Senior Field Operations Engineer
Alabama Fiber Network is seeking two candidates for the key role of Senior Field Operations Engineer to support the deployment and operation of our advanced statewide fiber optic network and IP packet network. Candidates must be local to the State of Alabama or willing to relocate to a region in the State of Alabama.
Organization
Alabama Fiber Network received a grant from the State of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to create a middle mile broadband infrastructure to increase the availability of robust, scalable, and affordable broadband service throughout Alabama. Eight Electric Cooperatives and Alabama Power Company provide IRU agreements for existing fiber cables to support a large portion of the network. New optical cable segments link the network together to cover the entire state. AFN has dozens of designated facilities to house advanced optical and packet equipment supporting interconnection points located throughout the state. AFN is designed to provide the most widespread, resilient, and accessible high-speed fiber optic transport network in the state.
Position Summary
The ideal candidate is a Senior Level Field Engineer with extensive knowledge of broadband fiber optic and packet networks, network operations & technologies, and must be an effective communicator. The candidate should be highly skilled in the following disciplines: fiber optic network operations and maintenance, fiber optic ISP and OSP construction and best practices, significant hands-on splicing experience, DWDM transport optics, switching & routing, and DC power. They must be highly motivated and function autonomously to proactively manage and operate our advanced network.
The Senior Field Engineer provides comprehensive hands-on support for customer interconnection and service delivery, network support implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic transport technologies, packet IP technologies, and multi-gigabit services, as well as DC powerplants and other supporting network equipment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Support network monitoring & curation, performance analysis & optimization, and regular tracking & reporting activities.
- Regularly interact with and supervise OSP and ISP construction teams, telecom providers, equipment suppliers, and third-party network vendors to engage their technical resources to perform tasks.
- Provides on-site and end-user support, customer interconnection and installation, maintenance, and repairs to a wide variety of fiber optic systems, equipment, cabling, and to other related systems and equipment at all assigned locations.
- Responsible for all AFN network assets in an assigned geographic area in the State of Alabama, while also supporting all network activities statewide.
- Team with other departments and the Network Operations Center (NOC) to provide superior customer service and customer experience.
- Responds to and diagnoses problems through discussions with customers, network engineers, NOC engineers, and management.
- Drives to ensure a timely process through which problems are resolved. Includes utilizing all available tools and resources for problem recognition, research, isolation, resolution, documentation, and follow-up steps.
- Install, splice, terminate, and test fiber optic cables in support of customer interconnection and break / fix repairs.
- Diagnose and repair issues related to fiber optic cables, connectors, and other network components.
- Install, maintain and troubleshoot fiber optic equipment and fiber optic wiring inside and outside of the Central Office / POPs to the customer premise.
- Conduct regular inspections and preventative maintenance on fiber optic networks and all supporting network equipment.
- Respond to network outages and perform necessary repairs in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate records of fiber optic installations, splices, and repairs.
- Update network diagrams and infrastructure documentation as needed.
- Respond to trouble tickets within acceptable company timeframe standards.
- Operate and maintain company vehicles/equipment safely and professionally.
- Adhere to safety protocols and industry standards during all phases of fiber optic network installation and maintenance.
- All other assigned duties as directed by AFN Management Team.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience or 7+ years equivalent related Field Operations Engineering / Technical experience
- Experience required with coordination and implementation of technology projects.
- An optical background: Expertise with DWDM transmission systems, long-haul fiber facilities, experience with physical connectivity at all layers, including DC cabling, power distribution, cross-connects, network management, etc.
- Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record
- Pass pre-employment drug screening and background check
- Authorized to work in the United States
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Ciena Transport Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) networks
- Experience with Cisco and/or Arista Routing and Switching platforms
- A plus, but not required, if you have any of the following certifications: CCNP, CCIE, ACE-4
Work Environment and Location
The Senior Field Operations Engineer is a Field Operations position requiring onsite work objectives. The AFN service area spans the entire state and the exact work location within the State will be in or near Central Alabama (Montgomery Region) or North Alabama (Tuscaloosa Region). AFN will supply a company vehicle, personal protective equipment, test equipment, and tools required to perform the assigned duties. The position requires routine travel in the assigned geographic area and around the State of Alabama, with travel costs covered by AFN. The position requires occasional work providing after-hours support during maintenance windows. The Senior Field Operations Engineer reports directly to the Vice President of Operations and Construction.
The Alabama Fiber Network is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
