Communications AutoCAD Drafter / OSP Design Technician ("Planner I, II, III")

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Communications AutoCAD Drafter / OSP Design Technician (“Planner I, II, III”)

Reports To: Manager, Construction Project Management

Employment Status: Hourly (Non-exempt)

We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to any other employees in the same or similar role.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented AutoCAD Drafter to join our Team. The successful candidate will create, modify, and manage technical drawings for Outside Plant (OSP) fiber optic and coaxial network infrastructure. The role involves designing underground substructures (conduit, manholes) and aerial routes, preparing permit packages for municipal encroachment, and developing final as-built drawings from field notes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Perform applied research, development, and provisioning of new and existing OSP and ISP facilities. Analyze cost alternatives for multiple solutions.

· Using inventory tools, maps, and schematics, evaluate current fiber facilities

· Research shall include aerial and underground options, existing customer conduit, and other third-party conduit and support structures.

· Recommend a final route based on the most economical solution that meets the customer requirements.

· Create high-fidelity 2D OSP fiber network designs using AutoCAD and GIS formats, detailing conduit runs, manholes, splice boxes, and pole attachments.

· Design detailed underground (trenching, vault placement) and aerial (pole loading, strand) routes based on field surveys.

· Prepare, submit, and track permit applications (e.g., encroachment, Right-of-Way, traffic control plans) with local, state, and county agencies.

· Update drawings based on redlines, field notes, and photographs to produce final As-Built records after construction completion.

· Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field technicians to ensure designs are efficient and compliant with NESC, NEC, and municipal standards.

· Perform quality checks on drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance before submission.

· Use various tools to create and validate a preliminary Bill of Materials (BOM) reflecting the costs and materials associated with the routing decisions.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Understanding of basic Finance and Accounting concepts.

· Experience with customer specific software platforms.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical customer dates.

· Deadline driven, self-motivated, and technically savvy.

· Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills.

· Superior time management.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Ability to be flexible, take direction with ease, including changes to schedule and workflow priorities.

· Critical thinking skills; make assessments and provide solutions to problems.

· Ability to maintain professional tact in a fast-paced work environment with internal personnel and clients.

Education and Experience:

· High school diploma or GED equivalent.

· Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics preferred.

· Proficient in using computer software such as MS-Excel, PDF Editors etc.

• Minimum 2+ years of professional experience with AutoCAD (Civil 3D experience preferred).
• Proven experience in OSP, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), or HFC network drafting.
• Familiarity with NESC, OSP infrastructure design, and permitting processes.
• Ability to read and interpret GIS data, engineering notes, and survey data.

· Working knowledge of GIS and AutoCAD software is a must.

· Knowledge of FTTX Deployment preferred.

Physical Requirements:

· Sitting: Frequently required to sit for extended periods, especially when working at a computer or desk.

· Manual Dexterity: Regular use of hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls (e.g., typing, using a mouse, handling documents).

· Reaching: Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.

· Communication: Must be able to talk and hear clearly for effective communication.

· Environment: Typically works in a semi-quiet office environment, though some roles may involve occasional site visits.

Leveling :

A Planner I, II or III title differentiation lies in the experience and/or skill level of the individual.

Planner I

Planner II

Planner III

· No telco experience required but a STEM college major is preferred.

· Strong motivation for learning how to research, develop, and provision new and existing OSP and ISP facilities.

· Must have understanding of basic accounting to analyze cost alternatives.

· Must be proficient in MS Office and able to manipulate PDF files.

· Some 2D design proficiency in AutoCAD or related design program is required.

· Must be action oriented and able to work autonomously.

· Will be trained and mentored on facilitating projects in the telecommunication network

· Must have the ability to work in a consultative manner with others, e.g. establish rapport, interview/fact-find, present options/recommend solutions, follow-up and customer focused behavior.

· Capable of planning projects with some oversight.

· Has a strong understanding of multiple disciplines, can complete work without oversight, and understands holistic view of how Congruex planning and engineering activities relate together and to the final product.

· Is capable of performing ad-hoc requests for complicated Planning services with the aid of some explanation and oversight.

· Understands and follows design & quality standards.

· Understands diverse and collapsed loop fiber routes, Planning infrastructure and deployment concepts.

· Able to use CAD and GIS systems.

· Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously and to prioritize work according to urgency.

· Requires quality audits for consistency, but should not have basic errors.

· Can communicate directly with the customer.

· Able to plan projects without oversight.

· Has a deep understanding of OSP and ISP design, Planning Infrastructure and Deployment concepts, construction methods, and quality standards.

· Is capable of performing ad-hoc requests for complicated QA or design services such as BAU deployment and fiber-based services with minimal explanation and oversight.

· Able to define and clarify design & quality standards.

· Able to create high-level efficiency routing and design processes, detailed work plans, schedules, resources, and cost estimations for required facility relief including Central Office equipment.

· Can perform detailed route studies to forecast feeder and equipment needs for a 2-5 year view.

· Must be able to administer and maintain fiber in the network and corporate databases.

· Can provide technical guidance to other Engineers and Engineering Assistants.

· Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize work according to urgency, and manage time for high efficiency.

· Must possess the skills required to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.

· Does not require quality audits.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship.