Fiber Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Why CCI? At CCI Systems, Inc., our mission is simple: Making Life Better through devotion to our world-class employees and delivering innovative solutions for our customers. As a 100% employee-owned company for over 70 years, our experts bring integrity, accountability, and innovation to everything we do. Our culture fosters collaboration, growth, and shared success—creating meaningful work while building the networks that connect communities and power the future.

We provide end-to-end network and infrastructure solutions, helping upgrade and expand broadband across industries including wireline, wireless, energy, data centers, enterprise, tribal communities, and government and education sectors.

We are seeking Fiber Testing Technicians who play a critical role in ensuring the timely delivery, performance, and activation of fiber optic telecommunications networks nationwide. This role is responsible for interpreting fiber design documentation and performing comprehensive fiber testing, certification, troubleshooting, and validation for new construction, system turnups, and maintenance activities. The technician supports outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) networks by identifying, documenting, and resolving fiber performance issues to meet customer and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform Tier 1 and Tier 2 fiber testing in accordance with customer specifications and industry standards (TIA, ANSI, IEC).
• Test single mode (SM) and multi‑mode (MM) fiber using OTDR, OLTS, CD/PMD, Optical Power Meters, Inspection Scopes, and Visual Fault Locators (VFL).
• Interpret fiber design documents, schematics, splice diagrams, and test requirements to ensure accurate validation of network installations.
• Troubleshoot fiber performance issues including high loss events, reflectance issues, continuity problems, and intermittent faults.
• Verify fiber routes, assignments, and labeling against design documentation.
• Support network turnups, acceptance testing, and customer handoff activities.
• Respond to network outages and perform necessary testing to isolate faults and support timely restoration.
• Maintain existing fiber plants through proactive testing and documentation without causing service interruptions.
• Accurately complete and submit testing reports, certification packages, production and time sheets, and all required customer documentation, including uploading, organizing, and submitting digital photos, test files, and fiber records in accordance with customer specifications.
• Maintain and calibrate fiber test equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations.
• Follow all applicable safety standards, regulations, and company policies, including OSHA, NESC, and NEC requirements, to maintain a safe and professional work environment.
• Maintain knowledge of organizational policies, customer requirements, and applicable governmental regulations.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of fiber optic theory, including attenuation, reflectance, connector types, and fiber classification required.
• 2+ years of experience performing fiber optic testing, troubleshooting, and certification preferred.
• Experience testing ribbon fiber and loose tube cables preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency using OTDR, OLTS, Optical Power Meters, CD/PMD, and VFL equipment preferred.
• Ability to understand fiber color codes, fiber counts, and cable constructions preferred.
• Ability to interpret splice matrices and correlate test results to design documentation preferred.
• Experience testing fiber in FTTH, underground, and aerial environments preferred.
• Familiarity with aerial and underground closure configurations and testing considerations preferred.
• Ability to complete assigned workloads within required timeframes while maintaining high quality standards.
• Strong task prioritization skills with the ability to adapt to changing schedules and project demands.
• Ability to identify safety concerns and work independently in the field.
• Ability to accurately record and document fiber testing results per customer specifications.
• Ability to complete daily production and testing reports.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with MS 365 Suite and web-based reporting platforms.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and detail oriented.

Additional information

• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required.
• Must be able to pass a DOT physical.
• Must be willing to travel up to 100% nationwide; work locations may change weekly, with travel assignments lasting up to three weeks at a time.
• Network maintenance and testing may require evening, overnight, or weekend work.
• Participation in an on-call rotation may be required.
• Must provide required personal hand tools; specialty testing equipment will be provided.
• Ability to work in confined or limited access spaces such as manholes, crawlspaces, basements, and attics.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying and inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to work at heights up to 50’ using bucket trucks, ladders, or climbing utility poles.
• Mechanically inclined and able to safely use hand tools and equipment.
• Maintain a professional attitude with coworkers, customers, and clients.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and professional appearance.

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