Ryan Barker Email & Phone Number

Clemson, SC, US

Clemson, SC, US

• 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬: Driving AI/ML innovations in Open RAN (ORAN) architectures, emphasizing scalable resource management, network slicing, and KPI monitoring.
• 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐛𝐞𝐝: Designed and implemented a RAN Digital Twin Testbed on Clemson CloudLab for end-to-end network optimization and scalable xApp deployment across eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC scenarios.
• 𝐀𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥: Co-authored a groundbreaking proposal integrating NVIDIA hardware/software for novel, first-in-country use case of AI-driven disaster response.
• 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Developing a 2025 conference publication, showcasing AI methodologies for ORAN optimization using open-source tools like srsRAN and OSC near-RT RIC.
• 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭: Mentoring students in ECE 2230 (Data Structures & Algorithms), reinforcing principles of wireless communications and computational systems.
• 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: Pursuing an M.S. in Computer Engineering (Intelligent Systems focus), with plans to advance into an ORAN-focused PhD.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐯𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Directed cross-functional teams to automate Verizon’s vRAN deployments across multiple 5G spectrums (mmWave, C Band, Nationwide 5G), achieving a 68% cycle time reduction and cutting.
• 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Designed, engineered, and deployed end-to-end solutions across 15+ OEMs and technologies, positioning Verizon as a leader in next-generation 5G telecommunications.
• 𝐂 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 & 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐍𝐑: Architected engineering workflows for initial spectrum clearance and multiple subsequent carrier adds, enabling first-to-market activations and accelerated 5G densification.
• 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 & 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬: Developed scalable workflows across Planning, RF, Real Estate, Regulatory, Construction, Equipment, Cloud Platforms, and Network Assurance domains, earning senior leadership recognition.
• 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Led frontline communication efforts for $950K NEPA Consent Decree settlements, resolving over 20 years of violations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: Created a front-door tool for visibility into cutting-edge projects, reducing dependencies, and enhancing agility in emerging 5G technology deployments.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: Unified processes across 18 submarkets, establishing Tier 1 National Milestones to streamline reporting and operational efficiency.
• 𝟓𝐆 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Created C Band preparation process ahead of formal spectrum clearances, driving first-to-market activations post-approval to accelerate Verizon's 5G rollout.
• 𝐒𝐍𝐀𝐏 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: Designed workflows for a National Radio Conversion, transitioning half of Verizon’s network from Nokia to Samsung, optimizing deployment timelines and scalability.
• 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: Engineered seamless workflows across RF, Real Estate, Construction, Equipment, and Transport teams, enhancing coordination and execution.
• 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: Developed the 48-Hour Doc As-Built Verification to provide key metrics for the 5G Open For Sale (OFS) initiative. Led communication efforts for a $950K NEPA Consent Decree settlement, resolving.
• 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Deployed initiatives like Power Vetting and Change Management, significantly improving efficiency and timelines for emerging technology deployment.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝟓𝐆 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Spearheaded the 2019 Greensboro 5G Market Launch, deploying 40 nodes, 67 radios, and 127 poles on a $625K spend, securing Greensboro's position as the 19th of 31 national 5G mmWave Ultra.
• 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Directed $420K in Carolinas/Tennessee strategic initiatives, pioneering the first-ever deployment of 4G/5G inter-carrier poles to enable mMTC and IoT solutions for smart cities and.
• 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Oversaw a $10M+ capital budget, aligning build plans with capex data to ensure financial stewardship and optimize resource efficiency for 4G/5G infrastructure.
• 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Mitigated substantial vendor quality issues by executing a comprehensive project plan overhaul. Personally conducted 149 pre-construction walks, driving over 20,000 miles to ensure.
• 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Navigated complex stakeholder landscapes, collaborating with City Leadership, Public Right of Way Officials, Chief Electrical Inspectors, Duke & Dominion Power, and suppliers (Talley, Graybar.
• 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Standardized small cell deployment workflows across regions, driving operational efficiency and earning recognition for leadership excellence in the Southeast.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Completed a rigorous rotational program, mastering leadership skills and building a comprehensive understanding of Verizon’s core functions, including Wireless Network, IT, and.
• 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Spearheaded initiatives to improve operational workflows, enhance customer-centric solutions, and streamline processes through cross-functional collaboration and creative.
• 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Leveraged insights from rotational roles to influence high-impact strategic decisions, implement best practices, and drive measurable results across Verizon’s business units.
• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Engaged in bi-annual leadership workshops and networking events, sharpening business acumen and building lasting professional relationships with mentors and peers.
• 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Fostered a culture of collaboration by mentoring colleagues and contributing to cross-team projects, promoting a shared vision and achieving organizational goals.
• 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲-𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Worked on real-world challenges, applying emerging technologies and innovative thinking to advance Verizon’s competitive edge in the telecommunications landscape.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: Directed 54 4Tx antenna modification projects, including critical support for Super Bowl LIII, delivering timely and cost-effective solutions to enhance network capacity and coverage.
• 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Coordinated efforts across RF Design, Systems Performance, Real Estate, Network Assurance, Switch Operations, tower companies, and contractors, ensuring seamless execution and.
• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Oversaw project lifecycle from scope creation and material planning to bidding, permitting, and approvals, ensuring on-time and compliant builds within budget constraints.
• 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Managed a $2.5M capital budget, optimizing resource allocation and aligning financial execution with project milestones.
• 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Fostered innovation and collaboration across teams, driving creative solutions to resolve complex project challenges and enhance deployment efficiency.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐚𝐬-𝐚-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Designed and implemented a logging service that automated user provisioning and security within 45 minutes, enhancing response times and operational efficiency.
• 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Architected and deployed AWS Cloud infrastructure for multiple business units, earning AWS Solutions Architect - Associate certification while streamlining operational workflows.
• 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Engineered Splunk systems for real-time alerting and dashboard monitoring, ensuring immediate responses to threshold breaches and optimizing cloud reliability.
• 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Created dashboards tracking build success rates, failures, and performance metrics to enhance troubleshooting efficiency and infrastructure optimization.
• 𝐀𝐖𝐒 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐒𝐎𝐍: Developed structured JSON frameworks to automate AWS Linux builds, enabling real-time reporting and data-driven decision-making for improved scalability.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Honored with the Systems Performance Coin of Excellence for developing CARTN Planning Instruments (CPI), automating 4G LTE performance analysis and optimizing planning processes.
• 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Optimized capacity across 3,107 cell sites in the Carolinas & Tennessee, ensuring top-tier performance for high-demand areas and a seamless user experience.
• 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Streamlined a $600M budget allocation, driving efficient use of resources and automation to improve financial outcomes.
• 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: Reduced CAT5 analysis time from 15 to 2 minutes per sector through advanced reporting modules, saving $75K annually per engineer.
• 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 & 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Guided engineers in automation techniques and led the CARTN Innovation Framework, leveraging Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies to streamline workflows and eliminate waste.
• 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Spearheaded a STEM event for high school students, providing hands-on exposure to circuits, motor control, and programming to ignite interest in technology careers.

Basking Ridge, NJ, US

• 𝐕𝐨𝐋𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Analyzed baseline drive data to identify 50+ potential parity sites with strong CDMA/1X but weak LTE coverage across four Virginia markets, delivering actionable insights to senior.
• 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Conducted extensive network drive tests using tools like GARMIN, PcTel Mx scanners, XLTE, DataPro, and Windcatcher, collecting robust datasets on network performance.
• 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 & 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Investigated RootMetrics baseline data to pinpoint high VoLTE drop rates, interference, and throughput issues, conducting targeted follow-up drives to validate and address performance gaps.
• 𝐊𝐏𝐈 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Tracked key performance indicators (RSRP, SINR, CQI, UL/DL throughput, UEs, RRC connections/failures, RSSI, RSRQ, ERAB, and handover KPIs) to diagnose underperforming sites and propose.
• 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Created detailed cell reports for the local performance team, evaluating the impact of recent capacity solutions and guiding next steps.
• 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Partnered with Systems Performance engineers to implement KPI-driven network changes via AMOS/NLT, ensuring measurable performance improvements.

Concord, NC, US

• 𝐕𝐨𝐈𝐏 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Supervised a global SIP-based VoIP telecommunications network, ensuring seamless performance and uptime for worldwide operations.
• 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 & 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Diagnosed and resolved network outages, minimizing downtime and delivering dependable service across all sites.
• 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Collaborated with external vendors to maintain uninterrupted VoIP and DSL circuit operations, ensuring 24/7/365 service continuity.
• 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Implemented security protocols and conducted fraud detection initiatives, safeguarding network integrity and customer data.
• 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Conducted rigorous testing of VoIP VideoPhones, SoftPhones, and routers for residential and SMB markets, providing actionable feedback to enhance product quality and user experience.

Masters Of Computer Engineering, Intelligent Systems Focus

Bachelors Of Computer Engineering, Communication Systems & Networks Focus, Mathematical Sciences Minor