Director, Outside Plant Engineering

IQ Fiber was built to do internet differently. We're a 100% fiber-optic internet provider with a simple mission: To engineer a smarter internet experience. That means internet that's fast, reliable, and simply priced, backed by real humans who answer when you call and solve problems before you know they exist.

We bring that same thinking to how we build our company. Our teammates are a big part of what makes IQ Fiber different, and we believe how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. We're looking for good humans who bring great ideas, raise the bar with every task, and want to be part of a bigger story. Your work matters here.

This is an in-office position located in St. Petersburg, FL. Local candidates only.

Position Summary

IQ Fiber is seeking a Director, Outside Plant Engineering to lead the planning, engineering, and construction of IQ Fiber's FTTP fiber network infrastructure. This role is responsible for managing OSP construction and maintenance, building relationships with local municipalities, and overseeing the quality of work delivered by IQ Fiber's contract partners - all while meeting objectives that maximize ROI, control expenses, and exceed customer expectations.

As an OSP leader, this role manages and coordinates outside plant engineering and maintenance using both in-house and contract resources to accomplish assigned projects. Success requires a strong command of network engineering, fiber optic design, permitting, construction, testing, and splicing, as well as the ability to lead and develop a high-performing OSP team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, assign, and oversee work for FTTP construction projects, including field surveys of existing and proposed outside plant installations (aerial and underground) and related infrastructure.

• Develop FTTP cost estimates for new MDU, commercial, and ROE properties; coordinate OSP construction activities using both in-house crews and contract resources.

• Oversee installation of fiber architecture in multi-tenant buildings; enforce company methods, procedures, and policies for OSP splicing, construction, and fiber documentation.

• Lead and manage an OSP team of supervisors, fiber technicians, engineers, locators, and construction technicians; manage personnel administration including hiring, mentoring, performance reviews, and corrective action.

• Provide technical leadership in splicing, troubleshooting, network architecture, documentation, and end-to-end OSP processes; train staff and build team competencies in these disciplines.

• Manage outside construction contractors, including invoicing, quality control, and documentation requirements; build and maintain strong relationships with local municipalities.

• Support troubleshooting and lead restoration efforts for plant repairs and outages; monitor system performance and respond to customer inquiries as needed.

• Ensure compliance with NCTA/FCC regulations, IQ Fiber operating specifications, and OSHA safety standards; support a 24/7/365 operation including after-hours and weekend outage response.

• All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in a fiber construction environment.

• Advanced knowledge of network engineering and underground and aerial construction techniques; proficient knowledge of optical networks.

• Strong understanding of fiber optic design, permitting, construction, testing, and splicing; familiarity with splicing matrix sheets and documentation requirements.

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and a satisfactory driving record.

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and required drug screening.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; sufficient computer skills to process trouble tickets and manage OSP documentation.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.

• Ability to work after hours and weekends and remain engaged during outages until resolution; ability to work emergency schedules during natural disasters and network outages.

What Success Looks Like

• FTTP projects are planned and executed end-to-end - design, permitting, construction, testing, and closeout - with milestones met and clean handoffs to downstream teams.

• Leads and opportunities are costed and managed to maximize ROI, with expenses controlled and forecasts and estimates proving accurate.

• Outside plant work consistently meets quality, safety, and regulatory standards, with contractors producing complete documentation and workmanship meeting IQ Fiber specifications including OSHA and applicable NCTA/FCC requirements.

• The OSP team is effectively led and developed, with supervisors, technicians, and engineers trained, coached, and held accountable - resulting in stronger field execution and troubleshooting capability.

• Customer-impacting issues and outages are handled decisively, with timely restoration, clear coordination across internal and contract resources, and minimal repeat failures.

IQ Fiber is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any U.S. employer on a full-time basis. We do not sponsor, transfer, or support employment visa status or work authorization extensions for any position.