JDH -Fiber Field Engineer

NORTHERN LIGHTS & JDH CONTRACTING•Plainfield, IN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fiber Optic OSP (Outside Plant) Field Engineer supports the design, coordination, and field verification of aerial and underground fiber optic construction projects. The role works with project managers, ISPs, municipalities, utility companies, and data center operations teams to support fiber infrastructure deployments, including backbone, distribution, and access networks. It requires hands-on field experience with fiber construction, utility locating, and standard construction practices. The position involves site surveys, route verification, constructability reviews, installation checks, utility coordination, and documentation of field conditions and design revisions. The engineer is also responsible for maintaining accurate redlines and as-built records and supporting compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and applicable construction standards. Travel to job sites and outdoor work in varying weather conditions are required.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in fiber optic OSP construction or field engineering.
Experience working with ISPs, telecom carriers, or utility providers.
Strong knowledge of fiber optic OSP construction methods and industry best practices.
Experience with both aerial and underground fiber optic construction.
Experience using underground utility locating equipment.
Understanding of underground utility systems, including power, gas, water, sewer, and telecom.
Familiarity with ISP network architectures, including backbone, distribution, and last-mile access.
Basic understanding of data center operations and fiber connectivity.
Ability to read and interpret fiber design drawings, permits, and construction documents.
Knowledge of NESC, NEC, and local utility standards related to fiber construction.
Familiarity with fiber splicing environments, closures, handholes, and fiber management systems.
Strong field problem-solving skills and effective communication with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with GIS mapping and as-built documentation.
Experience supporting data center connectivity projects.
Knowledge of permitting processes and right-of-way requirements.
Familiarity with SPANS or other electric utility compliance, attachment, or asset management systems.

Responsibilities

Perform field engineering duties for aerial and underground fiber optic OSP projects.
Conduct site surveys, route verification, and constructability reviews.
Verify aerial fiber installation, including strand, lashing, pole attachments, and clearance requirements.
Verify underground fiber installation, including conduit, duct, direct-buried fiber, handholes, and vaults.
Coordinate with utility companies regarding pole access, make-ready work, and underground utility conflicts.
Use underground utility locating equipment and interpret utility markings to mitigate damage risk.
Review utility locates, as-builts, and existing infrastructure records.
Ensure adherence to standard fiber optic construction practices, including bend radius, pulling tensions, slack storage, and labeling.
Support ISP network builds, including backbone, distribution, and access network construction.
Interface with data center operations teams as needed for fiber entrances, meet-me rooms, and interconnects.
Identify and document field issues, changed conditions, and required design revisions.
Maintain accurate field documentation, redlines, and as-built records.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company safety policies.
Participate in project meetings and provide field updates to project management.