Field Engineering Technician; T&D​/Telecom​/OSP

Field Engineering Technician (T&D / Telecom / OSP)

At EKN Engineering, we solve challenging problems with innovative engineering and configurable software solutions. We use an engineering-first approach, combined with data-driven strategies, to improve overall compliance, risk management, and design accuracy tailored to the specific needs of each client.

With decades of experience in engineering, our team of over 160 professionals in Irvine, California is dedicated to building a safer and more efficient tomorrow through engineering and technological innovation.

The Field Engineering Technician will support engineering and construction activities for telecommunications infrastructure projects, with a focus on aerial and underground plant verification, make-ready assessments, and field-based data collection. This role requires regular travel to job sites, direct interaction with construction partners, and collaboration with design engineers to ensure accurate, buildable plans for new services and network expansions.

Field Verification & Site Assessment

• Perform on-site evaluations of proposed fiber and coax routes to ensure feasibility and conformance with engineering standards.
• Visually inspect existing aerial and underground infrastructure to verify pole conditions, mid-span clearances, attachment heights, and potential interference or obstruction issues.
• Survey building entrances and determine viable drop paths, including routing through existing conduit, building facades, or new pathways as required.
• Confirm vault/handhole placement locations and suitability based on terrain, utilities, access, and local code requirements.

Aerial Plant Work & Make-Ready Assessments

• Conduct detailed “make-ready” evaluations for new aerial attachments, including identification of required utility relocation, pole changeouts, clearance adjustments, and attachment viability.
• Perform O-Calc or similar pole-loading analysis to confirm structural integrity and load compliance for proposed attachments.
• Document all relevant pole information (height, class, span length, sag, existing attachments, pole tags, etc.).

Underground Plant Assessment

• Identify and trace conduit systems, handholes, and existing underground infrastructure.
• Confirm constructability of proposed trenching, boring, or micro-trenching paths, including soil/ground conditions and right-of-way considerations.
• Perform depth-of-cover checks, locate utility conflicts, and visually verify existing utility markings and GIS data accuracy.

Field Measurements & Data Collection

• Capture accurate measurements including distances, elevations, riser heights, building entry points, slack storage needs, and structure clearances.
• Collect GPS coordinates, photos, and detailed field notes for all relevant plant elements.
• Use mobile field engineering tools, tablets, and software applications for real-time data entry and plan markups.

Coordination & Communication

• Work closely with design engineers, project managers, permitting teams, and construction crews to communicate field conditions and ensure designs reflect real-world constraints.
• Interface professionally with property owners, municipalities, and third-party utilities (power, telco, cable) as needed for access or technical clarification.
• Assist in preparing documentation required for permitting, pole-attachment requests, and utility coordination processes.

Quality, Compliance, & Safety

• Ensure all work complies with NESC, local and national codes, Charter (or client) engineering standards, and any jurisdiction-specific guidelines.
• Identify and report any safety hazards, utility conflicts, or construction risks observed in the field.
• Maintain high-quality field documentation to support accurate and efficient design, construction, and as-built processes.

Additional Responsibilities

• Validate As-Built drawings by confirming constructed routes, attachment placements, vault installations, and mapping accuracy.
• Support engineering teams in revising plans based on field findings, scope changes, or client requests.
• Participate in project kickoff field meetings, site walks, and construction pre-build meetings when needed.
• Pro…