OTDR/Fiber Tester/Field Engineer (REMOTE)

Please note that this is a 1-year position with possibility to extend.

• 80% travel is required, and candidates must be fully aware of this before accepting the role.

Must Have:
Extensive OTDR experience
Telecom Experience

Years of experience:
3-5+ of experience

Travel Requirements

• No specific office locations contractors may be assigned to any site across the U.S., based on project needs.
• Travel regions include but are not limited to:
  • East Coast (various locations)
  • Central U.S. (Memphis, Kansas City, Omaha)
  • West Coast (Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle)
  • Projects may start in one city and end in another, requiring travel between sites

Typical Travel Schedule:

• Hotels (paid directly by client).
• Rental cars (paid directly by client).
• Airfare (paid directly by client).

• Contractors travel on Monday and work in the field for two weeks.
• They return home for one weekend before traveling again.
• Expenses covered by client:
• Contractors receive a $50 per diem for meals.

Required Experience

Knowledge:
Organizational competence
Strong experience analyzing OTDR traces, OIL data and CD/PMD data.
Able to describe the details and structure of ISP and OSP Fiber Networks
Fusion splicing using industry standard equipment
Understanding of various fiber types

Job Responsibilities

• Contractors will be assigned to various locations across the U.S., depending on project needs.
• They will work alongside an analyst who provides specific project details.
• Primary tasks include:
• Fiber testing and characterization.
• Troubleshooting fiber issues with vendors.
• Ensuring clean deliverables for customers by resolving fiber-related problems.
• Keeping all project stakeholders informed of progress and issues.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Contractors may work in a variety of environments, including:
• Data centers with controlled conditions.
• Remote, fenced-off communication sites in isolated areas.
• Outdoor or rugged environments that may involve walking on gravel, climbing stairs, or moving around uneven terrain.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift and transport testing equipment weighing around 50 lbs in a Pelican case.
• Minimal climbing on ladders but some projects may involve steps or accessing elevated equipment.
• Mobility is essential, as sites may require walking over rough ground or carrying equipment.

Work Schedule

• Standard business hours (9 AM 5 PM) based on the time zone of the worksite.
• Some sites have restricted access hours, which may require adjusting start times:
• Example: Some locations may close access at 3 PM, requiring an earlier start.
• Contractors should be prepared for occasional scheduling flexibility based on site restrictions.

Candidate Profile Requirements:

Experience and Skills:

• A candidate with experience in fiber services, particularly from carriers like Level 3 Lumen, Crown Castle, or similar large carriers, is preferred.
• Candidates with experience in OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) and fieldwork are ideal. The role requires active, hands-on involvement in the field rather than desk-based tasks.
• The ideal candidate should have relevant technical experience, especially in fiber optics, and familiarity with the specific processes of large carriers.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience is preferred. However, experience is considered more important than a specific duration. If a candidate has relevant experience, even outside the 3-5 year range, they may still be considered. It is crucial that their experience aligns with the specific work the company handles.
• Candidates should have a proactive attitude and drive to learn. The role values candidates who are willing to adapt and learn new methods, even if they don't have the perfect amount of experience. The ability to learn and apply new processes is key.

Personality Traits:

• A strong attitude toward learning is emphasized. A candidate s willingness to absorb new knowledge and adapt to the company s unique methods is a significant factor in their potential success, even more than their technical experience.
• A balance of experience and drive is sought; a candidate with experience but lacking motivation is less preferred than one with limited experience but high enthusiasm for growth and development.

General Experience:
Minimum 3 years experience within a Telecom Network Infrastructure environment
Able to use any generic office software.
Familiarity with EXFO Toolbox used in the analysis of fiber test data or similar software applications
Experience with understanding vendor contractual deliverables
Minimum of two years in a project management or project support capacity directing field resources an asset

Candidates will be responsible for testing the end-to-end of connectivity of optical fiber paths using multiple testing apparatus (OTDR, CD/PMD, Optical Insertion Loss measurements and fiber end-face validation) and performing basic site survey

This involves:
Maintaining Project Schedules
Performing fiber characterization tests using OTDR, CD/PMD, power meter/laser source and fiber end face testing using industry standard test equipment
Splicing or re-splicing of problematic fiber strands using industry standard fusion splicers
Fiber end face cleaning using multiple methods
Providing field analysis on Vendor's fiber network from test data
Preparing testing packages including:
Redlining of project documentation including fiber path and demarcation points
Provide test reports as dictated by vendor requirements
Managing project field documentation
Interfacing with vendors to provide remediation to fiber path issues
Performing site surveys to validate vendor infrastructure deliverables including any issues (not limited to):
Fiber type
Points of failure
Diversity requirements
Framework and support infrastructure (racks, fiber protection, grounding etc.)

Applicants must provide their phone number. Reference job number A4714.