Sr. Tech Specialist GPON and Fiber-Optic Networks

Sr. Tech Specialist – GPON and Fiber-Optic Networks – Lake Buena Vista, FL

• Calix Platform Experience (Required)
  • Hands‑on experience with Calix telecommunications platforms
  • Strong understanding of Calix network architecture, deployment, and operations
• XGS Experience (Required)
  • Direct experience implementing, supporting, or engineering XGS networks
  • Knowledge of modern fiber access technologies and migration strategies
• GPON Experience (Required)
  • Proven experience with GPON networks
  • Ability to support environments transitioning from GPON to XGS technologies
• Telecommunications / Network Engineering Background
  • 7+ years of relevant telecommunications, broadband, or network engineering experience
  • Experience supporting large‑scale enterprise or service‑provider network environments

We are seeking a highly skilled and operationally focused Senior Tech Specialist – GPON and Fiber Optic Networks to drive the technical implementation, design, and operations of critical fiber infrastructure across DX Telecommunications. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in ensuring resilient, high‑availability Calix passive optical networks (GPON & XGS‑PON). The individual will use strong technical and troubleshooting skills to support GPON‑based fiber‑optic and wireless networks at Disney Parks and Resorts.

The ideal candidate is highly proficient in network automation, comfortable writing custom scripts, and adept at leveraging APIs to manage optical infrastructure  role will transform the traditional "Plan, Build, Run" approach to a modernized automated Net Dev Ops  framework for our PON environment.

• Execute and validate the upgrade of GPON sites to XGS‑PON while minimizing service impact at over 20 Disney resorts.
• Provide oversight of the GPON and XGS‑PON based Wi‑Fi network, including monitoring and maintenance based on SLAs and Design Standards.
• Design and implement programmatic workflows utilizing APIs to integrate Calix platforms (such as SMx/Calix Cloud) with enterprise orchestration tools, monitoring platforms, and Service Now.
• Provide level 3 support to triage optical and wireless connectivity issues including network outages, OLT and ONT software issues, and fiber‑optic troubleshooting.
• Act as subject matter expert (SME) for operational support of fiber optic devices.
• Document and map new Fiber and Circuit Infrastructure for Parks and Resorts.
• Interpret fiber optic test results from contractors for quality and acceptance.
• Develop and implement processes related to Optical Network support solutions.
• Create detailed reporting metrics regarding GPON network performance and usage.
• Support outages and communicate technical updates to Leadership, including RCA for the outages. There is an on‑call requirement with this position.
• Provide hands‑on support for GPON changes, installations, and emergency maintenance.
• Develop, review, and/or approve MOPs following change management process.
• Ensure firmware and software stay up to date with Security standards.

• 7 years in the telecommunications industry as a Network or Operations Engineer
• 5+ years project management experience
• Strong knowledge of fiber‑optic design and installation best practices
• Strong knowledge of GPON, XGS‑PON, Fiber‑based networks, and OLT/ONT experience
• Strong proficiency in programming/scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles to automate network delivery.
• Demonstrated understanding of various fiber optic measurement and testing tools (e.g., OTDR), fiber optic splicing and best practices
• Solid understanding of network protocols to include: BGP, OSPF, RIP, ISIS, MPLS, etc.
• Experience with ArcGIS, 3
  
  GIS, Patch Manager, or similar tools
• Demonstrated strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Proven success collaborating with a range of partners while understanding multiple perspectives
• Strong communication skills to convey data and analysis to internal and external customers

• GPON/Fiber Specific
  
  Certifications:
  
  Calix Certified Specialist/Expert (focused on XGS‑PON/SMx), FOA (Fiber Optic Association) certifications (CFOT, CFOS/H), or equivalent
• Cisco, HPE‑Aruba, or equivalent industry certifications in networking or telecommunications (CCNA, CWNA, CCNP, ACMA, ACMP, CWS, ECSE, etc.)
• Fiber Optics and Infrastructure best practices
• RCDD certification

• A degree in a technical related field, appropriate certifications, or equivalent work experience
• One or more technical certifications within information technology (IT), networking, security, telecommunications, etc.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Short‑term disability
• Life insurance with AD&D