Darrin Daigle
Lake Charles
Summary
Seasoned Implementation Manager with background in effectively overseeing the execution of project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams and ensuring timely completion of tasks. Strengths include exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong leadership skills and adept approach to change management. Demonstrated success in previous roles by improving operational efficiency and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER
OPTIMUM
11.2024 - Current
- Cross-functional regional team leader for a multi-state optical fiber and HFC Broadband network.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to streamline project delivery processes.
- Developed detailed reports outlining the scope, timeline, budget, resources required, and other relevant information pertaining to each implementation.
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT
FREE SPACE ENERGY
06.2014 - Current
- Operational Technology (OT) professional with over 25 years of experience, providing engineering, operations, sales services and program/project management for a variety of technologies across a multitude of industries.
- > Sales and application engineering and operations management utilizing extensive knowledge and experience in mobile and wireless solutions including Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN or O-RAN) and technologies such as DAS and CBRS (Private Cellular/5G).
- > Encompass and apply a deep understanding of target markets, including enterprise, telecom, healthcare, transportation, energy, logistics, and supply chain, enable delivery of solutions for any application.
- > Post-project quality assurance and close-out package documentation to ensure client objectives and expectations are met and/or exceeded.
- Established company vision and strategic direction for renewable energy solutions.
- Managed team operations, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Secured partnerships with stakeholders to enhance project funding and resources.
- Implemented operational processes to optimize project efficiency and delivery timelines.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive business plan to launch the company.
PROGRAM MANAGER
MASTEC COMMUNICATIONS
Houston
04.2023 - 07.2024
- Team leader for a large Comcast HFC network expansion project within the Houston, TX market; hybrid fiber/coaxial cable infrastructure design and deployment.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver communication infrastructure projects.
- Developed project plans and schedules for various client initiatives.
- Oversaw budgeting processes and resource allocation for projects.
- Mentored junior team members on project management best practices.
SR PROGRAM MANAGER/SALES ENGINEER
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES
01.2022 - 04.2023
- Team development of a new and innovative program to deliver Community Broadband networks across the country utilizing multiple technologies including Optical Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Wi-Fi Mesh, CBRS and others.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather project requirements and updates.
- Implemented risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential issues.
- Reviewed project progress reports, identified areas of improvement, and provided feedback as needed.
- Conducted extensive research and participated in networking events to meet prospects and identify areas of focus.
SMART SOLUTIONS ENGINEER
JOHNSON CONTROLS
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Enterprise level low-voltage systems solutions leader; implementing advanced technology solutions including but not limited to, Cellular/Public Safety DAS, IoT and other Smart Technology solutions to support business objectives and deliver innovative outcomes for clients.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience.
- Implemented system integrations to optimize operational efficiency.
- Performed code reviews for other members of the development team.
- Worked with stakeholders from multiple departments to ensure project success.
- Integrated third-party applications into existing systems.
FOUNDER/CO OWNER/GENERAL MANAGER
A/C XPERTS, LLC
06.2014 - 01.2018
- Served as General Manager; vetted and supervised subcontractors; managed internal staff. Hiring, retention and termination responsibilities along with the creation of team building exercises, employee training opportunities and employee morale events.
- Provided support for material procurement and pricing; all P&L functions, business legal aspects and QC/QA.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Built relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
- Implemented marketing strategies to attract new clients and retain existing ones.
- Coordinated service schedules to optimize technician efficiency and client appointments.
- Led team meetings to address challenges and improve overall performance across departments.
- Recruited, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.
RF PROJECT/SALES ENGINEER
CONNECTIVITY WIRELESS SOLUTIONS
04.2013 - 01.2014
- Successful design and implementation of numerous In-Building and Outdoor Distributed Antenna Systems projects across various vertical markets utilizing OEM products from CommScope, Corning, JMA.
- Project Management using iBwave Unity and other tools to maintain project integrity.
- Site survey experience using iBwave Mobile with integration and commissioning experience.
- Developed detailed project proposals and cost estimates for client reviews.
- Conducted product demonstrations to showcase system capabilities and benefits.
- Managed customer inquiries and provided timely support throughout project lifecycle.
- Provided technical support by troubleshooting issues related to product installation and usage.
SR RF ENGINEER/PROJECT/PROGRAM MANAGER
ERICSSON
09.2009 - 03.2013
- Engineering design and performance optimization of a national Tier 1 LTE wireless network, deploying and maintaining hundreds of sites across a regional territory.
- Successfully launched national and regional programs relating to the LTE Network implementation including spectrum limited areas, which allowed for better customer experience and greater network performance.
- Designed advanced radio frequency systems for telecommunications networks.
- Evaluated RF performance metrics to ensure system reliability and quality.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies effectively.
- Conducted troubleshooting for RF-related issues in network deployments.
- Mentored junior engineers on RF design principles and best practices.
- Developed technical documentation for RF systems and procedures.
Education
Associate of Science - Electronics Engineering Technology
McNeese State University
Certificate - Non-Commissioned Officer's Leadership Academy
Marine Corps University
Certificate - Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
Marine Corps University
Skills
- Network implementation
- Cross-functional leadership
- Project management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Risk management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Client relationship management
Volunteer Experience
- Toys for Tots, Marine Corps League, The Foundation raises funds, purchases toys, provides promotional and support materials, manages all funds raised and donated, solicits corporate support, educates the public, and handles day-to-day operations. The program distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children annually.
- Knights of Columbus, Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Our intent? Financial aid and assistance to the needy members and their families.
Additional Employment
- RF Engineer/Program Manager/Project Manager, Sprint, 01/2005, 9/2009
- RF Engineering Network Design Manager, US Unwired Inc., 01/1995, 12/2004
- Electronics Technician, United States Marine Corps, 10/1988, 10/1994
Timeline
NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER
OPTIMUM
11.2024 - Current
PROGRAM MANAGER
MASTEC COMMUNICATIONS
04.2023 - 07.2024
SR PROGRAM MANAGER/SALES ENGINEER
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES
01.2022 - 04.2023
SMART SOLUTIONS ENGINEER
JOHNSON CONTROLS
01.2018 - 12.2021
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT
FREE SPACE ENERGY
06.2014 - Current
FOUNDER/CO OWNER/GENERAL MANAGER
A/C XPERTS, LLC
06.2014 - 01.2018
RF PROJECT/SALES ENGINEER
CONNECTIVITY WIRELESS SOLUTIONS
04.2013 - 01.2014
SR RF ENGINEER/PROJECT/PROGRAM MANAGER
ERICSSON
09.2009 - 03.2013
Associate of Science - Electronics Engineering Technology
McNeese State University
Certificate - Non-Commissioned Officer's Leadership Academy
Marine Corps University
Certificate - Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
Marine Corps University