Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Fiber Design and Drop Technician

Cityside Fiber is seeking a motivated and dependable Fiber Design & Drop Technician with a minimum of 2+ years of experience in fiber optic installation, drop design, and underground construction practices. This role serves as a key bridge between Engineering, Construction, and Operations — ensuring new community designs are operationally sound, installation-ready, and positioned to support a positive customer experience before service orders begin. The ideal candidate takes pride in quality workmanship, safety, customer service, and teamwork while supporting the successful deployment and long-term serviceability of fiber optic networks.

Responsibilities

• Perform fiber drop installations for residential and commercial customers, including underground conduit, trenching, and excavation within public rights-of-way
• Read and interpret fiber construction prints, utility maps, and design plans; assist with post wire planning, fiber route design, and Panduit installation
• Install and secure NIDs, ONTs, splice enclosures, handholes, and related fiber equipment, maintaining proper bend radius and cable protection standards
• Perform interior and exterior fiber routing, ensuring wall penetrations are sealed and weatherproofed
• Complete accurate photo and work order documentation; maintain clean, safe, professional job sites and assist with restoration and cleanup
• Represent Operations during HOA and community design reviews, confirming layouts, access points, and installation methods support efficient, serviceable deployments
• Conduct serviceability and operational readiness assessments prior to community acceptance and launch, owning the go/no-go determination or identifying corrective actions required
• Perform construction quality audits and field inspections to verify compliance with company standards, engineering designs, and installation best practices
• Identify design, construction, or installation deficiencies before they become customer-facing issues, and provide field-based feedback to Engineering, OSP Design, and Construction to drive continuous improvement
• Escalate design-related serviceability issues and collaborate cross-functionally to resolve them
• Support ongoing quality assurance and governance initiatives for fiber construction and customer installations
• Communicate professionally with customers, contractors, engineering teams, and fellow employees; follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and damage prevention procedures

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of fiber optic installation experience, including underground trenching/excavation and residential installations
• Working knowledge of public right-of-way construction practices, fiber drop construction standards, and basic fiber design/post wire planning
• Ability to operate hand tools and construction equipment safely; ability to work outdoors in varying weather and lift 50+ pounds
• Strong work ethic, self-motivation, attention to detail, and a safety-focused mindset
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred
• Preferred: experience with splice enclosures, handholes, and fiber routing; utility locates and damage prevention practices; reading utility prints, GIS maps, and construction drawings
• Preferred: construction or telecommunications industry background; OSHA certification
• A plus: experience with quality assurance, field audits, or operational readiness reviews

About Cityside Fiber

Cityside Fiber is on a mission to deliver high-quality, reliable internet to communities through innovation and a people-first approach. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, we are an emerging telecommunications provider expanding rapidly due to high demand. Our culture is built on innovation, accountability, and trust, and we seek independent thinkers who want to contribute to something big.

Location

Headquarters in Irvine, CA. [May require travel depending on role.]

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $26/hr.+ (dependent on experience) (non-exempt)
• Company-sponsored medical & dental for employees (Subsidized for dependents)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and holidays
• Growth opportunities & career development programs

Why Cityside Fiber?

Cityside Fiber believes that we all deserve amazing internet! Our core purpose is to create networks that better enable life-changing connectivity in our communities by daring to be different and having our team members put people first all while having fun. We’re building a next-generation internet provider with a focus on innovation, accountability, and trust. At Cityside Fiber, you’ll work with a passionate team, have room for growth, and make a real impact.

How to Apply

For immediate consideration, submit your resume through our careers site. No phone inquiries, please.

Visit our website at www.citysidefiber.com

Cityside Fiber is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.