Freelance Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

Clayco Design and Engineering (CDE) was created to diversify and grow Clayco’s industrial business unit’s capabilities with a focus on efficiently delivering robust design‑build architectural and engineering solutions. The Clayco Design and Engineering team brings a tremendous amount of engineering expertise to the Clayco enterprise from a wide array of industrial segments such as food & beverage, consumer products, manufacturing, and life‑science products.

We are seeking a Senior Telecom Engineer – Mission Critical to lead the design, implementation, and integration of telecommunications systems for data centers and other mission‑critical facilities. This role will focus on designing robust fiber optic and copper cabling systems, network infrastructure, wireless communications, and security systems that ensure high availability, scalability, and resilience. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with structured cabling, data center networking, and critical communication systems.

• Design and develop structured cabling systems (fiber and copper) for mission‑critical environments, ensuring scalability and redundancy.
• Specify and implement network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems to support high‑bandwidth, low‑latency operations.
• Develop and oversee installation of telecom and network systems in compliance with industry standards such as TIA/EIA, BICSI, and NEC.
• Integrate wireless communication systems, DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), and VoIP solutions within mission‑critical environments.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of telecom systems with facility operations.
• Work with vendors and contractors to oversee telecom system deployment, commissioning, and testing.
• Develop redundancy strategies and disaster recovery plans for telecom infrastructure to maximize uptime and reliability.
• Perform network performance analysis, cybersecurity assessments, and capacity planning for telecom systems.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, security protocols, and data center best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge‑sharing and best practice development within the organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in telecommunications engineering, with at least 5 years in mission‑critical environments (data centers, industrial facilities, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of structured cabling standards (TIA-942, ANSI/TIA-568, BICSI), fiber optic networks, and low‑voltage systems.
• Experience with data center network design, VoIP, DAS, and wireless communication systems.
• Proficiency in network architecture, VLANs, IP addressing, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Familiarity with NFPA, NEC, IEEE, and industry standards related to telecom infrastructure.
• Experience working in a design‑build or integrated project delivery (IPD) environment is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving, leadership, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites for design coordination, testing, and commissioning.

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design‑build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award‑winning, high‑profile jobs.
• The pace is fast.

• 2024 Best Places to Work – Crain’s Chicago Business, St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2024 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
• 2024 ENR Top 100 Design‑Build Firms – Design‑Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2024 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 5).

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more.

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.