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Fiber Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vero Networks

Fiber Designer

Denver, CO · Remote

$75K - $90K/yr

Design complex fiber optic splicing plans based on customer specifications; translate requirements into detailed engineering designs for implementation by vendors and contractors. * Project ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions for telecommunications, data center, and high-performance computing ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions for telecommunications, data center, and high-performance computing ...

Service Global, Inc

Fiber Engineer-L2

Sterling, VA · On-site

Install and route fiber trunks and jumpers per the pathways plan, maintaining bend radius, pull tension, and proper support/strain relief. * Perform fiber termination/splicing and enclosure work ...

SpaceX

RCDD / ICT Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

RCDD / ICT DESIGN ENGINEER As an IT RCDD / ICT Design Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a ... This includes the layer 1 fiber and copper data network cabling, operational voice (both wired and ...

SpaceX

RCDD / ICT Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

RCDD / ICT DESIGN ENGINEER As an IT RCDD / ICT Design Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a ... This includes the layer 1 fiber and copper data network cabling, operational voice (both wired and ...

Actalent

Drafter / Designer

Georgetown, KY · Hybrid

$20 - $36/hr

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing engineering team with a strong pipeline of fiber design work and long-term consulting potential. This position is a hybrid role that ...

New

Actalent

Hybrid Drafter / Designer

Frankfort, KY · Hybrid

$20 - $36/hr

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing engineering team with a strong pipeline of fiber design work and long-term consulting potential. This position is a hybrid role that ...

New

Highline Services LLC

Fiber Splicer

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

Fiber engineering knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels and dB loss. * Work in outdoor utility construction sites. Competencies: * Willingness to learn ...

Highline Services LLC

Fiber Splicer

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

Fiber engineering knowledge of fiber design, reading documentation, understanding of light levels and dB loss. * Work in outdoor utility construction sites. Competencies: * Willingness to learn ...

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Fiber Design Engineer information

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How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in the United States is $43.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.62 and $50.00 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.
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Fiber Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,495 per year, or $43 per hour.

OSP Design Engineer I / II / III

Utilities One

Voorhees, NJ • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

OSP Design Engineer I / II / III
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: United States
Reporting To: Jon Wilburn
Description
At Utilities One, we are driven by innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to building the future of critical infrastructure. As a trusted turnkey solutions provider across telecom, power, water, renewable energy, and data center sectors, we deliver high-quality services that connect and empower communities. In addition to our core operations, we offer specialized consulting services that help our clients design, optimize, and execute complex infrastructure projects with confidence and precision. We believe our greatest strength is our people - a team of dedicated professionals who bring expertise, collaboration, and integrity to everything they do. Join us and become part of a growing organization where your contributions make a meaningful impact.
We're seeking an experienced and motivated OSP Design Engineer to lead critical fiber design projects and support our growing engineering team. This role involves taking ownership of complex outside plant fiber network designs from planning through completion, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of design quality and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, design, and optimization of large-scale FTTH/FTTP fiber optic networks, ensuring compliance with client requirements, permitting constraints, budget goals, and engineering best practices;
  • Oversee and review High Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs), providing technical guidance and approvals for route proposals, splice point placement, and network architecture;
  • Manage advanced GIS and CAD workflows including data validation, integration, and QA/QC across multiple platforms such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Katapult, and Google Earth;
  • Supervise and mentor junior design engineers, ensuring quality control, adherence to standards, and skill development across the OSP engineering team;
  • Coordinate across departments and stakeholders (survey, permitting, GIS, construction, and project management) to lead technical discussions, remove project blockers, and ensure alignment from design through construction;
  • Analyze and resolve complex field conflicts and design issues discovered during aerial and underground surveys, proposing cost-effective and compliant alternatives;
  • Ensure full compliance with NESC/NEC codes, state and local regulations, and client-specific design standards, proactively managing risk and constructability concerns;
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in fiber optic network design, contributing to the continuous improvement of engineering standards, templates, and best practices;
  • Lead technical design reviews, audits, and sign-offs, ensuring consistency, constructability, and long-term scalability of the network infrastructure.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • 2-5 years of experience in OSP fiber network engineering and design;
  • Proven ability to lead complex design projects across multiple markets or utility types;
  • Deep knowledge of FTTH, centralized and distributed split architecture, and hybrid tap models;
  • Advanced proficiency with ESRI, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, IQGeo, Vetro, 3-GIS, Katapult, or similar engineering software;
  • Strong understanding of permitting workflows, jurisdictional design standards, and constructability best practices;
  • Excellent documentation, organizational, and project tracking skills;
  • Effective leadership, mentoring, and communication skills in remote or hybrid team environments;
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, GIS, Telecommunications, or related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience designing for major carriers such as AT&T, Lumen, Verizon, or Frontier;
  • Familiarity with pole loading analysis, easement research, and joint-use coordination;
  • Experience supporting BEAD, RDOF, or other grant-funded broadband initiatives;
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (a plus, not required).

Benefits
  • Competitive weekly pay and compensation package;
  • Health Insurance plans (health, dental, vision);
  • Whole Life Insurance;
  • 401k Plan;
  • PTO/Paid Holidays;
  • Long-term, career-track employment with growth opportunities into technical or leadership roles .

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