Outside Plant Engineer Freeport, Illinois

Join the nation’s leading independent service provider for critical telecommunication and renewable energy infrastructure. We are the premier independent service provider for our nation’s critical infrastructure. With over 2,500 team members nationwide, Pearce delivers comprehensive engineering, maintenance, repair, and repowering solutions, ensuring the seamless operation of our nation’s wireless and wireline telecom, commercial and utility‑scale solar and wind projects, EV charging stations, as well as large‑scale power generation, critical power and energy storage assets.

Pearce is seeking a detail‑oriented and experienced OSP Engineer to support telecommunications infrastructure projects. This role focuses on the design, planning, and implementation of outside plant (OSP) projects involving copper and fiber networks.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, permitting, and construction coordination, along with the ability to manage budgets and ensure compliance with company and industry standards.

• 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 Site Tracker 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 Frontier‑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.

• 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 Frontier engineering tools and systems, including FROGS, Varasset, and Site Tracker.
• 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).
• Must reside within 1 hour of Freeport, IL, to support regional field requirements.

Base Pay Range: $36,000 – $38,000 USD per year.

Attendees may also be eligible for performance and referral bonuses, production incentives, tool/equipment and fuel stipends, company vehicle, per diem or other applicable compensation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and professional development courses.

Pearce offers a family‑friendly and innovative culture with opportunities for growth, competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision), flexible spending accounts, HSA option, paid vacation, and paid holidays. We provide a company‑matching 401(k), life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and professional development training. As required for the role, we will provide a company vehicle, phone, laptop, or tablet along with all necessary tools and safety equipment.

At Pearce, we are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that empowers employees to excel and make a meaningful impact. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.