Network Design Specialist

Socket Telecom LLC•Columbia, MO

About The Position

The Network Design Specialist supports the planning and design of Socket Fiber's network infrastructure and customer voice and data solutions. This role combines technical analysis, network planning, fiber design, and project coordination to help ensure reliable, scalable, and efficient service delivery. Working closely with Network Operations, Outside Plant Design, Service Delivery teams, Account Executives, customers, contractors, and vendors, the Network Design Specialist develops network diagrams, prepares fiber service quotes, coordinates orders, and assists with the successful implementation of customer solutions. This position plays a critical role in ensuring designs are accurate, projects stay on track, and technical questions are resolved efficiently throughout the service delivery process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of one year of experience providing technical support to business customers is required.
Minimum of one year of experience in any leadership role, such as team lead, manager, supervisor, or another position with direct reports required.
Knowledge of telecommunications and network technologies, including voice, data, fiber, internet connectivity, routers, firewalls, Network Interface Devices, LAN/WAN equipment, T1, xDSL, MPLS, ADSL, Integrated Access, HPBX, and local phone services required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with geographic information systems (GIS) is preferred.
One or more years of project management experience is preferred.
Technical, customer service, telecommunications, network design, or operations experience, including experience working with voice, data, fiber, internet, or business communication services is preferred.
Delivers clear verbal and written communication across multiple audiences.
Manages multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Supports cross-functional collaboration to resolve issues and improve workflows.
Analytical and troubleshooting skills apply to identify root causes and solutions.
Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and follow-through on assigned tasks.
Adapts to changing priorities, processes, and business needs with minimal disruption.
Maintains compliance with company policies, procedures, and established processes.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Experience with company systems, CRM platforms, billing systems, ticketing systems, or related software preferred.
Ability to quickly learn internal systems, tools, processes, and technology.

Responsibilities

Design, review, and support customer voice, data, and fiber network solutions using GIS, plant records, service orders, and network design tools.
Prepare network drawings, fiber quotes, component pricing, hardware recommendations, PDA designs, and plant data assignments for customer projects, proposals, conversions, and internal planning.
Review assigned service orders and work orders to verify customer location, plant availability, fiber path, strand assignment, and installation readiness prior to technician dispatch.
Coordinate fiber orders, installations, cutovers, and project activities with customers, technicians, contractors, vendors, and internal departments to support timely completion.
Troubleshoot fiber, GIS, mapping, plant data, and strand assignment issues to identify service impacts, alternate routing options, fiber cut locations, and appropriate field responses.
Provide technical support and escalation assistance to technicians, customers, and internal teams regarding fiber design, GIS, service requirements, and implementation needs.
Train, mentor, and support employees on GIS tools, fiber design processes, mapping standards, troubleshooting, workflow updates, and assignment changes.
Serve as backup to the Installation Design Manager for GIS, design review, workflow, assignment, and system-related decisions.
Maintain accurate documentation of network designs, project plans, service updates, customer implementation details, system records, reports, and plan revisions.
Manage multiple design projects, quotes, fiber conversions, escalations, and implementation tasks while ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Other duties as assigned.