Facilities Engineer

Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 197 communities and more than 60,000 customers in Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and Louisiana. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience.

General

Summary:

The Facilities Engineer ensures the reliability, resilience, security, and compliance of the company's critical infrastructure, including power systems, cooling, physical facilities, network environments, and operational technology. This role works collaboratively with facilities, security, network operations, field technicians, and outside vendors to support safe, continuous, and high-performance operations. The engineer also contributes to network expansion, modernization initiatives, and overall service availability.

Essential Job Functions:

* Plan, design, install, and support critical infrastructure systems, including AC/DC power, UPS, generators, HVAC/cooling, building automation, fire suppression, and physical facility systems;

* Perform configuration, installation, and testing of network equipment; manage the DCN network and provide documentation in collaboration with Engineering and Network Operations;

* Ensure the proper function of critical power systems by analyzing battery routines and managing preventive maintenance for HVAC, generators, UPS, and DC power systems; troubleshoot issues as needed and oversee vendor maintenance contracts;

* Oversee maintenance of company buildings, structures, grounds, and facility equipment to ensure a safe, compliant, and fully functioning workspace;
Manage PM standards, technician schedules, and quarterly KPI performance;

* Provide redlines and accurate as-built documentation for all sites using M4; generate final "Room Ready" documentation for new markets and ensure NOC requirements for environmental alarm monitoring are met;
Manage ZOHO tickets and NOC transition workflows;

* Support budgeting and planning for network and facility repairs, including project initiation, purchasing, ticketing, and vendor coordination;

* Configure facility alarms and conduct annual alarm testing with the NOC; maintain documentation for compliance and audit purposes;

* Contribute to emergency management and disaster recovery planning, document technical specifications and procedures;

* Collaborate with engineering teams on design changes, capacity planning, and optimization projects;

* Lead infrastructure upgrade projects from planning through execution, including budget management, scheduling, quality control, and vendor/contractor oversight;

* Implement redundancy strategies (N+1, 2N, failover paths) to support high availability across critical systems;

* Lead root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions following equipment failures, outages, or incidents;

* Maintain a strong focus on safety in all operational activities;

* Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required;

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Strong understanding of telecommunications topologies (microwave, fiber, wireless, data, and voice) and their interdependencies;

* Advanced knowledge of electronics, electrical specifications, circuit diagrams, and related documentation;

* Proficiency with telecommunications standards, installation practices, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols;

* Expert-level understanding of DC power systems;

* Advanced knowledge of HVAC and generator systems;

* Experience with Mapcom M4 preferred; ability to maintain accurate as-built documentation, site plans, and network diagrams;

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Visio) and standard office software;

* Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose issues, direct teams during outages or MOPs, and guide resolution processes;

* Ability to read and interpret technical documents, vendor guidelines, and configuration manuals, strong technical writing skills for documenting processes and procedures;

* Strong project management and time-management capabilities;

* Ability to evaluate, test, and report on infrastructure issues and produce process documentation for corrective actions;

* Effective teamwork and leadership abilities; serves as an escalation point for NFE Tech I-III and provides advisory support to the department;

* Ability to travel as needed; must possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

* Bachelor's degree in electrical, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related field;…