Northwest Open Access Network

Job Title: Field Engineer III

Department: Service Management Office > Network Operation Center

Reports to: Field Engineering Manager

Location: Remote, but located in the Seattle, WA area

Overview - About NoaNet

NoaNet is a non-profit mutual corporation providing wholesale telecommunications transport and is headquartered in the Spokane, Washington area. For over 20 years, it has operated a reliable public open-access broadband communication network totaling over 3,300 fiber miles that provides rural areas access to broadband services, supporting last-mile providers that serve more than 260,000 customers. NoaNet’s members are nine public utility districts and a joint operating agency that have served wholesale customers in Washington State since 2000. Learn more about NoaNet at https://noanet.net/.

CJIS Clearance Required: Yes

Career Overview

•  Field Engineers (FE) use their technical expertise and project management skills to provide critical network support to NoaNet customers. Doing so requires the application of a range of services and engineering solutions involving different modes of communication and information transfer, such as wireless telephony services, radio and satellite communications, optical, internet and broadband technologies.
• Field Engineers are assigned a specific geographic area and are responsible for all order fulfilments therein. FEs work both independently and in concert with the NOC, Sales and OFT departments to meet customer needs.  FEs use their own knowledge, experience, technical know-how and independent judgement to answer and resolve customer inquiries, engineer services, complete orders, facilitate and implement solutions. FE’s provide a range of services and solutions to internal stakeholders, customers and network providers.  
• Most FE work is carried out on an order/project basis with tight deadlines and well-defined milestones for delivering project objectives. FEs manage all aspects of service delivery including customer coordination and planning, service design and configuration, hardware installation, testing, performance verification and CSM (Customer Service Management). FEs also prepare detailed technical and operational documents to be utilized by the customer and/or other departments.

Responsibilities

• Available for on-call support 24/7/365 (excluding scheduled PTO)
• Consulting and engineering services to internal stakeholders, customers and network providers
• Performs the technical evaluation needed to address a given concern
• Prepares the technical documentation for systems and telecommunication solutions/requisitions
• Daily travel to customer job sites
• Planning and coordinating with customers
• Provide network engineering expertise to network providers
• Installation, testing and verification of network equipment
• Configuring and troubleshooting Ethernet circuits (VLANs)
• Configuring and troubleshooting Optical Networks (DWDM, SONET, etc.)
• Collaboration with the NOC on turn-ups and maintenances
• Performing maintenances
• Maintaining inventory and updating records with new location of inventory
• Updating records with up-to-date information on new installs and after maintenances of inventory and circuit information
• Working with the NOC on the resolution of trouble tickets they are assigned and provide relevant and timely updates.
• Advanced troubleshooting and assistance with lower tier of Field engineering the NOC and customers on trouble tickets and new turn-ups
• Ensure all equipment needed is in hand for any network installs or maintenances
• Review and comment on MOPs to ensure understanding of the work being performed and correctness of information in the MOP
• Prepare and submit MOPs for localized network maintenances
• Basic troubleshooting of HVAC systems
• Installation of DC powered equipment
• Providing OTDR shots to the NOC and engineering and troubleshooting of fiber breaks
• Clearly labeling fibers and equipment and keeping records up to date as connections and/or equipment are added or removed
• Provide training to Tier I and II field engineers
• Be an escalation point for Tier I and II field engineers
• Be a subject matter expert for the network and relevant procedures

Education, Training, Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications

• Understanding of IP/Ethernet routing and switching
• Experienced with MPLS technologies
• Experienced with Routing Protocols
• Configuring and troubleshooting Ethernet circuits (VLANs) on a service provider network
• Advanced network trouble-shooting skills, including familiarity with Wireshark, RFC2544, y.1564 and use of other packet analysis tools
• Advanced knowledge of Core, Distribution, and Access layer designs and topologies
• Familiarity with best network security practices
• Knowledge and experience with process management and improvement techniques
• Ability to independently manage projects from order through implementation
• Ability to interface with a larger team on major projects
• Ability to work with a small team to see localized network upgrades from start to finish
• Strong organizational, coordination, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Strong people skills and the willingness to be accountable for results
• Ability to set own priorities as well as manage time responsibly
• Must have excellent customer relationship skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Passive Optical Network (PON) systems, including deployment, and basic troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of wireless network links, including point-to-point and point-to-multipoint technologies.
• Experience with one or more of the following vendors is highly desirable: ADVA, Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, and Cambium.
  

Working Conditions and Travel Requirements

• Ability to perform maintenance work as scheduled at night or early morning
• Available for On-call 24/7/365 - network outages and priority projects -Excludes scheduled PTO
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50+ pounds
• Standard office environment
• Employee’s desk must be adequate and designed to safely accommodate the equipment the employee must use, e.g. computer, printer, keyboard, monitor etc. and employee workstation must comply with NOANET’s ergonomics standards. 
• Employee must have reliable connectivity to the internet to access NOANET via VPN.
  

Certifications Required

• Industry specific certifications are highly valued and can contribute toward education.
• Certifications of preference; Nokia, CCNA (Cisco), Juniper certifications preferred.

Years of Experience required to meet minimum qualifications

• Minimum of three year of increasing responsibility and experience in a telecommunications central office OR Operations environment is required.

Level of Education required to meet minimum qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates’ degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science or related field required; OR a combination of relevant education and/or work experience sufficient to perform the duties may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and work in cramped spaces and at heights.
• Hearing, vision, depth perception, and hand-to-eye coordination sufficient to perform job duties.
• Visual and auditory acuity necessary to operate equipment and identify color-coding.
• Ability to tolerate temperature and weather extremes (fumes and odors, dust, low light conditions.)
• Strength and coordination sufficient to perform job duties.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties required.
  

Background /Security Conditions

• Must pass background check.

Driving Requirements

• Must maintain and possess a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a satisfactory driving record.

Location

• Must be a resident of Washington located in the Seattle area.

Salary

• Salary range $86k-$120k DOE.
• This is a regular exempt position.
  

Benefits

• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems
• 457b Optional Supplement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Accidental Death and Long Term Disability Plan
  
• Combined Paid Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays

EEO: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or another characteristic protected by law.  

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job.