Outside Plant Engineer

Job Description:

• Design and plan outside plant facilities for copper and fiber infrastructure (aerial, buried, conduit)
• Prepare and review engineering drawings, loop loss calculations, and switch serving area designs
• Conduct field measurements for poles, conduits, and buried facilities to support network design
• Develop project budgets, monitor actual costs, and conduct job inspections for quality assurance
• Prepare, organize, and submit permit packages to relevant agencies (Township, County, State, DNR, Railroad, Pipeline, etc.)
• Ensure designs meet permitting regulations and engineering standards
• Meet with municipal and government officials to coordinate around road projects (travel required; mileage reimbursed)
• Collaborate with other utilities to coordinate relocations, minimize conflicts, and avoid project delays
• Support service orders, subdivision expansions, road relocations, dark fiber MDUs, and more
• Update FROGS (CAD), Varasset, and SiteTracker tools as required
• Coordinate with SSP contractors to ensure timely and budget-conscious project completion
• Assist with make-ready work and joint-use coordination for Ziply-owned poles
• Conduct site surveys, support PUC complaint investigations, and create capital projects (e.g., for cell towers or plant repairs)
• Address and resolve plant damage requests (DOR/PDR), cable count changes, and other network service needs
• Maintain records, update engineering files, and process departmental documentation
• Draft and type correspondence, reports, and engineering support documents

Requirements:

• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in copper and fiber optic network engineering
• Minimum 5 years in network engineering or OSP-related work, including permitting and fiber record management
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in Ziply engineering tools and systems, including FROGS, Varasset, and SiteTracker
• Skilled in communication and collaboration with municipal officials, utility companies, contractors, and cross-functional teams
• In-depth knowledge of permitting procedures and OSP construction practices
• Willingness to travel locally for fieldwork and meetings (mileage reimbursed)

Benefits:

• health and life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• paid time off
• tuition reimbursement
• professional development courses