Fiber Optic Transport Engineer

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Salt Lake City, UT

8d • $33 - $59 • Onsite

About The Position

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a forward-thinking, highly motivated professional with strong technical expertise and communication skills. As a Fiber Optic Transport Engineer, you will manage the physical layer of the statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Network. In this role, you will lead the architecture, design, provisioning, and advanced troubleshooting of high-capacity Layer 1, 2, and 3 optical transport systems. You will play a vital role in ensuring that UDOT's backbone network provides the capacity, redundancy, and low latency necessary to support critical transportation systems statewide.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, Geography/GIS, Information Systems, or a related field, plus four (4) years of professional experience in a related technical area.
• Note: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis (e.g., 8 years of total related experience if no degree is held).
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn Optical Transport & Protocols: Thorough understanding of Optical Transport Networks (OTN), segment routing, and Layer 1–3 protocols across multi-vendor hardware platforms.
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn Fiber Testing & Diagnostics: Mastery of active fiber metrics, including the ability to analyze advanced OTDR trace data and troubleshoot long-distance signal degradation.
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn Geospatial Expertise: Practical understanding of GIS concepts and mapping tools, specifically ESRI/ArcGIS, Bentley OpenComms, or related spatial platforms.
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn Network Documentation: Ability to author detailed technical guides, training manuals, database queries, and system architecture concepts.
• Familiarity with or a willingness to learn Technical Collaboration: Strong communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with regional teams, external consultants, and government agencies.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Optical Networking: Hands-on proficiency in configuring and optimizing multi-vendor optical networking hardware.
• CAD Drafting: Demonstrated proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting tools for network planning.

Responsibilities

• Analyze statewide fiber and communication needs, contribute to future system improvements, and assist with long-term system planning.
• Design fiber paths and monitoring systems to mitigate physical and optical threats (e.g., detecting fiber bends or unauthorized intrusion).
• Facilitate fiber optic designs and device configurations between UDOT and design consultants.
• Prepare splice details, connection test sheets, and acceptance testing documentation.
• Maintain and update fiber management, Fiber Channel As-Built, and IP plan databases.
• Manage UDOT fiber mapping using ESRI and Bentley OpenComms platforms.
• Publish GIS mapping content and build custom visualization tools on the UPLAN platform.
• Direct major fiber cutover operations and respond to system updates.
• Partner with UDOT Regions to coordinate Blue Stakes utility locating and permitting.
• Collaborate with local government entities, state agencies, and external consultants.
• Develop clear network documentation, including concepts, user guides, training manuals, and database queries.

Benefits

• Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
• Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
• Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level