Position Summary IQ Fiber is seeking a Manager, Outside Plant Engineering to oversee the planning, design, and execution of outside plant (OSP) construction and maintenance activities. This role leads cross-functional teams and contractors to ensure high-quality fiber network deployment, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires deep technical knowledge of fiber construction, splicing techniques, network architecture, and OSP documentation practices. The Manager, Outside Plant Engineering is accountable for team development, contractor oversight, system compliance, and supporting a 24/7/365 operation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Lead, develop, and manage an OSP team including Supervisors, Fiber Technicians, Engineers, Locators, and Construction Technicians; responsible for hiring, mentoring, performance evaluation, and disciplinary action as needed.
- Train team members and build competencies in splicing techniques, troubleshooting, network architecture, documentation requirements, and end-to-end OSP processes.
- Oversee the planning and execution of FTTP construction projects, including field surveys of proposed and existing aerial and underground facilities, cost development for MDU, commercial, and ROE properties, and management of fiber architecture installation in multi-tenant buildings.
- Manage and coordinate OSP construction activities using both in-house and contract resources; oversee all outside construction contractors, including invoicing, quality of work, and documentation.
- Support troubleshooting of network systems and lead the restoration of all outside plant repairs; manage system performance while responding to customer inquiries as needed.
- Enforce methods, procedures, and practices related to IQ Fiber's OSP splicing, construction, and fiber optic documentation policies; ensure continuous compliance with OSHA safety standards and NCTA and FCC regulations.
- Respond to the needs of a 24/7/365 operation; remain available for after-hours and weekend work, stay in service during outages until resolved, and support emergency schedules during natural disasters and network events.
- Provide administrative and project management support as needed, including reporting, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination.
- All other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's or Associate's degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred; minimum 10 years of experience in a fiber construction environment.
- Advanced knowledge of network engineering, optical networks, and aerial and underground construction techniques; deep familiarity with splicing, troubleshooting, and OSP documentation practices.
- Experience managing outside plant contractors, including quality oversight, invoicing, and compliance with company and regulatory standards.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple concurrent construction projects.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record; must pass a pre-employment background check, consumer report, and drug screening.
- Computer skills sufficient to process trouble tickets; proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Must have close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus with good hand-eye coordination.
- Availability for a 24/7/365 operation including emergency response, after-hours and weekend work, and mandatory overtime; ability to work during natural disasters and network outages.
What Success Looks Like - OSP engineering and field teams are led and developed effectively, with a high-performance culture built through consistent coaching, technical development, and clear accountability.
- Fiber network projects are planned and executed efficiently, with construction, splicing, and installations completed on time, within budget, and aligned with company quality standards.
- Network reliability and performance are maintained, with troubleshooting efforts supported and restoration activities led decisively to minimize service disruptions for customers.
- Contractor performance and project execution are actively managed, with quality, compliance, and accurate documentation upheld across all outside plant activities.
- Safety, regulatory, and company standards are consistently met, with OSHA, FCC, and internal operational requirements followed without exception across all field and construction activities.
