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Outside Plant Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

Yours and ours As an Outside Plant Engineer , you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and ...

OSP Engineer - III

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Strong knowledge of Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering . * Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts . * Proficiency in GIS and drafting tools . * Solid project management capabilities.

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Outside Plant Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$84.6K

$101.2K

How much do outside plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for outside plant engineer in California is $84,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outside plant engineer?

An Outside Plant Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the physical infrastructure needed for telecommunications networks outside of buildings. This includes planning and overseeing the installation of cables, conduits, poles, and related equipment that connect homes and businesses to the broader network. Outside Plant Engineers work with both underground and aerial systems and ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards. Their work is critical to ensuring reliable and efficient data and voice communication services.

What is an outside plant engineer?

An outside plant engineer or OSP works in the telecommunications field. In this career, your primary responsibilities revolve around the construction, inspection, and maintenance of plant infrastructure. This includes inspecting cable and conduit and analyzing above ground, below ground, and aerial fiber optic installations. You spend much of your time as an OSP engineer outside taking notes and observing in the field, but you also have duties and responsibilities beyond analysis. You are also responsible for ensuring that your projects meet industry standards and that anyone who reports to you is aware of these standards and adhering to them.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outside plant engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outside Plant Engineer, you need a solid understanding of telecommunications infrastructure, network design, and construction standards, often backed by a degree in engineering or related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, AutoCAD, fiber optic testing tools, and relevant industry certifications like BICSI or FOA is commonly required. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with contractors and stakeholders are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure successful planning, deployment, and maintenance of reliable telecommunications networks.

What are some common challenges faced by outside plant engineers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Outside Plant Engineers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex field conditions, coordinating with multiple stakeholders (including utility companies and local authorities), and adapting to evolving technologies in fiber and copper networks. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with industry standards, developing strong problem-solving skills, and gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork or internships. Effective communication and adaptability are also critical, as the role frequently involves collaborating with construction teams, permitting agencies, and project managers to ensure timely and compliant infrastructure deployment.

What is the difference between Outside Plant Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectOutside Plant EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsPE, Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP)CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor installation, maintenance of physical infrastructureOffice, data centers, network setup and troubleshooting
Industry UsageTelecom, cable providers, utility companiesIT, telecommunications, enterprise networks

Outside Plant Engineers primarily focus on the physical infrastructure of telecom networks, including outdoor installation and maintenance. Network Engineers work more on designing, implementing, and troubleshooting network systems in indoor environments. While both roles require networking certifications and industry knowledge, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Outside Plant Engineer jobs in California?

For Outside Plant Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Outside Plant Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Outside Plant Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Outside Plant Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Outside Plant Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Outside Plant Engineer jobs in CA?

For Outside Plant Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Outside Plant Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,607 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Outside Plant Engineer (OPE)

MasTec Communications Group

Mcclellan, CA • On-site

$73K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 155 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Overview
At MasTec Network Solutions we build for the future. Yours and ours
As an Outside Plant Engineer, you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and help us provide the highest level of quality service to our customers and communities while maintaining our commitment to safety!
Responsibilities
As an Outside Plant Engineer, you will support all phases of utility construction for various types of telecom projects. You believe in doing the job right. Being the best. And you're up for the challenge.
In addition, you will:
  • Develop, maintain and manage detailed project plans
  • Drive your projects through all phases of construction, including scheduling, budgets, and resource management
  • Complete job site walkouts and facilitate project meetings
  • Meet deadlines as set by the customer while maintaining a high level of quality

Qualifications
About You:
  • Safety is a part of your day-to-day
  • You have a track record of completing work with a high level of quality
  • You have a knack for figuring out hard problems and enjoy a hands-on approach to your work
  • You are looking for long-term projects
  • You enjoy getting your hands dirty with your team
  • You want to learn the telecom construction trade
  • You appreciate a varied work environment, both inside and outside
  • You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot problems as they arise
  • You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn custom software
  • You have a valid driver's license (Applicants are subject to a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review and must meet company standards for a safe driving record)

MOS Codes 12166, 62E1G, 12A, 12N, 12T relate well to this position.
Compensation of $73,000-$82,000 annually, depending on the experience.
Hard work pays off. See what you'll get for your effort:
Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term disability

Health and Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Dependent care and medical flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work/Life Balance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Family and medical leave
  • Paid sick time

Additional details:
  • Overtime pay will be provided in accordance with California labor laws, at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a workweek
  • Rest and Meal Breaks: You will be compensated for paid rest periods and granted unpaid meal breaks in accordance with California labor laws
  • "At-will employment": Your employment with MasTec is "at-will," meaning either you or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice

We meet your commitment with competitive pay and benefits. If this sounds like you, let's talk. Build your career with MasTec!
MasTec, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasTec's policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.
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