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Fiber Design Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Work in tandem with the Fiber Construction Engineers for uniformity and precision in all project documentation. * Ensure Fiber Design Management and Project Managers are promptly updated on any ...

The Fiber Construction Engineer (FCE) is responsible for managing the initial design which includes identifying and initiating local and state permitting, pole and conduct license requests. The FCE ...

Fiber Splicer

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber Splicer

Bensalem, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

... fiber optic connectors and interconnect systems, antennas, sensors and sensor-based products and ... Mechanical Design Engineer (Data Center Focus) Location: Valley Green, PA Amphenol High Speed ...

B) Conduct optical design and verification for OTDR, OPS, OSA and other fiber-optic devices. C) Run ... B) Recommend, devise, plan, and execute engineering studies and projects to solve problems ...

B) Conduct optical design and verification for OTDR, OPS, OSA and other fiber-optic devices. C) Run ... B) Recommend, devise, plan, and execute engineering studies and projects to solve problems ...

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber Splicer

Bensalem, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber Splicer

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Hardware Design Engineer We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to lead the ... Industry experience in telecommunications hardware, optical networking, fiber optics, optical ...

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber Splicer

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber Splicer

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

Fiber Splicer

Bensalem, PA · On-site

$75K - $125K/yr

Fiber engineer knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels, and dB loss * Work in outdoor utility construction sites Qualifications About You: * Safety is a part ...

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Fiber Design Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$23

$43

$65

How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in Pennsylvania is $43.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.71 and $50.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fiber design engineer?

Fiber Design Engineers are professionals who plan, design, and oversee the installation of fiber optic networks for telecommunications, internet, and data services. They create detailed network layouts, select appropriate materials, and ensure designs meet industry standards and client specifications. Their work involves collaborating with construction teams, conducting site surveys, and using specialized software to optimize network performance. Fiber Design Engineers play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet and communication infrastructure.

What does a fiber design engineer do?

A fiber design engineer, also known as an outside plant engineer (OSP), is a telecommunications engineer who designs optic cable systems. Your responsibilities include fiber design and its allocation, developing route maps for cable and assessing the terrain through which your cabling must pass, creating budgets for projects, determining the types of materials necessary to complete orders, and ensuring you have the right inventory for each project. Your designs and analyses are then passed off to a contractor or project manager who implements your designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fiber design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fiber Design Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications engineering, fiber optic network design, and a relevant degree such as electrical or civil engineering. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ITU, ANSI) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities ensure the accurate planning, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, high-performance fiber optic networks.

What are some common challenges faced by fiber design engineers during project execution?

Fiber Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex permitting processes, and adapting designs to site-specific constraints like existing infrastructure or geographical obstacles. Balancing cost efficiency with network performance requirements and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards are also central to the role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the engineer frequently collaborates with construction teams, local authorities, and clients to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Fiber Design Engineer vs Optical Network Engineer?

AspectFiber Design EngineerOptical Network Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning fiber optic networks, planning layouts, and specificationsImplementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining optical networks
Industry UsageTelecom, internet service providers, network infrastructureTelecom, data centers, network service providers

While both roles require similar technical credentials and work within the telecom and network industries, a Fiber Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing fiber optic networks, whereas an Optical Network Engineer handles the deployment, troubleshooting, and maintenance of these networks.

How much do fiber design engineers make?

Fiber design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in optical fiber technology and certifications can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.

What job categories do people searching Fiber Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Fiber Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Fiber Design Engineer jobs in PA?

For Fiber Design Engineer jobs in PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,710 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Fiber Design Technician

State College, PA • On-site


FirstLight
Telecommunications • 501 - 1,000 employees

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 101 rated telecommunications companies

Great coworkers

Good employer

Uninterrupted breaks


$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Summary: The Fiber Design Technician (FDT) is responsible for management and implementation of technical OSP and ISP into FirstLight's GIS Platform. The Fiber Design Technician (FDT) will be responsible for creating construction prints, splice plans, providing support to field teams and ensuring as-built data is accurately entered. The Fiber Design Technician (FDT) is required to adhere to the Firstlight standards.  Working with and communicating clearly with various departments is a priority. The Fiber Design Technicians (FDT) will be part of an on-call rotation to support the NOC and Fiber Construction Engineers during outages. 

 Responsibilities: 

  • Participate in large project kick-off meetings with project stakeholders.
  • Attending scheduled construction meetings to update, identify and prioritize jobs ready for the fiber design phase of a project.
  • Work in tandem with the Fiber Construction Engineers for uniformity and precision in all project documentation.
  • Ensure Fiber Design Management and Project Managers are promptly updated on any issues that may affect project timelines or budgets.
  • Design optimal and efficient fiber backbone routes per customer specifications within task forecasted date.
  • Digitizes lines and elements in current mapping software according to Firstlight standards.
  • Produce standardized and consistent construction prints and splice plans.
  • Update the initial designs, in the mapping system, from the as built construction data provided by the Fiber Construction Engineers.
  • Ability to train users on new and existing procedures and systems.
  • Identify and communicate segments becoming fiber constrained to Fiber Design Management.
  • Support emergency and trouble responses related to fiber impairments as a participant in an On-Call rotation.
  • Work jointly with the NOC, Field Operations, and Fiber Construction to coordinate repair teams.
  • Ensure Service-related projects are completed on time with excellence.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and standard operating procedures documentation activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the position but is not exhaustive. The Construction Engineer may be required to undertake additional duties as necessary and assigned by the company to meet the needs of the business.  FirstLight reserves the right to review and make modifications and revisions to the job description as necessary. 

About FirstLight:

FirstLight, headquartered in Albany, New York, provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast connecting more than 13,000 locations in service with more than 125,000 locations serviceable by our more than 25,000-route mile network. FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength, and dark fiber services as well as dedicated Internet access solutions, data center, cloud and voice services. FirstLight’s clientele includes national cellular providers and wireline carriers and many leading enterprises, spanning high tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments.

FirstLight Fiber is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with state and federal laws, FirstLight’s equal opportunity policy is that all applicants and employees are treated equally by the company with respect to employment opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or veteran disability.



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