Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer

Cynet Systems•Little Rock, AR

About The Position

The Telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) Design Engineer will be responsible for planning and engineering outside plant fiber optic networks and microwave radio links. This role involves designing aerial and underground fiber routes, optimizing microwave links, and planning the placement of telecommunications facilities at electric utility locations. The engineer will contribute to the entire project lifecycle, from initial scoping and cost estimation to the creation of detailed engineering design packages for construction crews and contractors. The position requires ensuring designs meet industry standards, safety regulations, and physical security requirements, while also incorporating reliable power solutions for continuous operation during outages.

Requirements

1+ years of experience in telecommunications engineering with a focus on outside plant fiber optic network design and/or microwave system engineering.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
Equivalent work experience combined with relevant technical training/certifications will be considered.
Extensive knowledge of fiber optic communication systems.
Proficiency in microwave radio system design and RF engineering principles.
Familiarity with packet-based transport networks and traditional time-division multiplexing systems.
Solid understanding of IP networking fundamentals.
Proficient in using engineering and mapping tools common to telecom and utility design.
Experience with GIS software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
Comfortable with productivity and documentation software and collaboration platforms.
Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and codes for telecom and utility installations.
Familiarity with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) guidelines and basic National Electrical Code (NEC) principles.
Awareness of telecommunications standards and ability to design solutions that comply with safety regulations.

Responsibilities

Plan and engineer outside plant fiber optic networks to connect substations, generation facilities, control centers, and other utility sites.
Design both aerial fiber and underground fiber routes.
Develop route maps, specify fiber optic cables and hardware, create splicing and termination plans, and ensure network redundancy and resiliency.
Oversee permitting and rights-of-way for fiber installations and ensure designs meet National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearances and standards.
Design and optimize point-to-point microwave radio links to connect remote sites and reinforce the fiber network.
Perform path surveys and line-of-sight analyses, determine appropriate tower locations and heights, select antennas and frequencies, and develop link budgets.
Prepare specifications for microwave radios, waveguides, and antennas consistent with requirements and industry standards.
Plan the placement and design of telecommunications facilities at electric utility locations.
Design and/or specify the installation of telecom support structures and ensure all telecom facility designs meet physical security requirements.
Incorporate reliable power solutions into telecom designs to guarantee continuous operation of critical communications during power outages.
Contribute to project lifecycle activities from initial scoping through commissioning.
Develop project scopes and cost estimates for new telecom infrastructure projects.
Create and deliver detailed engineering design packages for use by field construction crews and contractors.
Plan implementation schedules and participate in change management processes.