OSP Design Engineer | Remote | USA

Sutherland•Houston, TX

5d•Remote

About The Position

OSP Design Engineer (Individual Contributor) Role Summary: Technical Execution & Network Design: The OSP Design Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for the end-to-end design of fiber optic network infrastructure. This Individual Contributor is responsible for the full lifecycle of engineering deliverables, including field data collection, High Level Design (HLD), detailed Low Level Design (LLD), and the generation of permit packages. This role requires high proficiency in GIS/CAD software, a strong understanding of OSP construction principles, and the ability to work independently to meet project timelines and quality standards.

Requirements

Experience: 3–7 years of hands-on experience in OSP Design and Engineering, specifically with FTTx, Metro, or Long-Haul fiber networks.
Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in designing aerial, buried, and underground conduit systems. Strong understanding of fiber optic topology (splitters, cabinets, splice closures). Knowledge of industry standards (NEC, NESC, BICSI).
Software Proficiency: Demonstrated operational experience with GIS and CAD platforms. Specific proficiency in IQGEO, ARAMIS, WALDO, or MicroStation/BSTCAD is highly preferred.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent relevant field experience.
Field Capabilities: Ability to travel to local sites for field surveys and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green/Yellow Belt (focus on process efficiency) or RCDD certification.
Permitting Experience: Specific experience working with FDOT or complex municipal permitting systems.
Data Skills: Proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) for BOM management and data reporting.

Responsibilities

Network Design (HLD & LLD)
High Level Design (HLD): specific route planning, serving area architecture, and feeder network design to maximize coverage while minimizing construction costs.
Low Level Design (LLD): Produce detailed construction-ready prints, including conduit configuration, fiber splicing schematics, building entrances, and termination points.
Calculations: Perform optical power budget calculations and material selection to ensure network integrity.
Software Utilization: Utilize OSP/GIS design software (specifically IQGEO, ARAMIS, WALDO, and MicroStation/BSTCAD) to create accurate geospatial records and engineering drawings.
Field Engineering & Data Collection
Fielding: Conduct physical site surveys and walk-outs to validate route feasibility, identify obstacles, and verify existing utility infrastructure.
Make-Ready Engineering: Assess pole loading and identify necessary make-ready work for aerial attachments in compliance with NESC/GO95 standards.
Verification: Validate "as-built" documentation against actual field conditions to ensure database accuracy.
Permitting & Right-of-Way (ROW)
Permit Preparation: Create comprehensive permit application packages (drawings, traffic control plans, and narratives) for submission to State DOTs, municipalities, railroads, and utility pole owners.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs adhere to local codes, ordinances, and utility owner requirements (e.g., specific depth requirements, running line offsets).
Coordination: Respond to technical inquiries from permitting agencies to expedite approval processes.
Quality & Project Support
Quality Assurance: Perform self-checks and peer reviews on design prints to ensure zero-defect handoffs to construction teams.
BOM Generation: Generate accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) and Labor estimates for assigned projects.
Construction Support: Act as the technical point of contact for construction crews during deployment, resolving design-related issues (redlines) that arise in the field.