Specialist, Fibre Optic

Specialist, Fibre Optic (internal company title: Engineer, Optical Transport)

Our culture lifts you up—there is no ego in the way. Our common purpose? We all want to win for our customers. We aim to always be evolving, dynamic, and ambitious. We believe in the power of genuine connections. Each employee is a part of what makes us unique on the market: agile and dedicated.

Regular

Specialist, Fibre Optic (internal company title: Engineer, Optical Transport)

Columbus, OH;
Altoona, PA;
Warren, PA;
Rochester, NH

The Specialist, Fibre Optic is responsible for the implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the optical transport network, and supporting IP networks. The role serves as a key technical resource for configuring DWDM equipment, including, but not limited to photonic and transponder segments. The role should be adept at executing network changes and validating circuit performance and status independently during assigned change windows.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of projects from start to finish, ensuring high‑quality documentation, and strict adherence to operational standards while coordinating with field resources, internal teams and internal teams. This position requires participation in an on‑call rotation.

• Configure and validate DWDM wavelengths, transponders and muxponders across multi‑vendor environments (e.g. Ciena, Adva, Cisco, and Fujitsu) with assistance from senior engineers.
• Perform independent circuit turn‑ups and service activations using established procedures.
• Execute standard network change activities during maintenance windows, ensuring minimal disruption to live services.

• Participate in a rotating on‑call schedule to provide 24/7 support for critical network events across the US and Ontario.
• Diagnose and resolve common optical layer issues independently.
• Utilize optical test equipment (OTDR, OSA, Power Meters) to validate link characteristics and physical layer faults.
• Monitor network health using NMS tools (Ciena Navigator, Cisco EPNM, and others), validating alarms, and escalating complex issues to senior engineers or vendors when necessary.
• Perform software upgrades in accordance with company procedures.

• Maintain rigorous accuracy in documentation, including updating drawings, circuit records and BOMs following changes.
• Perform quality control on physical installations, ensuring cabling, labeling and rack layouts meet engineering standards.
• Identify gaps in current documentation or processes and proactively recommend updates to improve team efficiency.

• Act as the subject matter expert for field technicians during remote‑hands activities, providing clear instructions and validating their work.
• Collaborate with IP Core and Access teams to ensure seamless turn‑ups and handoffs.
• Provide clear, concise technical updates during outages, maintenance windows and in the ticketing system.

• Solid understanding of DWDM concepts.
• Working knowledge of optical transport platforms (primarily Ciena and Adtran/Adva)
• Ability to use OTDRs, OSAs and optical power meters.
• Ability to interpret and update complex network drawings, fiber plans and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to follow existing procedures and change control protocols.
• Capable of managing personal workload, deadlines and project coordination with minimal supervision.
• Approaches troubleshooting with a structured, logical methodology.
• Ensures accuracy in both logical configurations and physical standards.

• Relevant vendor or industry certifications
• Fundamental understanding of Layer 2 / 3 switching and routing protocols and configurations
• Familiarity with Python, Ansible or other similar automation tools
• Prior experience using or managing network sources‑of‑truth, such as Netbox.
• Previous experience supporting commercial sales initiatives, enterprise service delivery, or customer-facing technical operations.

• Flexibility:
  Yes, we think that what you do matters. At work and at home.
• Fun:
  We laugh a…