills include tools testing on both live and lab networks, mop validation, leadership duties to include both full time and part time back up Team Leader functions. My references include a current Vice President of ALU, and many former managers. My talent as an engineer is augmented by hard earned leadership abilities, experience in high stress work environments, and team working skills developed during my many years in this industry. Currently I am looking for greater challenges, something new and refreshing in order to further my career. Desired positions will be in wireless technology to include Small Cells, LTE, IPTV, Network Security, and Routers. My Passport is up to date (expires 2017), and I am willing to travel up to 75% of the time in regions and or countries deemed not hazardous by the State Department. Currently I do not have a Top Secret Security Clearance, but with a very clean background would be more than willing to undergo one for employment purposes. Not opposed to working odd or non-traditional schedules. In the past I worked 3 1/2 years on a 3X12 weekend plan, this will make me more attractive to perspective employers as I am willing to go the extra mile where many in the job market will not. Almost my entire professional career has been spent working in the Solaris UNIX O/S Environment, either in a CDMA, UMTS, or GSM network.

Outside my regular duties I have taken advantage of the Alcatel University skills resources to take extensive theory training in the following subjects. LTE, Small Cells, IP Networking, IP Protocols, and have obtained the ALU CNF(Certified Network Foundation) Certification for LTE. In addition I am currently working towards the ALU CNA(Certified Network Associate) certification for LTE.

My willingness to travel will be dependent upon the location, and the financial terms of the travel. Up front I am not a fan of "all inclusive rates" so the odds of me travelling under those terms are very slim. In a job function where my travel expenses would be covered completely, then I am willing to go on the road 75% or more depending on compensation and location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

February  2014-        Alcatel-Lucent – Lewisville , Texas        (Remote Office)   

To Present

                        Technical Support Engineer – IMS Edge 

                         

Currently serving in the role of Remote Technical Support Engineer for the IMS Edge team. Hardware supported includes the ALU 7510 and ALU 7520 Media Gateways, as well as the 5010, 5020, and 5060 (ATCA) Media Gateway Controllers. Duties include log collection, troubleshooting of hardware issues, escalation of documentation and software bugs, customer relations, and occasional software upgrades on live systems. Software operating systems include Linux, and Lynx as well as proprietary VX works packages. The AR/CSR ticketing system used to inscribe all of the progress for resolution is called REMEDY.

 

Product Keywords: ALU 5010, 5020, 5060, ATCA, MGW, 7510, 7520, REMEDY, Linux, Lynx, IMS.

 

September 2008-        Alcatel-Lucent - Plano, Texas              (3rd Shift)

To February 2014

                        Software Patch and Upgrade Application Engineer - NGN 

                        Spatial Atrium 5060 / Wireless Media Gateway G8/G89 7540/7549

 

Worked as a Software Patch Application and Upgrade Engineer on the Spatial Atrium 5060 Soft Switch product line, to include the Genband/Tekelec T8000 and G9 Wireless Media Gateway (Alcatel 7540, 7549) until product end of life.  This work is software proprietary platform specific, residing on either a Solaris 10 or Linux O/S. These include database changes, software patching, ALOM Firmware Upgrades, Full In-service System Upgrades to both Sun box and blade server hardware. Additional duties include initial “First Office Application(FOA)” testing of new software releases, MOP enhancements/changes,

 

Formerly a Team Leader position for this group (and currently the backup) which includes technical leadership and decision making for a team of twelve Engineers during our nightly work. This includes chair of conference bridge during activities, direct final decisions for problems that arrive, and customer liaison for both technical and administrative issues. Report writing for activities and responsibility for work performed under my watch.

 

Evaluations: Exceeded Expectations (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), Pending(2012)

 

Product Keywords: Sun Solaris 10, Sun Netra 240, Sun Netra 440, Sun T2K, Spatial Atrium 5060, Genband G8000, Cisco 2950 Catalyst Switch, X10 Database (Oracle), Genabnd G9000, Alcatel 7540, Alcatel 7549, Sun Solaris 10.0, ALOM Firmware Upgrade, ATCA, WCS, Soft Switch, Wireless Media Gateway.

 

 

April  2006 -               Alcatel-Lucent - Lewisville, Texas      (Remote Office/Travel)

To September 2008

                          Product Systems Engineer III – NGN Spatial Atrium 5060

   Field Deployment – Chicago, New York City, Saint Louis, Minneapolis,

                          Bohemia NY, and Wayne NJ

Serving on the NGN North American Services team performing field deployment, integration and commissioning of the Spatial Atrium 5020/5060 Wireless Soft Switch, and Tekelec Wireless Media Gateway. This job requires the Engineer to travel 100% in support of the project on various customer sites for extended periods of time. Skills include UNIX, IP, hardware troubleshooting, customer interface, and coordination between many vendor and carrier departments in order to achieve project completion. Cisco Router commissioning, configuration, and firmware upgrades performed as well(Catalyst 2950).

Evaluations: Exceeded Expectation(2006), Met Expectation(2007)

Product Keywords: Sun Solaris 10, Sun Netra 240, Sun Netra 440, Sun T2K, Spatial Atrium 5060, Genband G8000, Cisco 2950 Catalyst Switch, X10 Database

 

Oct. 2000 -               Nortel Networks - Richardson, Texas             

April 2006     

                        Network Support Engineer (CDMA TAS) (3X12 Weekend Night Shift)

 

Employed as a Senior CDMA TAS Engineer outperforming 85% of peers and receiving high contributor in the top 15% of my peer group.  Tasked with emergency outage recovery, customer documentation/phone support, trouble research/resolution, all on CDMA BSC/BSM hardware and software.  Provided support for Minor DMS-100 issues as a backup.  Currently in the process of ramping up on 3G wireless technology products offered by Nortel Networks.  Work with the following equipment, BSM, BSC, eBSC, CBRS, Passport 15K ATM, Metrocell MCBTS, MTX, Sun Enterprises E-450 Server troubleshooting, experience with SDM and PG-MSC issues.

Product Keywords: Sun Solaris 9, Sun E-450, Nortel CBRS ATM, Nortel MTX, Nortel Metrocell BTS, Nortel Passport 15K ATM, Nortel CDMA Wireless

 

Sept. 2000 -              Mpower Communications - Dallas, Texas

Oct. 2000

Switch Tech

 

Worked on a Nortel DMS-500 for a small CLEC that specialized in providing POTS lines and DSL service to customers and businesses.  Duties including AMA (billing backup), T-1 testing/turn up, DS-3 testing/turn up, also performed regular switch maintenance.

Product Keywords: Nortel DMS-500, Tellabs Titan 5500 DACS

 

Nov. 1999 -              Voicestream Wireless - Dallas, Texas

Sept. 2000

Switch Tech II

 

Participated in the Launch of a GSM 1900 PCS wireless market in Dallas.  Worked on a DMS-100 XACORE, Tellabs Titan 5500 DACS, GSM 1900 BSC, S8000 BTS, S4000 BTS, and all software associated with this system.  Also tasked with writing back up procedures for database and billing on DMS-100, and Titan 5500 and 512 DACS.  Additional duties included training new employees in telecommunications fundamentals, T-1 testing and troubleshooting, and transport basics.  Performed all the 911 translations data entry and “traver” testing for cell sites built in the Dallas/Ft. Worth market. 

Product Keywords: Nortel GSM OMCR, Tellabs Titan 5500 DACS, Nortel GSM (2G) BSC

 

 Dec. 1998 -               Sprint PCS - Dallas, Texas

Nov. 1999

RF Field Tech/Switch Tech

 

Worked in the Network Operations Switch with main responsibilities assigned around the BSC (Base Station Controller), and the BSM (Base Station Manager) which is a glorified Solaris Sparc 20 Server with Neoware terminals.  Duties included System Administration, tape backup, database edits, RF Optimization, some T-1 provisioning and troubleshooting, Titan 5500 DACS, full exposure to a Nortel DMS-100 MTX “Switch” via MAP Terminal, and numerous other duties revolving around a “Mobile” phone network.

 

Northern Telecom              

 

May 1998 – Dec. 1998   Dallas, Texas 

Nov. 1998 - Dec. 1998   Memphis, Tennessee  

Nov. 1997 – May 1998  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Site Prime (Contract Positions)

Field Deployment and Network Integration

 

Nortel Customer Acceptance Representative in Dallas and Oklahoma City was tasked with day to day operational requirements of assisting the customer (Sprint PCS) in maintaining a Digital PCS telephone Network and it’s accompanying equipment.  Filed reports on a regular basis, and worked with the customers on various issues relating to final delivery of Network.  This included in field testing of new software loads.  Helped to deploy research and implementation of new equipment and software in a live launched market.  In addition held all responsibilities of a UNIX Technician as listed below.

 

Nov. 1996 -               Northern Telecom – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nov. 1997

UNIX Technician

Field Deployment and Network Integration

 

Operated Sun Sparcstation 20 using UNIX System VR4 and a HDS Viewstation X in support of a Digital Wireless PCS telephone network.  Executed various scripts relating to troubleshooting telecommunications systems, ran 4mm DAT tape backups, carried out minor file management, implemented parameter changes, performed software migrations.  Carried out minor script writing as directed by Nortel DBA and the customer (Sprint PCS), mostly relating to automated FTP process.  Also assisted System Administrators in day to day tasks associated with maintenance and operations of network.

 

EDUCATION

 

Spring 1996 -               Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Spring 1998

Major:  Computer Science

 

Completed courses for College Credit (OKCCC) in computer science with heavy emphasis on networked PC operations.  Program designed to introduce student into world of business PC network operations, covering both hardware and software.  Became skilled in the use of DOS 6.22, Windows 3.11, Windows 95, LANtastic, and Novell Netware 3.12.  Prepares student for enrollmentin Windows NT 3.51.  Workstation course that prepares student for Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE) testing requirements.

 

Aug. 1991 -               University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma

Dec. 1995

Major:  General Studies

 

Attended classes in History, Political Science, and Humanities.  Developed skills in decision making and writing of large position papers. 

 

Jan. 1988 -               Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma             

Dec. 1990

Major:  History

 

Courses included general studies with an emphasis on Liberal Arts, area

of specialization was the Ancient Mediterranean. 

 

 

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

 

Operating Systems:  Sun Solaris X.X, UNIX System SVR4, Windows NT 3.51.

 

Hardware:  Sun Enterprise E450, Sun SPARCstation 20, HDS/NeoWare Viewstation X, Nortel DMS-100 Digital Telephone “Switch”, Tellabs Titan 5500 Series DACS, Comverse Voicemail Systems, Nortel Passport 15K ATM (Including CBRS), Nortel Legacy 1900 MHz BTS (CDMA –Limited Exposure), Nortel Series 4000 1900MHz BTS (GSM – Limited Exposure), 2.4 Ghz Microwave T-1 Radio Installation.

 

Telephony:  Familiar with basic Telecommunications fundamentals and some hardware including, T1 testing with HPCERJAC 156 MTS and TTX T-BERD 224 equipment, some CDU/CSU configuration with Node managersoftware, also have exposure to Nortel MTX 07 & 08 switch loads.  Participating in Preliminary Software work for ONP on two separate DMS-100 “Switches”, including prepatory measures, hardware testing, and PM loading.  Have full working knowledge and training in CDMA Telephony principles, including Nortel version of hardware, software and Theory.  Introductory knowledge of GSM/TDMA Telephony principles, including Nortel version of hardware, software, and Theory.

 

Other Applications:  MS Office 97 suite, MS Outlook and Exchange, Lotus Works, Lotus 1-2-3, AOLPRESS 2.0 Webpage Software, Reflections X6.0, ProComm Plus, NetTerm, WFTP_95 Pro, some HTML familiarity.

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

 

Condensed List for the second half of 2013

TMO18491E: ALCNF LTE Technology Overview (CNF Certification – Passed)

LTW543W: LTE Overview

TMO21020W: Alcatel-Lucent LTE Solution LE4.0 Overview

TMO21054W: LTE Technology Overview

TMO18213 – 9400 LTE RAN (T)LA6.0 Technical Overview

TBU30694W – 7705 SAR (ALU Router)

CB7705A – Alcatel-Lucent 7705 SAR-8 Basic Provisioning for Ethernet Backhaul

TER36048W – 7705 SAR Self-Integration eLearning (VzW)

 

IP and Data Related Coursework

3FL99180AAAA – Overview of IP Network Security

3FL99204AAAA – Virtual Private Network Implementation Options

3FL99159AAAA: Basics of the Internet and Internet Protocols

 

COTM – ALU Certified Outage Manager (Certification – Passed)

TTI30065W: Wireless Delivery Operations Review of Conflict Management Skills

TTI30066W: Wireless Delivery Operation Certified Outage Manager at a Glance

TTI30067W: Wireless Delivery Operations COTM - Multiple Business Lines Engaged

TTI30068W: Wireless Data Operations Data Review and Accuracy

TTI30069W: Wireless Outage Management Procedure Overview

TTI30063E: Wireless Delivery Operations Outage Certification 2013

 

May 2013    Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                     3FL99177AAAA: Understanding MPLS

                     This course provides a technical and practical orientation into the challenges and solutions presented

                          by Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS). MPLS introduces Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

                          and traffic engineering to IP networking - previously missing from IP services. The MPLS

                          architecture, technology and their effect on existing networks will be described.

May 2013    Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                     3FL99318AAAA QoS Overview

                     This course provides a high level introduction to Quality of Service (Q0S) describing which

                         QoS measures can be provided by a network and at which level in the protocol stack. Using a

                         blueprint of a network diagram to highlight where QoS is available, all the major networking

                        technologies which provide QoS including, LANs, IP, ATM and MPLS, are reviewed.

April 2013   Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                    javascript:void('titleLink') 9360 Small Cell Solution R 3 Architecture and Network Elements

                    This course provides you an introduction to network architecture and hardware used in the Small Cell

                        Solution in Release 3.

April 2013   Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                    9360 Small Cell Solution R 2.4 Architecture and Network Elements

                     This course provides you an introduction to network architecture and hardware used in the

                       Small Cell Solution in Release 2.4.

April 2013   Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                     9360 Small Cells Concepts

                   This course is designed to give you a solid grounding in the main concepts behind the Femto

                       Base Station Router or Small Cell Solution in Release 2.4 and it will serve as the foundation for

                       further studies and for working with the system itself.

April 2013   Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                         9360 Small Cell Solution Features 3

                   This course provides you an introduction to the Small Cell Solution features in Release 3.
                       This course is designed to give you a solid grounding in the main features behind the Small Cell 

                       Solution in Release 3 and it will serve as the foundation for further studies and for working

                      with the system itself.

April 2013   Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                        9360 Small Cell Solution Features 2.4

         This course provides you an introduction to the Small Cell Solution features in Release 2.4.
                       This course is designed to give you a solid grounding in the main features behind the Small Cell 

                       Solution in Release 2.4 and it will serve as the foundation for further studies and for working

                      with the system itself.

April 2013   Alcatel-Lucent University, Plano Texas

                       Welcome to IP Networking

                    A fundamental knowledge of IPv4 and IPv6 networking along with use of VLANs is a must for all           

                        wireless professionals. Starting with an introduction to IP networking services such as the web, email

                        and VPN to illustrate the value and ubiquity of IP networks, the course then describes the IP network

                        architecture, the functions provided by various components and the role of key protocols.
                       This course provides an introduction to IPv6 features, its interworking with IPv4, and techniques to

                        migrate to IPv6 and concludes with a discussion of how GPRS/UMTS/LTE and 1x/1xEV networks

                        take advantage of IP networks when providing mobile web access.

 

June 2006              Alcatel Training Center, Plano, Texas

                          Alcatel 5060 Spatial Translations and Routing

·       Gives the student a very brief overview of the structure and data fill required to operate and engineer the translations for a North American 5020 WSS.

 

May 2006              Alcatel Training Center, Plano, Texas

                          Alcatel 5060 Spatial Atrium WSS Maintenance and Troubleshooting

·       Hardware and software trouble shooting with the Alcatel 5020 Spatial Atrium Wireless Soft Switch.

 

May 2006              Alcatel Training Center, Plano, Texas

                          Alcatel 5060 Spatial Atrium Wireless Soft Switch Introduction and OAM&P

·       Operation, Administration, Maintenance, and Performance of the Alcatel 5020 Spatial Atrium Wireless Soft Switch. The course works to familiarize the student with the Hardware, Software, and Architecture of this product, as well as the use of the Wireless Element Management GUI.

 

May 2006              Alcatel University – Online (Web Based Training)

                          Alcatel 5060 Spatial Atrium Wireless Soft Switch Introduction

·       Overview of the Spatial Atrium 5020 Wireless Soft Switch, basic network architecture, hardware descriptions, and simple details of how the network operates.

 

April 2006              Alcatel University – Online (Web Based Training)

                         Alcatel Spatial Atrium Wireless Media Gateway Introduction

·       Overview of the Tekelec Media Gate Way product, how it interacts with the Spatial Atrium 5020 Wireless Soft Switch, basic network architecture, hardware descriptions, and simple details of how the network operates.

 

Oct. 2002              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas

DMS-MTX Translations II

 

·       Continuation of previous course that details trunking, 911, CALEA, North American and International translations engineering and data fill.

 

Sept. 2002              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas

DMS-MTX Translations I

 

·       Trainsstudent a very basic overview of the theory surrounding translation tables, TRAVER utility, and simple call authentication and validation in relation to these specific tables.

 

March 2002              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas

SHASTA PDSN/FA&HA:  OPERATIONS AND PROVISIONING

 

·       Teaches student Operations, Administration, and Maintenance on the Nortel Shasta 5000 BSN.  Includes some basic theory, navigation, and troubleshooting exercisesin a CDMA Wireless Network environment.

 

March 2002              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas

PASSPORT 15000 IN CDMA NETWORKS:  OA&M

 

·       Teaches student Operations, Administration, and Maintenance on the Nortel Passport 15K, inside a CDMA network.  Includes some basic theory, navigation, and troubleshooting exercises.

 

Nov. 2001              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas

DMS Captive Office (DP7009)

 

·       Teaches student basic rules and regulations in regards to operating the DMS product in the BNR lab in Richardson.

 

Oct. 2001              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas                                     

ESD Training (Requires yearly renewal)

 

·       Mandatory online training in understanding and avoiding damage to sensitive electronic components from accidental Electro Static Discharge.

 

Oct. 2001              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas                                     

CDMA 3G DATA and CAPACITY SOLUTIONS

 

·       Very broad overview of the basics involving 3G and it’s use in CDMA Wireless networks with Nortel DMS, BSC, ATM, and CBRS equipment configurations.

 

Oct. 2001              Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas                                      

TCP/IP PRINCIPLES AND PROTOCOLS OVERVIEW

 

·       Broad overview of the basics involving TCP/IP and it’s use in LAN/WAN environments.This course was in preparation for transition from Legacy Telephony networks, into the newer “soft” IP based models.

 

Dec. 1999              Nortel Networks Computer Based Training (CBT), Richardson, Texas 

DMS – MTX Intro to Map             

 

·       Course teaches Navigation on the Map Terminal, a direct link to the Nortel DMS series of “Switches”.  Billing, Tape backup, images, tracking, OM collection, Data Reporting, PM modules trouble shooting, Hardware, and Software replacement and configuration

 

Dec. 1999               Nortel Networks Training Center, Richardson, Texas                                   

OMC-R OAM (SUN Microsystems Enterprise 4000 E Server)

 

·       Teaches student Operations, Administration, and Maintenance on the Enterprise 4000 E server.  Includes Nortel X-Windows Software that runs on the server, software, hardware, and Administration and Maintenance.  Cell Site construction, radio additions, parameter changes, “daisy chaining” of cell sites, database backup, and many other tasks associated with a GSM 1900 BSC.

 

June 1999              Sprint PCS Training Center, Overland Park, Kansas                                                            

Vector Magellan OAM&P (702)

 

·       Teaches student in Operations, Administration, and Maintenance on the Vector Magellan product.  Includes theory, billing, and software aspects of this equipment.  This course was directed towards data use of the product, not suited for the CDMA implementation.

 

May 1999              Northern Telecom Training Center, Richardson, Texas                                               

ATM Networking

 

·       Teaches student the principles of the new Nortel Vector Magellan ATM product.  Basic principals of the ATM are covered and how these can apply to a wireless digital network.

 

Sept. 1997              Northern Telecom Training Center, Richardson, Texas                               

CDMA Overview

 

·       Teaches student the principles of the new Digital Wireless format known as Code Division Multiple Access.  Included are the science behind the way in which the technology operates, how this differs from earlier types of networks, and a brief hands on Lab to familiarize the pupil with the MobileTelephone Exchange.  Base Transceiver Subsystem, Base Station Controller, Base Station Manger, and how all of these work together in the network.  Both the 1900Mhz and 800 Mhz bands are covered in this course.

 

REFERENCES

 

·         Warren “Scott” Barrow (My former Director NGN Deployment at ALU)

Currently at Alcatel-Lucent

Wireless NA Customer Delivery Lead (Vice-President)

Mobile (916)-705-5033

scott.barrow@alcatel-lucent.com

 

·         Ted G. Saunders (My former Director NGN Deployment at ALU)

Currently the owner of American Pro-Tech

              Mobile (571)-250-9650

      TedSaunders@outlook.com

 

·         Steven Franklin (My former Manager NGN Deployment at ALU)

Formerly at Alcatel-Lucent

Alcatel-Lucent NGN Spatial Atrium Field Deployment

Mobile (972)-743-1778

smhbfranklin5@att.net

 

·         Kevin Vinkler (My Manager at Nortel)

Currently at BNSF Railroad

Senior Manager of Network Operations 

Nortel(Now Ericsson) TAS 24X7 Team Manager (Worked Under)

Mobile (972)-896-8874

txvette435@verizon.net

 

·         Jeff Berger (My former Team Leader NGN Software Patching/Upgrades at ALU)

Currently Senior Customer Engineer with Mavenir

              Mobile (214)-213-3915

      jeff_brgr@yahoo.com

  

·         Jeff Harmon (Professional Peer from Nortel and ALU)

Alcatel-Lucent Senior Project Manager

Work (405) 343-9388

Jeff.Harmon@alcatel-lucent.com