Outside Plant Engineering Manager

We are seeking an experienced Outside Plant Engineering Manager to lead the planning, design, expansion, and long-term evolution of our client’s fiber-optic network infrastructure across the communities it serves. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong technical OSP engineering expertise with proven leadership experience managing fiber network expansion projects, engineering teams, rural broadband networks, and vendor relationships.

The candidate will have a strong background in FTTH/fiber network design, aerial and underground construction practices, GIS/network mapping tools, and outside plant engineering operations. This individual will play a key role in helping our client continue to expand and modernize its broadband infrastructure while driving operational efficiency, engineering consistency, and long-term network reliability.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the full lifecycle of outside plant engineering, including planning, fielding, design, staking, permitting support, construction coordination, and as-built documentation
• Oversee aerial and underground fiber network design supporting FTTH, transport, and broadband expansion initiatives
• Review engineering drawings, staking sheets, and cost estimates for constructability, accuracy, and cost efficiency
• Manage contract engineering and construction vendors, including vendor selection, contract coordination, performance management, and invoice validation
• Support broadband expansion projects tied to state and federal funding initiatives
• Work closely with GIS and IT teams to strengthen network data integrity, mapping accuracy, and asset visibility
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, documentation, and operational performance
• Evaluate and implement modern engineering workflows, automation tools, and AI-enabled technologies supporting network planning and optimization
• Lead easement acquisition, right-of-way coordination and permitting activities
• Ensure engineering deliverables comply with all federal, state and local regulations along with industry standards
• Develop and maintain QA/QC standards, engineering processes and scalable operational workflows
• Assist with departmental budgeting, forecasting and infrastructure planning initiatives
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing OSP engineering team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong customer service
• Coordinate closely with construction, operations, and leadership teams to ensure alignment across projects and organizational priorities

Expectations

• Strong understanding of fiber-optic network design, telecommunications construction, and OSP engineering environments
• Experience supporting FTTH and broadband network deployments
• Ability to manage multiple engineering and construction projects simultaneously across geographically dispersed areas
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience with GIS systems, network mapping tools, and data-driven engineering workflows
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and construction teams
• Strong vendor management and project coordination experience
• Ability to evaluate and improve engineering processes while implementing practical operational improvements
• Understanding of infrastructure planning, budgeting, and long-term network growth strategies
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments

Top Skills Needed: Fiber Optic Network Design • FTTH • OSP Engineering • Rural Broadband Experience • Aerial & Underground Construction • GIS Mapping • Engineering Management • Broadband Expansion • Vendor Management • Construction Coordination • QA/QC • Permitting • Right-of-Way • Infrastructure Planning • Budgeting • Telecommunications Engineering • Process Improvement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent industry experience
• 5–7+ years of telecommunications or outside plant engineering experience
• Proven experience with fiber-optic network design and deployment
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain licensure
• Experience supporting rural broadband expansion initiatives
• Familiarity with predictive analytics, AI-enabled engineering tools, or advanced GIS platforms
• Experience supporting state or federally funded broadband programs

What Will Catch Our Eye:  Candidates with a strong combination of fiber network engineering expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to modernize engineering operations through GIS, automation, and data-driven decision making will stand out.  Experience managing FTTH deployments, contract engineering vendors, and large-scale broadband expansion projects will be highly valued.

Key Terms: FTTH • Fiber Broadband • OSP Engineering • Fiber Design • GIS • Network Planning • Aerial Fiber • Underground Fiber • Broadband Expansion • Telecommunications Construction • Staking • Permitting • Right-of-Way • Engineering Leadership • AI-Enabled Network Planning • Rural Broadband

TekCom Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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