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Dark Fiber Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Order Management Lead

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Forged Fiber 37 Fiber Order Management Lead is responsible for overseeing end-to-end order execution for dark fiber services, ensuring vendor performance, project management of the order ...

Prior experience with major telecommunications carriers or dark fiber providers beyond Zayo preferred. * Familiarity with additional fiber optic testing tools or software beyond EXFO and FastReporter ...

Prior experience with major telecommunications carriers or dark fiber providers beyond Zayo preferred. * Familiarity with additional fiber optic testing tools or software beyond EXFO and FastReporter ...

Prior experience with major telecommunications carriers or dark fiber providers beyond Zayo preferred. * Familiarity with additional fiber optic testing tools or software beyond EXFO and FastReporter ...

Traveling Fiber Splicer Foreman

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Prior experience with major telecommunications carriers or dark fiber providers beyond Zayo preferred. * Familiarity with additional fiber optic testing tools or software beyond EXFO and FastReporter ...

Order Management Specialist

Dallas, TX ยท Remote

$80K - $120K/yr

The Role The Forged Fiber 37 Order Management Specialist supports the execution of end-to-end dark fiber orders by managing submissions, tracking milestones, coordinating activations, and maintaining ...

Develop and manage relationships with Tier 1 and regional carriers, dark fiber providers, and colocation network partners to negotiate competitive pricing and service terms * Lead telecom due ...

Fiber Design Technician

Brunswick, ME ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength, and dark fiber ...

Fiber Design Technician

Williston, VT ยท On-site

$25 - $30/hr

FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength, and dark fiber ...

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Dark Fiber information

See salary details

$15

$27

$45

How much do dark fiber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for dark fiber in the United States is $27.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by dark fiber technicians, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Dark fiber technicians often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, troubleshooting physical network issues in varied environments, and keeping up with evolving industry standards. The work can involve outdoor installation, maintenance in adverse weather, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To prepare, job seekers should develop strong problem-solving skills, familiarize themselves with fiber optic technologies, and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Gaining relevant certifications and hands-on experience with fiber splicing and testing equipment can also be highly beneficial.

What are dark fiber networks?

Dark fiber refers to unused or 'unlit' optical fiber cables that have been laid but are not currently in service. Organizations can lease or purchase dark fiber to create their own private, high-capacity network infrastructure. This allows for greater control, scalability, and security compared to using traditional telecommunications services. Dark fiber is commonly used by businesses, data centers, and internet service providers to meet high bandwidth demands and ensure reliable connectivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dark Fiber Network Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Dark Fiber Network Engineer, you need a strong background in fiber optic networking, telecommunications infrastructure, and typically a degree in electrical engineering or related fields. Familiarity with fiber testing equipment, GIS mapping systems, and industry certifications such as CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for coordinating with teams and clients. These skills ensure reliable network deployment, minimize downtime, and support efficient expansion of high-speed fiber infrastructure.

What is the difference between Dark Fiber vs Network Technician?

AspectDark FiberNetwork Technician
Required CredentialsFiber optic certification, technical knowledgeNetworking certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+), technical skills
Work EnvironmentFiber optic infrastructure, data centers, telecom sitesData centers, office environments, on-site installations
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, internet service providers, data centersIT companies, telecom, enterprise networks
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding fiber infrastructure rolesNetworking and infrastructure roles

Dark Fiber professionals focus on installing, maintaining, and managing unlit fiber optic cables, often working in telecom and data centers. Network Technicians handle network hardware, troubleshooting, and configuration across various IT environments. While both roles require technical skills, Dark Fiber specialists concentrate on fiber infrastructure, whereas Network Technicians work with broader network systems.

More about Dark Fiber jobs
What cities are hiring for Dark Fiber jobs? Cities with the most Dark Fiber job openings:
What states have the most Dark Fiber jobs? States with the most job openings for Dark Fiber jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dark Fiber job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,818 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Order Management Lead

Forged Fiber 37

Dallas, TX โ€ข On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

At Forged Fiber, our mission is bold but simple: deliver fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity that builds the foundation for everything online. As we execute, we believe the right way to do something is the only way. This foundation guides how the company builds, operates, and maintains a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform that empowers millions.

Forged Fiber is about more than building a network. It is about people. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, employees create impact through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Role:

The Forged Fiber 37 Fiber Order Management Lead is responsible for overseeing end-to-end order execution for dark fiber services, ensuring vendor performance, project management of the order progression, reporting, SLA adherence, and operational excellence. This role serves as the primary escalation point for vendors and internal stakeholders, drives data-driven performance management, and leads continuous process improvement and automation initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership with deep experience in telecom infrastructure, vendor management, and cross-functional coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Order Management Leadership

ยท Lead the end-to-end dark fiber order lifecycle, including intake, provisioning, vendor coordination, delivery, and closeout.

ยท Establish governance models to ensure consistent, predictable, and scalable order execution.

ยท Act as the primary escalation point for complex, high-impact, or delayed orders.

Vendor Relationship & Escalation Governance

ยท Own vendor performance management across dark fiber providers, construction partners, and local access vendors.

ยท Define and manage escalation paths, cadence reviews, and issue resolution frameworks.

ยท Partner with procurement and legal teams to support contract compliance and vendor accountability.

SLA Tracking & Performance Metrics

ยท Define, track, and report SLAs, KPIs, and operational performance metrics (e.g., order cycle time, on-time delivery, vendor responsiveness).

ยท Identify trends, risks, and systemic issues impacting service delivery.

ยท Drive corrective action plans with vendors and internal teams when performance targets are missed.

Forecasting & Executive Reporting

ยท Develop demand forecasts and capacity outlooks for dark fiber orders.

ยท Produce executive-level dashboards and reporting for leadership, highlighting performance, risks, and opportunities.

ยท Translate operational data into actionable insights for senior stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Automation Roadmap

ยท Identify opportunities to streamline order management workflows and reduce manual effort.

ยท Lead process re-engineering initiatives focused on scalability, accuracy, and speed to delivery.

ยท Partner with IT, data, and automation teams to define and execute an order management automation roadmap.

Cross-Functional Coordination

ยท Serve as the central coordination point across Network Engineering, Construction, Finance, Sales, Legal, and IT.

ยท Ensure alignment between commercial commitments and operational execution.

ยท Facilitate regular cross-functional forums to proactively manage dependencies and risks.

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Required Qualifications

ยท Bachelorโ€™s degree in business, Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

ยท 7+ years of experience in telecom, fiber infrastructure, or network operations.

ยท 3+ years in a leadership or lead role within order management, provisioning, or service delivery.

ยท Proven experience managing vendors and enforcing SLAs in a complex operational environment.

ยท Strong analytical skills with experience building dashboards, KPIs, and executive reports.

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Preferred Qualifications

ยท Direct experience with dark fiber, lit fiber, or large-scale network infrastructure deployments.

ยท Experience with order management systems, workflow tools, and automation platforms.

ยท Familiarity with construction management, permitting, and right-of-way processes.

ยท Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement certifications.

ยท Power BI Reporting

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Key Competencies

ยท Operational leadership and accountability

ยท Power BI Reporting

ยท Vendor negotiation and escalation management

ยท Data-driven decision-making

ยท Executive communication and storytelling

ยท Process optimization and automation mindset

ยท Cross-functional influence without direct authority

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Location Based Pay Ranges:

$100,000-$140,000 Annually

Forged Fiber offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.

What to Expect Next

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements.

Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC participates in Eโ€‘Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form Iโ€‘9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Employers can only use Eโ€‘Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form Iโ€‘9.

Equal Employment Opportunities

It is the policy of Forged Fiber to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, martial status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. In addition, Forged Fiber will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, and is a fair change employer and does not initiate a background check until after an offer is made.

ยฉ 2026 Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC