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Fiber Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... Outside Plant Engineering & DesignEngineering design for outside plant all projects locally ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

... Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... Design \n Engineering design for outside plant all projects locally \n Engineering design and ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... Outside Plant Engineering & Design Engineering design for outside plant all projects locally ...

Traffic Design Engineering EIT

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$43.95 - $47.74/hr

Traffic Design Engineering EIT As a Traffic Design Engineering EIT, you will be working with our ... E) for roadway lighting, traffic signals, signal interconnect/fiber optic communications, permanent ...

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... completed per design, on-time and within the allocated budget. This position requires strong ...

Manager, OSP Engineering

Everett, WA · On-site

$95K - $152K/yr

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... completed per design, on-time and within the allocated budget. This position requires strong ...

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... completed per design, on-time and within the allocated budget. This position requires strong ...

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the ... completed per design, on-time and within the allocated budget. This position requires strong ...

Engineer/Drafter

Milton, WA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Assist design/engineering team in project support from initial concept, through final construction ... About Cannon:Cannon Companies provides copper and fiber inside/outside plant data networks for ...

Showing results 41-60

Fiber Design Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$26

$48

$74

How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in Seattle, WA is $48.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.38 and $56.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.
Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,848 per year, or $49 per hour.

Outside Plant Engineer

Ziply Fiber

Everett, WA • On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Ziply Fiber rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 98 rated telecommunications companies


Job description


Position Title: Outside Plant Engineer
Base Salary: $70,400 to $110,000 annually DOE
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, flexible spending account, paid sick leave and paid time off, parental leave, quarterly performance bonus, training, career growth and education reimbursement programs.
Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the communities we serve. We offer the fastest home internet in the nation, a refreshingly great customer experience, and affordable plans that put customers in charge.
As our state-of-the-art fiber network expands, so does our need for team members who can help us grow and realize our goals.
Our Company Values:
  • GenuinelyCaring: We treat customers and colleagues likeneighbors, with empathy and full attention.
  • EmpoweringYou: We help customers choosewhat is best for them, and we supportemployees in implementing new ideas and solutions.
  • Innovation andImprovement: We constantly seek ways to improve howwe serve customers and each other.
  • Earning YourTrust: We build trust through clear,honest, human communication.

Job Summary
The Outside Plant Engineer will be responsible for the application engineering of telecommunications outside plant in a local serving exchange environment. The Outside Plant Engineer is a subject matter expert for all technical aspects of outside plant facilities and associated work such as cable sizing, cable counts, cable records and permitting for ROW's and easements. This position works as a team member with Network Planning, Central Office, Transmission and Operations to support the growth, replacements, and upgrade of telecommunications plant facilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Essential Duties and Responsibilities listed below are a range of duties performed by the employee and not intended to reflect all duties performed.
Outside Plant Engineering & Design
• Engineering design for outside plant all projects locally
• Engineering design and activity support for the ZFB Build projects
• Proactive review of outside plant facilities to determine necessary upgrades and enhancements
• Coordinate with all utilities for project design and construction to utilize joint trench
• Attend preconstruction meetings for project designs
Project Management & Construction Coordination
• Frontline project management for all construction activities associated with outside plant activity
• Communicate with state, county, city, and national indices to gain information on planned projects that involve growth and changes
• Communicate with all peers and departments to ensure proper project planning
Permitting, ROW, and Regulatory Support
• Apply for all permits as required (State, DNR, City, County, Townships)
• Maintain and investigate ROW's and easements for releases
• Respond to DOR's as needed
Records, Financial Support & Cross-Functional Support
• Maintain accurate cable records and updates
• Update records according to As-Builts
• Prepare cost estimates for BDT's
• Assist in annual budget design
• Support sales, marketing, operations and regulatory as needed
Other Duties
• Performs other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization.
Required Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in an outside plant position.
• Outside plant construction project management experience and inventory management experience.
• Experience in ROW, private easement and permitting with local, state, and federal entities.
• Must demonstrate working knowledge of outside plant design, including cable count layouts and capacity planning.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of outside plant activity and engineering tools to include Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, etc.
• Organizational skills, communication skills (written and verbal) and customer relations will be utilized in achieving desired results.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with Engineering team, regional managers, vendors, local supervisors, and technicians.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in various stages of activity and meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to drive on behalf of the company in a safe and responsible manner.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US for any employer.Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods of time, including walking up to 2 miles when in the field performing duties. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently use hands and repetitive motions to drive stakes into ground using a hammer. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This role requires driving and requires the ability to perform all functions of operating a motor vehicle regularly and safely.
Work Environment and Additional Information
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and multi-line telephone system. The work is primarily a modern office setting.
At all times, Ziply Fiber must be your primary employer. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, employees may not hold outside employment nor be self-employed without obtaining approval in writing from Ziply Fiber. In holding outside employment or self-employment, employees should ensure that participation does not conflict with responsibilities to Ziply Fiber or its business interests.
Diverse Workforce / EEO
Ziply Fiber is an equal opportunity employer. Ziply Fiber will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, and the presence of a non-job-related handicap or disability or any other legally protected status.
Ziply Fiber requires a pre-employment background check as conditions of employment. Ziply Fiber may require a pre-employment drug screening.
Ziply Fiber is a drug free workplace.
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