Microwave & Telecom Infrastructure Deployment Manager

Optiver operates a global network of low latency communication systems, ranging from microwave to HF and we’re looking for a senior infrastructure manager as we expand our efforts in this domain. Our deployments range from small antenna mounts on the side of a building to dedicated terrains with structures and large antennas.

You’ll be responsible for site acquisition through commissioning and handover to operations and will be managing every phase. You will work closely with engineering (RF, mechanical, electrical), legal, procurement, and finance teams. This role is based in Austin, TX, but has a global mandate.

What You'll Do:

Site Acquisition & Access

• Identify, evaluate, and secure rooftop, tower, land and data center locations for communication equipment installations — working with engineering to confirm line-of-sight, structural suitability, power, and co-location feasibility.
• Negotiate site-access agreements, leases, and wayleave/right-of-way arrangements with landlords and facility operators.
• Maintain a pipeline of candidate sites and manage lease renewals, amendments, and terminations.

Licensing & Regulatory

• Research and navigate telecom regulations across all jurisdictions where the network operates.
• Prepare, submit, and track spectrum licence applications, building permits, planning consents, and any other required approvals.
• Monitor licence and permit expiry dates and proactively drive renewals. Stay current on changes in spectrum policy and regulatory frameworks.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Source, qualify, and manage installation contractors, climbing crews, civil works firms, and equipment vendors.
• Draft scopes of work, negotiate contracts (including MSAs), and coordinate deployment schedules across multiple parties.
• Supervise on-site work and conduct quality inspections during installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing.

Project Delivery

• Own the project plan for each deployment — from feasibility through commissioning and handover.
• Track budgets (OPEX and CAPEX), timelines, and deliverables; flag risks early and drive mitigation.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, procurement, legal, finance, and network operations to align priorities and resolve blockers.
• Maintain structured project documentation: site packs, as-built records, licence files, and contract archives. Report regularly on programme progress.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop standardised processes, templates, and checklists for site acquisition, licensing, and deployment.
• Build and maintain a tracker of all active licences, leases, and regulatory obligations across jurisdictions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce lead times and improve quality.

What you’ll get:

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• A highly competitive compensation package
• Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

• 5+ years of experience in telecom site construction or related infrastructure builds
• Demonstrated track record of managing end-to-end site builds (you'll need to show examples)
• Comfortable navigating permitting, zoning, and regulatory processes across jurisdictions
• Creative problem-solver — these builds don't always go by the book
• Willing to manage projects across time zones - limited travel

Nice to Have

• Experience with HF (high frequency) radio installations
• Familiarity with international telecom licensing and regulatory frameworks
• Network engineering knowledge (ethernet, site management/monitoring systems)

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Optiver Chicago’s culture parallels the energetic city we’re immersed in. Home to the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board Options Exchange, and Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago has established itself as the trading capital of the US. Active on leading US exchanges, Optiver’s Chicago office trades a wide range of products from listed derivatives to cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign exchange

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.