Telecom Field Engineer

Role Overview

The Senior Fiber Engineering & Execution Lead is a highly senior, end-to-end technical authority responsible for owning the full fiber lifecycle across Outside Plant (OSP) projects. This role spans fiber scope definition, Fiber Character (CHAR) development, splice and MOP creation, field execution oversight, testing validation, documentation, closeout, and billing defensibility.

This position serves as the single source of truth for fiber. From Statement of Work (SOW) through customer acceptance and invoicing, this role ensures that fiber work is accurately scoped, executable in the field, compliant with customer standards, fully documented, and defensible for billing and audit purposes.

This is not an entry-level role, not a pure desk engineer, and not a construction labor position. This role is for a senior professional who understands fiber end-to-end and can own technical execution, operational risk, and financial outcomes.

Core Responsibilities

Fiber Scope, Engineering & CHAR Ownership

• Analyze Statements of Work (SOWs) and design documents to define full fiber scope, including:
• A-LOC, Z-LOC, and CRAN locations
• Fiber counts, cable types, routes, and distances
• Handholes, slack requirements, panels, trays, ports, and equipment scope
• Develop and maintain Fiber Character (CHAR) documentation, including:
• End-to-end fiber paths and continuity
• Cable footage by segment
• Slack loop quantities and placement
• Panel, tray, port, and fiber assignments
• Validate scope using GIS data, route maps, aerial imagery, and customer systems
• Identify scope gaps, constructability risks, or conflicts and drive resolution
• Update CHARs to reflect EWOs, approved design changes, and actual field conditions

Splice Package Development & Validation

• Create splice packages derived from approved Fiber CHARs, including:
• Fiber ranges and splice logic
• Splice locations, enclosures, and handholes
• Tray, port, FDF/FFDF assignments
• Ensure splice logic is clear, buildable, testable, and field-ready
• Validate splice scope against design documentation and fiber allocation systems

Method of Procedure (MOP) Development & Risk Control

• Develop, review, and approve Methods of Procedure (MOPs) for fiber splicing, testing, and related OSP activities
• Translate CHARs and splice packages into executable MOPs that include:
• Scope summary and expected outcomes
• Risk assessment and service impact analysis
• Pre-work checks, execution steps, and backout procedures
• Post-work validation and acceptance criteria
• Assign and validate risk levels (Level 0–3)
• Ensure MOP approval discipline, version control, and compliance with client standards

Field Execution Oversight, Testing & Troubleshooting

• Oversee or validate fiber pulling, splicing, termination, and testing performed by field crews or subcontractors
• Perform or validate testing using OTDRs, power meters, and loss testing tools
• Review OTDR traces, loss results, and channel (CHAR) performance
• Diagnose and troubleshoot fiber issues including signal loss, breaks, poor splices, or network disruptions
• Support emergency response and service restoration efforts as required

Documentation, Systems & As-Builts

• Create and maintain redlines and as-built documentation reflecting actual field conditions
• Compile and submit complete test packages, including:
• OTDR traces
• Loss test results
• Splice records
• Labeling and fiber identification verification
• Ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, audit-ready, and aligned with customer standards
• Update and maintain data in customer systems and internal platforms, including:
• 3-GIS (strongly preferred)
• Customer-specific systems (e.g., Verizon Canvas or equivalents)

Customer Communication & Cross-Functional Support

• Serve as the technical point of contact for customers during execution, testing, troubleshooting, and closeout
• Communicate test results, deficiencies, corrective actions, and acceptance status
• Support Project Managers, Construction Managers, QA/QC, Operations, and Splicing teams
• Resolve discrepancies between SOWs, CHARs, splice packages, MOPs, and field conditions

Billing, Closeout & Margin Protection

• Translate fiber scope, CHARs, and splice execution into accurate billable quantities
• Validate:
• Fiber footage
• Splice counts
• Slack loops
• Panels, enclosures, and materials
• Provide billing backup documentation to support invoicing and audits
• Assist in resolving billing disputes related to fiber scope or execution
• Ensure timely closeout to prevent billing delays and revenue leakage

Inventory Control (Customer-Owned Materials)

• Manage and track customer-owned materials including fiber, panels, enclosures, and hardware
• Document material withdrawals and usage by project
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and protection of customer materials
• Support periodic inventory reporting to customers

Required Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in OSP fiber engineering, splicing oversight, testing, and troubleshooting
• Deep understanding of:
• Fiber CHARs, splice packages, and MOPs
• OSP fiber construction and splicing practices
• Fiber testing methodologies and standards
• Hands-on experience with OTDRs, power meters, and fiber diagnostics
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and produce redline and as-built documentation
• Strong organizational, documentation, and systems proficiency
• Ability to communicate clearly with field crews, customers, and project management teams
• Comfortable working in field environments and supporting urgent response work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Tier 1 carriers or hyperscale fiber customers (Verizon, Google Fiber, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.)
• Strong experience with 3-GIS or similar fiber allocation systems
• Experience supporting billing validation, pay item reconciliation, or audit response
• Familiarity with carrier MOP standards and approval workflows
• Industry certifications such as CFOT or equivalent