Leads the design, development and deployment of the company’s fiber optic network infrastructure, ensuring high performance, reliability and scalability. This role combines deep technical expertise in FTTH, fiber engineering, mapping, design, and staking with strong leadership and strategic planning. Responsible for overseeing all engineering activities, including project design and line staking. In compliance with RUS specifications, while collaborating closely with executive leadership on outside plant and network design. Approves new installations and coordinates switched and special access facilities, while consistently championing the company’s brand values and maintaining a strong, customer-focused approach in all aspects of the role.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Work closely with other department supervisors & employees to ensure all projects meet NCC expectations.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to develop high performing teams and team members.
- Assign workloads, set priorities, and ensure timely delivery of engineering packages or projects.
- Oversee the planning, design, and construction of FTTH networks.
- Direct the creation of OSP/ISP fiber designs, routing, splicing plans, BOMs, and construction drawings.
- Review and approve engineering deliverables to ensure accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
- Validate staking sheets, field notes, and construction-ready documentation.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance network performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Continually evaluate and improve engineering processes, tools, and workflows to increase operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for innovation in design, construction methods, and network architecture.
- Work closely with construction, permitting, operations, and project management teams to ensure seamless project execution.
- Collaborate with internal departments to deliver projects on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Coordinate with utilities, municipalities, and external partners to resolve field conflicts and permitting challenges.
- Serve as a technical authority for complex fiber network issues.
- Provide guidance on OSP engineering standards, NESC compliance, and industry best practices.
- Oversee field staking activities, site surveys, and route validation.
- Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure vendor performance aligns with project requirements.
- Maintain trusted and close relationships with other partners as a champion for NCC and for these partners.
- Evaluate vendor proposals and support procurement decisions.
- Ensure all engineering work adheres to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company specifications.
- Implement quality control processes for engineering deliverables and as built documentation.
- Maintain accurate records for audits, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
- Help create, improve, and maintain internal processes that improve operational efficiency or effectiveness.
- Travel as needed/requested to industry events to keep abreast of current industry trends and changing requirements.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience plus five-seven years of engineering experience in the telecommunications industry. Must have knowledge of and willingness to learn computer related skills necessary in the performance of duties. AutoCAD and/or GIS systems experience a plus.