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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fiber Engineer

💰 $85,000 - $145,000

EngineeringTelecommunicationsInfrastructureNetwork Design

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fiber Engineer, you are the architect of our digital future. You will be at the forefront of designing and implementing state-of-the-art fiber optic networks, including Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB) solutions. This role involves a blend of technical design, strategic planning, and hands-on project management to expand our telecommunications infrastructure. You will work cross-functionally with planning, construction, and operations teams to ensure our network builds are efficient, scalable, and built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. If you are passionate about connecting the world and have a deep understanding of outside plant (OSP) engineering, we invite you to help us build the backbone of tomorrow's communication.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • OSP Field Technician or Surveyor
  • CAD Drafter / Telecom Designer
  • Junior Network Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fiber Engineer / Lead Engineer
  • Engineering Project Manager
  • Network Architect or Planning Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • OSP Construction Manager
  • GIS Analyst / Specialist
  • Network Operations Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design and engineer end-to-end outside plant (OSP) fiber optic networks, including FTTH, FTTB, and backbone transport routes.
  • Create detailed, high-quality engineering and construction packages, including route maps, splice diagrams, and bills of materials (BOMs) using CAD and GIS software.
  • Conduct comprehensive field surveys and site walks to gather critical data, validate routing decisions, and identify potential conflicts or constructability issues.
  • Develop and manage the permit application process, interfacing with municipalities, utilities, DOT, and railroad authorities to secure all necessary construction permits.
  • Perform detailed network capacity planning and analysis to support future growth and ensure long-term network scalability and performance.
  • Engineer diverse and redundant fiber routes to enhance network reliability and minimize service-impacting outages.
  • Create precise splice documentation and loss budgets (OTDR trace analysis) to guide field splicing teams and ensure network performance meets design specifications.
  • Manage project timelines and budgets, providing accurate cost estimates for materials, labor, and permitting for proposed fiber builds.
  • Review and approve contractor-submitted design documents, redlines, and as-built drawings to ensure compliance with company standards.
  • Act as the technical subject matter expert for all aspects of fiber optic design and construction, providing guidance to internal teams and external partners.
  • Prepare detailed work order packages that provide clear and concise instructions for construction and installation crews.
  • Analyze and interpret survey reports, aerial imagery, and existing utility maps to determine the most efficient and cost-effective fiber placement strategy (aerial, buried, underground).
  • Ensure all designs adhere to industry best practices, local/state/federal regulations, and specific utility or NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) requirements.
  • Collaborate with the GIS team to ensure accurate mapping and documentation of all network assets, from conduit and cables to splice points and customer terminals.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to network planning and performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by improving design and as-built documentation processes.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs and new service offerings into tangible engineering and network infrastructure requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team to drive continuous improvement in design and deployment workflows.
  • Mentor and train junior engineers, designers, and drafters on OSP engineering principles, software tools, and company standards.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies, materials, and construction methods to enhance network quality and reduce deployment costs.
  • Assist in resolving complex field issues that arise during construction, providing timely engineering solutions and design modifications.
  • Support the sales and marketing teams by providing serviceability analysis and feasibility studies for potential new customers or service areas.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • OSP/FTTx Design: Deep expertise in designing outside plant fiber networks, particularly Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) architectures (GPON, XGS-PON).
  • CAD & GIS Software: High proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and GIS platforms like ArcGIS, QGIS, or other geospatial tools.
  • Permitting Process: Strong experience navigating and managing the permitting process with various public and private entities (municipalities, DOT, utilities).
  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously, including scoping, cost estimation, and timeline management.
  • Fiber Optic Principles: Thorough understanding of fiber optic theory, including cable types, splice loss, optical budgets, and testing procedures (OTDR, OLTS).
  • Construction Knowledge: Familiarity with aerial, buried, and underground telecommunications construction techniques and best practices.
  • Industry Standards: Knowledge of relevant industry standards from NESC, RUS, and TIA/EIA.
  • Database Management: Experience with network inventory systems and databases for tracking assets and connectivity.
  • Cost Estimation: Skill in developing accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and project cost forecasts.
  • Route Analysis: Ability to analyze pole loading (OCALC, SPIDAcalc) and conduit/duct availability for routing decisions.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve complex engineering and logistical challenges.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members, contractors, and jurisdictional authorities.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design and documentation to ensure accuracy and prevent costly errors.
  • Collaboration: A team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
  • Time Management: Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements, new technologies, and evolving regulations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or technical field, or equivalent practical experience in telecommunications design.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or industry certifications (e.g., FOT, CFCE).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in OSP engineering, fiber optic network design, or a related telecommunications role.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrable experience managing the full lifecycle of FTTx projects, from initial design concept through to as-built acceptance.
  • A strong portfolio of completed fiber design projects in various environments (urban, suburban, rural).
  • Experience working for a telecommunications carrier, MSO (cable company), or a specialized engineering consulting firm.
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