Fiber Designer

Job Title:

Fiber Designer (GIS / OSP Engineering)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing outside plant (OSP) fiber networks using GIS tools to support large-scale rural broadband expansion. You will create and refine front-end engineering designs and construction "as-built" records for new fiber routes, helping deliver high-speed broadband to underserved rural areas. The position emphasizes fiber engineering within a GIS environment, including conceptual and physical route design, cost optimization, and real-time updates based on field changes.

Responsibilities

+ Design outside plant (OSP) fiber projects across multiple locations and states, from initial concept through final as-built documentation.

+ Create detailed labor, material, and overhead cost estimates for fiber construction projects.

+ Use GIS tools, including ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro, to design fiber network builds within a GIS platform.

+ Partner with other OSP Engineering associates to develop accurate and constructible fiber network designs.

+ Perform analysis on fiber network designs using GIS tools and extensions to support OSP engineering teams.

+ Update initial engineering maps with real-time field modifications to produce accurate final as-built records.

+ Determine cable counts and develop fiber assignments, including distributed split and fiber-to-the-home architectures.

+ Identify and specify equipment required for installation in the field, including placement and routing considerations.

+ Evaluate route options such as which side of the road to place cable and how to position facilities relative to the center line.

+ Read and assess fiber and/or HFC designs and prints to ensure compliance with engineering standards and construction practices.

+ Apply knowledge of telecommunications industry principles and NESC construction practices to all design work.

+ Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while meeting production expectations.

+ Maintain a high-volume, production-focused workflow, such as designing several miles of fiber routes per week.

+ Collaborate with a manager who oversees workload, provides quality control, and offers training on systems and design standards.

+ Participate in any required engineering training to align with internal processes, tools, and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

+ 2+ years of fiber design experience, including new route design and fiber-to-the-home or distributed split architectures.

+ Strong proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, including hands-on experience designing networks within the software.

+ ESRI ArcGIS experience, with the ability to perform GIS-based design and analysis for fiber networks.

+ Demonstrated experience in a production-heavy role, such as designing approximately 7+ miles of fiber routes per week.

+ Ability to create and interpret OSP fiber designs, including reading and assessing fiber and/or HFC prints.

+ Basic understanding of distributed split and fiber-to-the-home design concepts.

+ Experience working with as-builts and redlines, including real-time uploads of field changes into design systems.

+ Understanding of telecommunications industry principles and practices.

+ Knowledge of NESC construction practices and engineering standards as they apply to OSP fiber networks.

+ Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and quality.

+ Self-motivated and comfortable performing repetitive, detailed design work independently.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively with OSP engineering teams and follow established design processes.

+ Capability to work within a remote desktop environment provided by the company, using a personal desktop to connect via VPN.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Degree in GIS or a related field, which is viewed favorably and helps candidates stand out.

+ Prior experience specifically in fiber engineering, including determining cable counts and equipment needs.

+ Experience deciding optimal cable placement relative to roadways, such as selecting the side of the road and positioning off the center line.

+ Familiarity with distributed split fiber-to-the-home implementations and central office fiber…