Job Title: Senior - Fiber Optics

Job Summary

The Senior Fiber Optics professional is a highly skilled and experienced individual responsible for designing, implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. This role requires extensive technical expertise and leadership skills, as well as the ability to oversee complex projects and mentor junior engineers. The individual will work closely with clients and internal teams to ensure the network’s performance meets the highest standards, while also being adaptable to new technologies and developments in the fiber optic sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Design & Implementation: Lead the design, planning, and implementation of fiber optic networks, ensuring alignment with client requirements, industry standards, and best practices. Develop detailed fiber optic network plans, including equipment specifications, installation methods, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve advanced fiber optic issues, including signal loss, network degradation, and connectivity problems. Provide solutions and ensure that networks meet performance requirements under various conditions.
• Testing & Optimization: Oversee fiber optic testing and analysis processes, including OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer), power meters, and loss testing. Use diagnostic tools to fine-tune network performance and eliminate issues related to attenuation, dispersion, and signal interference.
• Mentoring & Leadership: Provide leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, guiding them through the technical aspects of fiber optic design, testing, and troubleshooting. Foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Quality Control & Standards Compliance: Ensure all fiber optic work complies with local and international industry standards, such as TIA/EIA and IEEE specifications. Implement rigorous quality control procedures and continuously assess the efficiency of the network.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication: Work closely with other engineering teams (such as electrical, mechanical, and network engineers) to integrate fiber optic networks within larger system architectures. Provide technical insights during cross-functional meetings and collaborate on network upgrades and expansions.
• Documentation: Maintain up-to-date documentation for fiber optic network configurations, installations, and maintenance procedures. Prepare reports on testing results, issues found, and resolutions provided for internal stakeholders or clients.
• Innovation & Research: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends, particularly in areas like GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Networks), DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing), and FTTH (Fiber to the Home). Propose new technologies and methods for improving network performance and reducing costs.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Expertise in designing complex fiber optic networks, including backbone systems, distribution networks, and customer connections.
• Advanced proficiency with fiber optic testing equipment (OTDR, light source, power meters, fiber identifier, etc.) and network diagnostic tools.
• Strong understanding of fiber optic signal characteristics, such as attenuation, dispersion, and bit error rates.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as TIA, EIA, ITU, IEEE, and any relevant local or regional fiber optic installation guidelines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including budget management, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams. Strong verbal and written communication skills for client and stakeholder interactions.
• High-level analytical skills for diagnosing complex network issues and proposing effective solutions.
• Knowledge of new developments in fiber optic technologies and the ability to integrate them into existing systems.

Educational Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, or a related field.
• Preferred: Advanced certifications such as CFOS (Certified Fiber Optics Specialist), RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer), or similar specialized fiber optics training.

Experience

• Required: At least 6+ years of hands-on experience in fiber optics network design, installation, and maintenance.
• Preferred: Experience with advanced network architectures, including GPON, DWDM, and FTTH. Prior experience leading teams and projects is highly valued.

Tools and Equipment

• Fiber Optic Test Equipment: OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources, and fiber identifiers.
• Network Analysis Tools: GIS software, network simulation software (e.g., AutoCAD, Visio for network mapping).
• Fusion Splicing & Termination Tools: Fusion splicers, cleavers, and optical connectors.
• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project, Trello, Jira, or similar tools for managing timelines and resources.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work on-site in diverse environments, including outdoor and underground installations.
• Willingness to travel to client sites, both local and international, as required.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to industry health and safety standards.