(Alameda)
We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Technical Instructor.
- Who are we?
- Organization
- The MetaSwitch Training Team
- The job
- What are we looking for?
- What are we like to work for?
- What do we offer?
- What is the selection procedure?
- How do I apply?
Who are we?
Data Connection is an internationally renowned computer technology company specializing in the exciting world of telephony and data communications. Our leading-edge software and hardware products are used by some of the biggest names in the telecommunications and IT industry, such as Microsoft, Cisco, AT&T and Sprint.
MetaSwitch is a division of Data Connection and was founded with a vision to simplify the delivery of next generation voice services, building seamlessly on existing networks. We are now one of the leading providers of next generation telephone switching systems to North American service providers, with more than 350 customers.
As well as providing our customers with world-class products and services, we pride ourselves on providing our employees with an excellent work environment and outstanding benefits. Our success is based on our ability (and dedication) to recruit outstandingly talented individuals, and train and develop them into world-class business men and women. As a company, developing the skills and talents of our people is at the heart of what we do.
Data Connection started in 1981 and we have grown from the seven founders to more than 430 people, retaining the flexibility and vibrancy of a small organization. Our head office is in Enfield (on the edge of North London, UK), and we also have offices in Chester and Edinburgh in the UK, and Alameda (CA), Reston (VA), Dallas (TX), Boston (MA) and Tampa (FL) in the US.
We are a remarkably stable and profitable organization, with both revenue and profit increasing in every year since the company was formed. In our last financial year we achieved a profit of $21M on a revenue of $102M. North America is our most important market, representing more than 80% of our total revenue.
Organization
Data Connection is a growing, vibrant company with an ever-changing and evolving structure. Our organization currently consists of
- a division marketed under the Data Connection name
- a separate business division marketed under the name of MetaSwitch (MSD)
- customer-facing service functions which support new as well as existing MetaSwitch deployments, including
- Customer Service (Levels 1-3)
- Professional Services
- Installation Management
- Customer Training
- service functions which support the divisions and include
- accounts
- computer facilities
- office services
- documentation
- personnel administration
- recruitment
- secretarial services
- community affairs.
The MetaSwitch Training Team
As part of the Professional Services organization, the MetaSwitch Training team is a vital part of the overall MetaSwitch team. MetaSwitch was founded with a vision to simplify the delivery of next generation voice services, building seamlessly on existing networks. This is a vision on which we have consistently delivered with a series of ground-breaking milestones.
Our goal as a team is to ensure that every customer who deploys a MetaSwitch product has access to timely and relevant training that builds the skills they need to be successful. This means an aggressive schedule of Education Center classes as well as providing training either directly at the customer's location or regional training events. We are embarking on initiatives to bring web-based and hosted web training events into the mainstream as yet another means of getting the right training to our customers at the right time.
Today our customers number more than 350, covering all regions of the United States. We are also expanding into several international geographies. The rate at which we are adding to our customer list has grown to the point where we need to add to our training team.
The job
The role of Senior Technical Instructor is based at our Alameda, California training center. The successful candidate will
- deliver interactive training classes to diverse customer and internal student audiences, from the very sophisticated to the relatively inexperienced
- deliver training courses on-site at domestic and occasionally international locations - travel frequency will be approximately a third of the time with the rest of the time being spent in the Alameda office
- update and create new courseware material to keep courses up to date with product development
- support the equipment in the training lab based in Alameda
- maintain a high level of student satisfaction for all delivered training
- act as an ambassador for MetaSwitch during all training outings, representing MetaSwitch in the best possible light while listening, identifying customer issues, and escalating those issues through appropriate channels.
What are we looking for?
For this position, we need someone who
- has previous teaching experience in a technical environment, preferably in telecommunications and/or IP networking
- demonstrates an ability to quickly grasp and understand technical concepts in order to keep up with our continually evolving product set
- has excellent presentation and interpersonal skills
- has a solid understanding of course development methodology
- is proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Visio
- can accurately document and manage technical issues to resolution
- has excellent technical and analytical troubleshooting skills
- is capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
This is a senior role in our training team and will suit someone who has experience delivering adult technical training. The role is technical but candidates who have a solid teaching background and a proven ability to quickly grasp new concepts can also be successful.
What are we like to work for?
The way that we portray ourselves as a company is very important, and our Senior Technical Instructor will have a significant role to play in maintaining company standards. We expect excellence and the highest level of professionalism from everyone.
Your performance and development will be discussed regularly with your manager. We believe in and encourage free and open communications, exchange of ideas and mutual help. Personal considerations are always given their due weight.
What do we offer?
Our salaries are above the normal range to ensure that we attract candidates of exceptional quality. We will offer a very competitive starting package which will depend on the experience of the person appointed.
Salaries are reviewed regularly on the basis of performance; we believe that we are one of the few companies who really do pay employees in accordance with their contribution. This claim is strengthened by our policy of profit distribution. Data Connection is privately owned by top-tier investment firms Francisco Partners and Sequoia Capital, together with the Data Connection 'Employee Benefit Trust' which distributes a share of profit to all employees, equitably rewarding them for their contribution. Annual profit share is guaranteed to be a minimum of 7.5% of salary, provided the company is sufficiently profitable (which we have not failed to be in 26 years). In addition, the company operates an employee stock option plan which further provides ownership incentives to our people. This means that all employees have a stake in the future wealth that the company creates, and there is exceptional potential for the right candidate to increase remuneration over time.
In addition, all employees benefit from the following 'package,' which is a combination of what you would expect from a modern, well-managed organization - along with one or two specials of our own.
The benefits include the following.
- We provide excellent retirement benefits (10% of salary contributed by the company into your retirement fund), short and long-term disability insurance, private medical and dental schemes.
- Employees receive four weeks' paid holiday, as well as 11 public holiday days, and any unused holiday at year end can be bought back by the company.
- There are also regular company outings to relax (earlier this year we were skiing in France), in addition to local events just for the Alameda office (for example, going to a nice restaurant, a baseball game, or even a weekend away).
In terms of personal development, we offer the opportunity to do an interesting and demanding job in a well-managed and very successful company. Despite being established for over 26 years, we are a young, dynamic organization with an outstanding record of getting the best out of people - which is why our staff retention is exceptionally high.
What is the selection procedure?
Recruitment at Data Connection is designed to be thorough and tough, yet informative and friendly.
You will normally be asked to have a telephone interview, followed by two visits. The first will be an interview at our Alameda office, where you will be asked to complete a number of short exercises and will meet Senior Managers. Any shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a second interview in our Enfield head office, in the UK.
How do I apply?
To apply, please send a comprehensive resume (including all academic grades) to our email address .
Kay Heapy
Recruiter
Data Connection Ltd
100 Church Street
Enfield, UK
EN2 6BQ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8366 1177 (before 10am Pacific Time)
email:
web: www.dataconnection.com/careers
We look forward to hearing from you.