Role: Fiber Network Engineer
Term: 12 months contract
Location: 100% Onsite 2331 Mill Road Alexandria, Virginia 22314 United States
Position Overview
The Fiber Network Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and ongoing management of a large-scale fiber optic communications network. This role supports mission-critical operations by ensuring a secure, resilient, and high-performance fiber infrastructure. The engineer will oversee the full lifecycle of the network-from route planning and capital project execution through operations, maintenance, and documentation.
In addition to day-to-day engineering responsibilities, this role includes a unique deliverable: the engineer will develop and refine a formal, comprehensive job description and role documentation based on first-hand experience, workflows, and observed operational needs while performing the work.
Key Responsibilities Fiber Network Design & Engineering
- Design, engineer, and implement complex fiber optic network architectures, including point-to-point, ring, and path-diverse topologies.
- Conduct site surveys, route analysis, and network modeling to optimize performance, redundancy, and reliability.
- Evaluate existing infrastructure and recommend enhancements to improve capacity, resilience, and scalability.
Project & Capital Program Management
- Lead fiber-related capital improvement projects from concept through completion.
- Develop scopes of work, cost estimates, schedules, and procurement documentation.
- Manage consultants, contractors, and vendors, including design reviews, permitting coordination, construction oversight, and acceptance testing.
- Track budgets, milestones, risks, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
Operations & Maintenance
- Oversee installation, maintenance, repair, and renewal of fiber infrastructure and associated equipment.
- Diagnose network outages and performance issues; coordinate emergency response and restoration efforts as needed.
- Provide advanced technical support to field technicians and IT stakeholders.
Documentation & Knowledge Development
- Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including fiber maps, as-built drawings, schematics, splice diagrams, and asset inventories.
- Update and manage fiber databases and network records.
- Develop and refine a formal, comprehensive job description and role documentation that captures day-to-day responsibilities, workflows, required competencies, tools, and best practices based on real-world execution of the role.
- Prepare written reports, recommendations, and technical documentation for leadership and stakeholders.
Strategic & Administrative Support
- Support long-term fiber network planning and roadmap development.
- Assist with service agreements, leases, and vendor or partner coordination related to fiber assets.
- Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal standards, codes, and regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate fiber infrastructure with other systems (e.g., SCADA, radio, security, and enterprise IT networks).
Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to fiber technicians or related staff as needed.
- Work closely with internal departments, external agencies, utilities, and developers to coordinate fiber-related activities and shared infrastructure initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Network Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in fiber optic network design, engineering, and implementation.
- Demonstrated experience managing fiber-related capital projects and working with contractors and consultants.
- Strong understanding of fiber optic transmission systems, outside plant (OSP) design, and network architecture principles.
Preferred Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency with fiber design, mapping, and documentation tools (GIS, CAD, fiber management systems, or similar platforms).
- Strong project management, organizational, and documentation skills.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex fiber network issues under time-sensitive conditions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
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