Job Information
FirstLight Fiber Fiber Construction Engineer in Somerville, Massachusetts
FirstLight is a leading telecommunications company with a strong commitment to innovation and excellence. We are dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers while fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture.
Summary: The Fiber Construction Engineer (FCE) is responsible for managing the initial design, which includes identifying and initiating local and state permitting, and pole and conduit license requests. The FCE will oversee project and budget management, ensuring all aspects comply with FirstLight’s high standards. The FCE will be responsible for requesting and managing project materials through the completion of the project. The FCE will manage project construction with in-house or external resources. The FCE is required to simultaneously manage multiple projects while strictly adhering to timelines, budgets, quality, and safety. This position plays a key role in supporting the organization with the field design, installation, and support of the fiber optic network. This position is work-from-home with some fieldwork required. Site walks and pole data collection are part of the job.
Responsibilities:
Travel to customer locations to collect fiber optic project information, determining equipment requirements and best fiber optic routes.
Prepare preliminary OSP and ISP designs, providing all required data for Fiber Engineering.
Complete MOP (Method of Procedure) forms, including customer signatures, allowing FirstLight to enter the structure with fiber optic cable(s).
Actively engage in meetings to deliberate on the requirements for new backbone, lateral, and riser fiber builds.
Establish partnerships with stakeholders to identify project updates and establish accurate forecasts/timelines.
Develop strategic customer relationships that contribute to securing service contracts for FirstLight.
Involvement in all phases of construction, including bidding, preconstruction assessments, ongoing site visits, safety audits, and documentation finalization.
Work in tandem with fiber design engineers to guarantee uniformity and precision in all project documentation.
Direct and manage construction work activities with approved contractors to ensure conformance with project specifications and on-time delivery of customer service.
Ensure Team and Project Managers are promptly updated on any issues that may affect project timelines or budgets.
Cultivate open communication and collaboration within the team to drive successful outcomes.
Oversee the procurement and organization of equipment and materials for designated projects.
Build expertise in generating precise Bills of Materials (BOMs).
Conduct thorough site inspections to identify and address any discrepancies, ensuring efficient material acquisition.
Comply with all field activity protocols and best practices.
Handle emergency and trouble responses related to fiber impairments as a participant in an On-Call rotation.
Work jointly with the NOC, Field Operations, and Fiber Design to coordinate repair teams.
Permitting Procurement: Establish strong relationships with major state and local permitting Rights of Way authorities and oversee the licensing process from start to finish. Examples include, but are not limited to, the City of Boston MA Public Improvement Council, Cambridge MA Pole and Conduit Commission, Mass DOT, MBTA, Conservation/Wildlife Committees, and Communication and Electric Company underground/aerial attachment licensing. You will be required to prepare all permit documentation and attend off-hour licensing committee meetings as needed to support the licensing process.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Preferred: Associate and / or bachelor’s degree in engineering or telecommunications.
Alternatively: 5 years of relevant experience in telecommunications.
Consideration for equivalent combinations of education and experience.
Solid business acumen and experience in managing large telecom construction projects.
Vast knowledge of fiber construction processes and best practices.
Vast knowledge of fiber Splicing / Testing processes and best practices.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Solid experience using GIS, MS Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint
Ability to travel as needed to manage field operations, which can include overnight stays throughout the network.
About FirstLight: FirstLight provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud, and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast, connecting more than 13,000 locations in service with more than 125,000 locations serviceable by our more than 25,000-route-mile network. FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high-bandwidth connectivity solutions, including Ethernet, wavelength, and dark fiber services, as well as dedicated Internet access solutions, data center, cloud, and voice services. FirstLight’s clientele includes national cellular providers and wireline carriers and many leading enterprises, spanning high-tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments.
FirstLight is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that our differences are assets that strengthen us as a team, and FirstLight is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and recognized. FirstLight Fiber is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with state and federal laws, FirstLight’s equal opportunity policy is that all applicants and employees are treated equally by the company with respect to employment opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or veteran disability.