Manager, Outside Plant Engineering

IQ Fiber is seeking a Manager, Outside Plant Engineering to oversee the planning, design, and execution of outside plant (OSP) construction and maintenance activities. This role leads cross-functional teams and contractors to ensure high-quality fiber network deployment, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory and safety standards. 

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires deep technical knowledge of fiber construction, splicing techniques, network architecture, and OSP documentation practices. The Manager, Outside Plant Engineering is accountable for team development, contractor oversight, system compliance, and supporting a 24/7/365 operation. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities   

• Lead, develop, and manage an OSP team including Supervisors, Fiber Technicians, Engineers, Locators, and Construction Technicians; responsible for hiring, mentoring, performance evaluation, and disciplinary action as needed. 

• Train team members and build competencies in splicing techniques, troubleshooting, network architecture, documentation requirements, and end-to-end OSP processes. 

• Oversee the planning and execution of FTTP construction projects, including field surveys of proposed and existing aerial and underground facilities, cost development for MDU, commercial, and ROE properties, and management of fiber architecture installation in multi-tenant buildings. 

• Manage and coordinate OSP construction activities using both in-house and contract resources; oversee all outside construction contractors, including invoicing, quality of work, and documentation. 

• Support troubleshooting of network systems and lead the restoration of all outside plant repairs; manage system performance while responding to customer inquiries as needed. 

• Enforce methods, procedures, and practices related to IQ Fiber’s OSP splicing, construction, and fiber optic documentation policies; ensure continuous compliance with OSHA safety standards and NCTA and FCC regulations. 

• Respond to the needs of a 24/7/365 operation; remain available for after-hours and weekend work, stay in service during outages until resolved, and support emergency schedules during natural disasters and network events. 

• Provide administrative and project management support as needed, including reporting, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred; minimum 10 years of experience in a fiber construction environment. 

• Advanced knowledge of network engineering, optical networks, and aerial and underground construction techniques; deep familiarity with splicing, troubleshooting, and OSP documentation practices. 

• Experience managing outside plant contractors, including quality oversight, invoicing, and compliance with company and regulatory standards. 

• Strong organizational and project management skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple concurrent construction projects. 

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; must pass a pre-employment background check, consumer report, and drug screening. 

• Computer skills sufficient to process trouble tickets; proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word. 

• Must have close visio