Central Office Installation Technician

Job Summary

Experienced Central Office Installation Technician with extensive experience installing, integrating, and supporting optical transport equipment in carrier Central Office (CO), data center, and long-haul network environments. Skilled in the installation of Ciena 6500 optical transport platforms and Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) equipment, including ROADM shelves, optical amplifiers, wavelength management components, fiber infrastructure, DC power systems, and associated cabling. Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, maintain installation quality standards, and support equipment turn-up in live telecommunications networks. This position requires the ability to work independently or as part of a team while maintaining high-quality workmanship, adhering to customer specifications and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Install and integrate Ciena 6500 optical transport platforms, including chassis, shelves, circuit packs, optics, and associated hardware.
• Install and configure Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) equipment, including ROADM shelves, optical amplifiers, Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) components, optical filters, and optical line system infrastructure.
• Perform DC power terminations, grounding, bonding, and alarm wiring in accordance with customer and Telcordia standards.
• Route, terminate, dress, label, and test fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cabling.
• Install optical jumpers, trunk fiber, patch panels, and cable management systems while maintaining proper bend radius and routing standards.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, Method of Procedure (MOP) documents, equipment specifications, and installation packages.
• Support equipment turn-up activities by verifying fiber continuity, alarms, power, and equipment readiness.
• Perform quality inspections, update red-line drawings, complete installation documentation, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Troubleshoot installation issues and coordinate with engineering and network operations personnel during deployment.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA safety regulations, customer installation standards, and industry best practices.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of Central Office telecommunications installation experience.
• Hands-on experience installing Ciena 6500 optical transport systems.
• Experience installing Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) equipment, including ROADM shelves, optical amplifiers, and optical line system components.
• Knowledge of DWDM optical transport networks and fiber optic infrastructure.
• Experience with DC power (-48VDC), grounding, bonding, and alarm wiring.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, equipment layouts, and installation documentation.
• Familiarity with Telcordia (GR-1275, GR-63), NEBS, and Central Office installation standards.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and work in active telecommunications environments.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ciena Waveserver, Cisco NCS, Nokia, Infinera, Fujitsu, or other DWDM transport platforms.
• Fiber optic testing experience using OTDRs, optical power meters, and light sources.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience supporting Tier 1 telecommunications carriers and data center deployments.

Technical Skills

• Ciena 6500 Optical Transport Platform
• Reconfigurable Line System (RLS)
• ROADM Installation
• DWDM Optical Networks
• Optical Amplifiers (EDFA)
• Fiber Optic Installation & Testing
• Relay Rack & Equipment Bay Installation
• DC Power (-48VDC)
• Grounding & Bonding
• Central Office Construction
• Cable Routing & Dressing
• Equipment Turn-Up Support
• Engineering Drawing Interpretation
• Telcordia & NEBS Standards
• Telecommunications Installation & Troubleshooting