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Outside Plant Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Helena, MT · On-site

$63K - $94K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Outside Plant Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $104K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Outside Plant Engineering information

See salary details

$45K

$85.7K

$102.5K

How much do outside plant engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for outside plant engineering in the United States is $85,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is the highest paid ECE job?

In the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), senior roles such as Engineering Managers, Systems Architects, and specialized hardware engineers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience, and they typically offer compensation significantly above entry-level roles.

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 background in telecommunications engineering, network design, and construction practices, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with GIS software, AutoCAD, and industry standards like BICSI or FOA certifications is often required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate with teams and address field challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable network infrastructure, timely project delivery, and effective cross-functional collaboration.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of Outside Plant Engineering, salaries reaching $500,000 annually are typically associated with senior-level roles, such as senior civil or telecommunications engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often managerial responsibilities. Such high compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, especially in large corporations or consulting firms. These roles usually require advanced certifications, a strong track record, and leadership in complex projects.

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

AspectOutside Plant EngineeringNetwork Design Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like CLEP or PMP often preferredEngineering or IT degree, certifications like CCNA or Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor installation sites, telecom infrastructureOffice-based, network planning, and virtual design work
Industry UsageTelecom, broadband providers, utility companiesTelecom, data centers, network service providers

Outside Plant Engineering focuses on the physical infrastructure of telecom networks, including installation and maintenance of cables and equipment outdoors. Network Design Engineers concentrate on planning and designing network layouts and configurations, often working in office settings. While both roles require technical knowledge and industry certifications, their primary responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are some typical challenges faced by Outside Plant Engineering professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Outside Plant Engineering professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adapting to changing project requirements, and dealing with unpredictable field conditions like weather or site accessibility. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential for addressing these issues. Staying updated on industry standards and leveraging modern mapping and design software can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors during implementation.

What jobs can engineers do outside of engineering?

Engineers, including those in Outside Plant Engineering, can work in roles such as project management, technical consulting, sales engineering, quality assurance, or training. These positions often require strong communication skills, technical knowledge, and sometimes certifications, and may involve working in office environments or client sites.

What does an outside plant engineer do?

An outside plant engineer designs, installs, maintains, and repairs telecommunications infrastructure such as fiber optic cables, poles, and underground conduits outside buildings. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and use tools like CAD software and testing equipment to ensure network reliability and performance.

What is Outside Plant Engineering?

Outside Plant Engineering (OSP) refers to the design, installation, and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure that is located outside of buildings. This includes everything from underground and aerial cabling, conduits, utility poles, and fiber optic networks, to the associated hardware needed for reliable communication services. OSP engineers plan and manage projects to ensure high performance, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. Their work is critical to enabling internet, telephone, and data services for residential and commercial customers.
More about Outside Plant Engineering jobs
What states have the most Outside Plant Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Outside Plant Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Outside Plant Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,730 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Outside Plant Engineering Manager

Outside Plant Engineering Manager

TekCom Resources

Cookeville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

We are seeking an experienced Outside Plant Engineering Manager to lead the planning, design, expansion, and long-term evolution of our clients fiber-optic network infrastructure across the communities it serves. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong technical OSP engineering expertise with proven leadership experience managing fiber network expansion projects, engineering teams, rural broadband networks, and vendor relationships.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in FTTH/fiber network design, aerial and underground construction practices, GIS/network mapping tools, and outside plant engineering operations. This individual will play a key role in helping our client continue to expand and modernize its broadband infrastructure while driving operational efficiency, engineering consistency, and long-term network reliability.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the full lifecycle of outside plant engineering, including planning, fielding, design, staking, permitting support, construction coordination, and as-built documentation
  • Oversee aerial and underground fiber network design supporting FTTH, transport, and broadband expansion initiatives
  • Review engineering drawings, staking sheets, and cost estimates for constructability, accuracy, and cost efficiency
  • Manage contract engineering and construction vendors, including vendor selection, contract coordination, performance management, and invoice validation
  • Support broadband expansion projects tied to state and federal funding initiatives
  • Work closely with GIS and IT teams to strengthen network data integrity, mapping accuracy, and asset visibility
  • Drive process improvement initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, documentation, and operational performance
  • Evaluate and implement modern engineering workflows, automation tools, and AI-enabled technologies supporting network planning and optimization
  • Lead easement acquisition, right-of-way coordination and permitting activities
  • Ensure engineering deliverables comply with all federal, state and local regulations along with industry standards
  • Develop and maintain QA/QC standards, engineering processes and scalable operational workflows
  • Assist with departmental budgeting, forecasting and infrastructure planning initiatives
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing OSP engineering team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong customer service
  • Coordinate closely with construction, operations, and leadership teams to ensure alignment across projects and organizational priorities
Expectations
  • Strong understanding of fiber-optic network design, telecommunications construction, and OSP engineering environments
  • Experience supporting FTTH and broadband network deployments
  • Ability to manage multiple engineering and construction projects simultaneously across geographically dispersed areas
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Experience with GIS systems, network mapping tools, and data-driven engineering workflows
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and construction teams
  • Strong vendor management and project coordination experience
  • Ability to evaluate and improve engineering processes while implementing practical operational improvements
  • Understanding of infrastructure planning, budgeting, and long-term network growth strategies
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments
Top Skills Needed: Fiber Optic Network Design FTTH OSP Engineering Rural Broadband Experience Aerial & Underground Construction GIS Mapping Engineering Management Broadband Expansion Vendor Management Construction Coordination QA/QC Permitting Right-of-Way Infrastructure Planning Budgeting Telecommunications Engineering Process Improvement
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or equivalent industry experience
  • 57+ years of telecommunications or outside plant engineering experience
  • Proven experience with fiber-optic network design and deployment
  • Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain licensure
  • Experience supporting rural broadband expansion initiatives
  • Familiarity with predictive analytics, AI-enabled engineering tools, or advanced GIS platforms
  • Experience supporting state or federally funded broadband programs
What Will Catch Our Eye:Candidates with a strong combination of fiber network engineering expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to modernize engineering operations through GIS, automation, and data-driven decision making will stand out.Experience managing FTTH deployments, contract engineering vendors, and large-scale broadband expansion projects will be highly valued.
Key Terms: FTTH Fiber Broadband OSP Engineering Fiber Design GIS Network Planning Aerial Fiber Underground Fiber Broadband Expansion Telecommunications Construction Staking Permitting Right-of-Way Engineering Leadership AI-Enabled Network Planning Rural Broadband
TekCom Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.