Saurabh Chopra
Ph.: +1 (714) 234 4856 | E-mail: saurabh.chopra@ymail.com
SUMMARY
Seasoned professional with vast experience in the telecommunications industry managing operations, technical delivery, business
development, and sales. Direct leadership experience managing large teams of engineers /professionals to design and deliver services
within cost, schedule, and quality constraints. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships at all levels from engineering to Clevel
executives. Well networked, results oriented, and ability to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Key skills
include:
Operations / Technical Delivery
Sales /Business Development
Network Design and Optimization
Financial Mgmt. /P&L /Budgets
Strategic Planning /Risk Mgmt.
E911 /NG-911 /Regulatory /MPE
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
· Extensive experience managing multi-vendor / multi-technology – 3G/4G, Small Cell, DAS, Wi-Fi, Fiber (FTTx) deployment
and RF Safety - MPE / Regulatory /E911 compliance projects; solid understanding of emerging technologies /architecture
including LTE-U, LWA, SDN, mmWave, IoT protocols and applications.
·
Proven record of successfully leading large teams comprising of engineers, field crews, contractors /non-technical staff, managing
end-to-end delivery and operations for key strategic accounts.
· Expertise in understanding technical requirements, develop Proposals /SOW /RFP response, conduct time /cost /risk analysis,
pricing /assumptions, work with supply chain to execute contracts - MSA/SLA/PO, manage project staffing & end to end delivery.
· Develop, maintain, and track project plans / status, identify risks /issues, implement mitigation plans /actions, track milestone
delivery /invoicing using Project Management tools /software’s.
· Collaborate with sales on new opportunities, lead client engagements to understand challenges /needs, develop business plans
/strategies, prepare and present compelling proposals / technical presentations with value proposition.
·
Strong understanding and experience with all aspects of sales cycle from leads generation to negotiation to delivery; proficient
with use of CRM tools – Salesforce to track pipeline, lead stage /status, identify bottlenecks, etc.
· Experienced developing accurate resource plans by forecasting needs in line with required skill /project duration; work with cross
functional teams to manage /deploy resources as per project requirements to ensure efficiencies and increase profitability.
· Conduct regular review meetings with client leadership, provide executive level reports summarizing project updates /plans,
performance improvements to ensure SLA’s are met and delivery meets /exceeds client expectations.
·
In-depth understanding of 4G (LTE), 3G – CDMA /1xEVDO /eHRPD /UMTS technologies combining RAN/Transport/Core
and experience with ALU, Samsung, Nortel, Ericsson, Motorola, and Huawei equipment.
· Solid understanding of 3GPP architecture, CS/PS, SON, EPC elements – MME, SGW, PGW, HSS, AAA, IMS, etc. NGN / HetNets
– Wi-Fi / DAS / Small Cell design etc.
· Experienced with 3G /4G - LTE optimization - Parameter tuning, feature trials, traffic /load balancing, root cause /worst offender
analysis, carrier aggregation, and traffic offload strategies to improve QoS /QoE.
·
Program managed several large scale network design / planning projects – Greenfield and Overlay; experienced with all stages
from propagation analysis, model tuning, link budgets, automatic cell planning (ACP), A&E /site walks, candidate analysis,
Zoning, CD /ZD /LE reviews, MPE studies, regulatory - NEPA /SHPO /OSHA conformance, installation /commisioning, closeout
packages etc.
· Solid understanding of E911 call testing systems /procedures /interfaces (ANI /ALI); experienced working with PSAP’s for Phase
I / II testing, call routing /TVW’s ; familiar with NG-911 architecture, ESInet, GIS systems, and protocols.
· Understanding of FTTx architecture - Central Office, Optical Line Terminal (OLT), Distribution Hubs, Optical Node Terminal
(ONT), splices/connectors, etc. for OSP / Indoor applications using PON to deliver Voice/Data/Video services.
·
·
Familiar with NB LTE-M, / LPWA technologies for IoT applications; understanding of IoT Protocols - 6LoWPAN /CoAP / UDP,
devices (CAT-1/0), and processors for industrial /consumer /safety applications.
· Thorough knowledge & proficiency with several Optimization / Data collection tools such as Actix, TEMS, Windcatcher, JDSU,
XCAL / XCAP, Verizon Datapro, and Mapping / GIS software including Tableau, MapInfo, Street Atlas, S&T etc.
Proficient with Design/ Planning tools such as Atoll, Planet-EV, ACP, Asset, Pathloss, QGIS, and Wi-Fi (802.11) design
/optimization tools including Air Magnet, Yellow Jacket, Ekahau, etc.
· Develop recruitment, talent acquisition /retention strategies /guidelines, define job descriptions, conduct technical interviews,
salary negotiations, onboarding /orientation for new hires; Work with HR to devise compensation strategy /bonus plans, conduct
performance reviews, training programs, and goal setting for employees.
Saurabh Chopra
(714) 234 4856
Page 1
RFP response /Proposal Mgmt.
Vendor /Contracts Management
Talent Development /Resource Mgmt
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NEXIUS SOLUTIONS INC.
Reston, VA
Director of Engineering
01/2013 – Present
Successfully managed multiple large scale programs while supporting sales /business development for key accounts. Responsibilities
included sales /business development, RFP /proposal management, project staffing, operations /delivery management, project
financials (cost /revenue /profitability), P&L, budgets, resource management, customer relationship, and executive briefings.
Sprint Tri-band Optimization Program – Multiple Markets
· Successfully managed end-to-end delivery of Sprint Tri-band Optimization program with a team of 8PM’s /80+ engineers spread
across 10+ markets nationwide. Managed entire program from pre-sales, proposal /SOW /RFP response, contract execution,
project staffing, operations /delivery, P&L, invoicing, and budgets /annual revenue of ~$20M.
· Develop program budgets, resource forecast, financial models /risk analysis, mitigation plans /strategies, streamline processes,
track program progress /cost control, prepare /present executive level reports.
· Develop guidelines / best practices for conducting LTE Parameter /Feature trials, Multi-Band traffic tuning /offload, carrier
aggregation, Special Event Optimization, hardware upgrades /software releases, etc. Devised strategies /roadmap to build
performance management tools by integrating Data Analytics using Tableau /PCMD data for advanced reporting /trending.
· Work with Finance /Accounting – AP/AR to manage program budgets, Invoicing – Forecast /Actual, PO balance/renewals,
variance analysis - Revenue/Cost/Gross Margin (GM), employee compensation, vendor invoicing, etc.
Key Achievements:
(i) Received successive promotions each year – promoted to Sr. Delivery Manager in Jan 2014 and Director of Engineering in Jan 2015
(ii) Built strong relationships with client leadership; achieved Top Market Rankings /Performance Improvements in 2015 Root Metrics drives.
(iii) Successfully built large team of engineers /field staff; managed entire recruiting, deployment of resources / logistics under tight timelines.
Sprint National LTE / Small Cell Design Program – Multiple Markets
· Spearheaded LTE /Small Cell Design program with 30+ engineers. Lead Pre-Sales meetings, Proposal /RFP response, worked
with Sprint Supply Chain to execute contracts /SOW, managed project staffing, E2E delivery, invoicing, and budgets.
· Worked with Sprint leadership to develop E2E processes for 2.5G Network design from propagation modeling, ACP, traffic /
candidate analysis, network simulations, A&E, zoning, CD/ZD reviews, RFDS /CIQ /BOM, NTP /ATP, and launch.
· Track delivery milestones on MS Project; devise plans /strategies to streamline processes /increase efficiencies, and provide
executive level reports/presentations on program status/ updates.
Key Achievements:
(i) Achieved client success /satisfaction by maintaining high delivery standards and develop collaborative relationships at all levels.
(ii) Developed /organized in-house training programs - Mentum Planet / LTE Design best practices.
Samsung – Network Vision Program for Sprint – 1300+ sites / 40+ engineers
·
Program managed entire Samsung Optimization program involving E2E design /deployment /E911 compliance /optimization
/Roll-Out of 1300+ LTE / CDMA sites for Sprint in PA /UPNY /NJ /WV markets with budgets of ~$10M.
· Worked with Samsung to define Roll-Out Strategy, E2E processes/methodologies; Project managed all stages from design,
deployment, installation /commissioning, migration/aceptance testing, and pre /post launch optimization.
· Managed entire E911 Call Testing with PSAPs and Translations team - create MOPs /best practices, establish Call Test Plans
/schedules, provide Call Routing /TVW’s with site /sector info, technology, location – latitude /longitude etc.
Key Achievements:
(i) Consistently exceeded monthly on-air goals, ensuring customer satisfaction, cost control, quality, and margins / profitability.
AT&T Design and Optimization – Multiple Markets
·
Project managed design /optimization engagements with AT&T in north, mid-west and west markets; worked with AT&T Area
Managers defining SOW/milestones/timelines and invoicing.
Technology Road mapping / Strategic Planning
· Explored new business opportunities /proposals for deployment of next generation networks including Fiber, Small Cell, Wi-Fi
and NG-911; built strong strategies by understanding strengths/weakness, opportunities/threats (SWOT).
Vendor Management / Tool Evaluation and Procurement
· Evaluated vendor tools for optimization/data collection, conduct comparative analysis in terms of cost/feature/usability, negotiate
volume license pricing/AMC. Negotiated contracts with 3’rd party vendors for contract engineers & field staff.
Talent Acquisition / Resource Management
· Worked with recruiting to source the right talent; managed entire process from technical interviews, salary /BCs, and final offer.
·
Saurabh Chopra
Partner with HR to establish policies on compensation strategy /bonuses, Performance Reviews, and Training programs.
(714) 234 4856
Page 2
TELECOM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES INC.
Pleasanton, CA
Manager of Engineering
08/2010 – 12/2012
Reported to Sr. VP of Operations /Business Development, primarily responsible for managing key business accounts (Turnkey and
Staff Augmentation) for Verizon, Samsung, and T-Mobile. Projects included:
Verizon – 4G LTE Deployment – Boston / NH / Maine / UPNY / Philadelphia - (Turnkey)
· Successfully negotiated contracts with Verizon for deployment of LTE services in New England, UPNY, Philadelphia markets.
· Develop project plans/SOW, identify stakeholders, project schedule, pricing/assumptions, staffing, manage end to end delivery.
· Worked with Verizon to define methodologies, developed end-to-end process to be followed for LTE optimization to meet
contingent KPIs, & desired targets for Retainability /Accessibility/Mobility/Usability.
Alcatel Lucent – Zodiac Program for AT&T – Montana / Wyoming markets – (Turnkey)
· Managed turnkey Zodiac project for Alcatel-Lucent for spectrum carving/UMTS deployment for AT&T in Montana-Wyoming
market; interfaced with Client leadership at all stages from Pre-Sales to end-to-end delivery, and acceptance of services.
T-Mobile Modernization Program – Multiple Markets (Mid-West, Central, Gulf Coast) – (Paypoint)
·
Program managed T-Mobile Pay point Modernization project in mid-west, central, and gulf-coast markets; responsible for project
staffing, track delivery milestones, and invoicing for approval /payment.
· Managed RF Safety /MPE analysis projects with T-Mobile; worked with client to develop MOP’s /templates for theoretical and
field measurement reports as per FCCs standards and guidelines.
Wi-Fi / Small Cell Deployment Projects
· Worked with tier-1 operators /OEM’s and cable companies for Wi-Fi /Small-Cell deployments;
presentations /proposals targeted towards meeting client goals followed by detailed SOW /RFP response.
· Managed other staff augmentation projects with Samsung, Verizon, and Nextel International.
MOBILENET SERVICES INC.
Irvine, CA
Technical Lead
developed executive level
02/2010 – 08/2010
· Technical lead responsible for design /optimization of Verizon’s 3G network and IP backhaul for LTE deployment in Southern
California market.
· Build new sites /carriers on OSS /CACP, analyze coverage/capacity issues, and troubleshoot performance issues – Drop Call
/Access Failures /Low Throughputs /Pilot Pollution /Interference and implement solutions to improve overall performance.
LCC INTERNATIONAL INC.
McLean, VA
Market Lead
Market Lead - Cox Communications - Rhode Island
10/2008 – 02/2010
· Market lead responsible for overseeing end-to-end design of CDMA 1XRTT / EVDO network for the state of Rhode Island
involving all stages from CW testing, model tuning, propagation studies, traffic analysis, ACP, Monte Carlo Simulations,
RFDS/CIQ/BOM to zoning and launch, etc.
· Generate Search Rings, SCIP, conduct Site Surveys, A&E Walks, 1A/2C survey, Red-Line Construction Drawings, ZD’s, Lease
Exhibits, Permits, documents related to NEPA/SHPO. Attend Zoning Hearings, present required documentation /exhibits
including Coverage Plots/Affidavits, Structural Analysis, MPE/FAA/AM clearances, etc.
· Design and validate integration of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) nodes with the existing macro sites in design.
UMTS Optimization - AT&T - New York / New Jersey
06/2008 – 10/2008
·
11/2006 – 02/2010
Pre/Post Launch optimization of 2nd carrier UMTS-HSPA/UPA network in New York/New Jersey market. Optimized KPI's
statistics including Voice /Data Accessibility, CS/PS Drop Rate, IFHO /Inter-RAT Success Rate etc.
· Generate CLI scripts, Lock /Unlock sites, Pre-Post launch Audits including RNDCIQ, S1/X2 Link, Missing /One-Way Neighbors.
· Tuning of IFHO 3G-3G and Inter-Radio Access Technology (IRAT) 3G-2G Handover parameters / neighbor relations (3G-3G
and 2G-2G), analyze Pilot Pollution, and provide recommendations to improve accessibility, retainability for voice /data services.
Saurabh Chopra
(714) 234 4856
Page 3
Market Lead at Verizon Wireless - New England Market (MA /NH /ME /VT) – (Turnkey)
06/2007 – 06/2008
· Lead 3G – CDMA/EVDO network expansion and rollout project for Verizon Wireless in New England market. Project managed
E2E optimization that involved defining optimization plan/strategy, Integration/Commissioning, Pre-Post launch optimization.
· Generate Perl /Visual Basic Scripts, build sites on OSS, Parameter/Neighbor List Tuning, Alarm monitoring, analyze issues –
Drop Calls, Access Failures etc. and make recommendations for software /hardware changes – Antenna /Azimuth /Downtilts.
Market Lead – EvDO Deployment at Verizon Wireless – UPNY/Illinois/ Iowa/ Indiana/ South Dakota Markets - (Turnkey)
11/2006 – 06/2007
Wireless Facilities Inc. (acquired by LCC in 06/2007)
· Lead EVDO deployment/optimization for Verizon Wireless in Upstate New York / Mid-West markets – 300+ sites
· Work with Verizon to develop optimization plan, methodologies, and provide updates on site turn-up /E911 /cluster optimization.
SPRINT- NEXTEL
Irving, TX
RF II Performance Engineer – Consultant
05/2006 – 10/2006
· Network Optimization - Lead Network Optimization efforts for Sprint in Dallas-Fort Worth market.
· Network Design - Propagation Analysis, Model Tuning, Traffic Maps, Search Ring Analysis, Candidate Evaluation, Monte Carlo
Simulations, Zoning Hearings, RFDS/CIQ/BOM generation, hardware selection – Antenna Type /Tilts /Azimuths /Cable etc.
· Tool Development - Lead Remote Optimization projects for development of software tools, excel/VB based macros, and Perl
scripts to process switch logs and conduct Root Cause Analysis of problem areas.
NORTEL NETWORKS
Irvine, CA
RF Engineer - Consultant
11/2004 – 05/2006
· Radio Planning and Propagation Analysis for Verizon’s 3G network – CDMA/EVDO in Southern California /Las Vegas markets.
RICHA CONSULTANTS
New Delhi, India
Design Engineer
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EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
·
· Master of Science – Electrical Engineering
California State University, Fullerton, CA
Master of Business Administration
Cornell University
· Bachelor of Engineering – Electronics & Telecommunications
North Maharashtra University, India
TECHNICAL SKILLS
· Technologies: LTE, VoLTE, CDMA 1xRTT, EVDO, UMTS /GSM, 802.11 (Wi-Fi), 802.15.4, FTTx, mm Wave, E911/NG-911
· Vendors: ALU, Nortel, Motorola, Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung, Ruckus, Airspan, Commscope
·
· Design Tools: Mentum Planet EV, Atoll, Asset, Geo-Plan, ACP, Pathloss (Microwave)
· Mapping /GIS Tools: Map Info, Street Atlas, Street & Trips, Zite, QGIS, Google Earth, Tableau (Data Analytics)
· RF Safety /MPE Studies: Roofview, Narda
· Microsoft Based Utilities: Microsoft Office 365 Suite - Word, Excel / VB Macros, Access, Visio, PowerPoint
·
Project Management /CRM Tools: MS Project, Salesforce, Oracle Eloqua, Marketo
ADVANCED SKILLS:
Leadership Delivery Management P&L Sales Team Building 2.5G/3G/4G Optimization Small Cell /Wi-Fi /FTTx Design
Network OSS/Scripting MS Project /Power Point /Word /Visio /Excel (advanced) Data Analytics GIS CRM Tools / Salesforce
Saurabh Chopra
(714) 234 4856
Page 4
Optimization: Windcatcher, Actix Analyzer, XCAP, TEMS, Agilent, Spectrum Analyzer, Air Magnet /Yellow Jacket (Wi-Fi)
07/2001 – 07/2002
Network Design/Optimization: Network Design, optimization, and performance monitoring of cellular network.
2018
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