Inside Plant Maintenance Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

Position Overview:

Conexon is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Inside Plant Maintenance Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a key role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the inside plant (ISP) infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance of our fiber optic network systems. This position is crucial for supporting the continued growth and reliability of Conexon services for rural broadband projects.

As an Inside Plant Maintenance Engineer, you will be responsible for managing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of various network equipment, including but not limited to fiber optic equipment, routers, switches, and other critical infrastructure housed within our hut and cabinet facilities. You will also work closely with other departments to ensure the seamless operation of the network.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

Inside Plant Maintenance & Repairs:

• Perform routine inspections, testing, and preventative maintenance of fiber optic equipment, racks, and network components in the inside plant (ISP) environment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot ISP equipment failures and perform necessary repairs or replacements.
• Maintain and service network infrastructure such as fiber panels, patch panels, routers, and other inside plant devices.
• Ensure compliance with all industry safety standards and guidelines during all maintenance activities.

Installation & Upgrades:

• Assist in the installation and setup of new equipment, as well as the upgrade or expansion of existing infrastructure.
• Work with the engineering team to deploy new network configurations and ensure all equipment is functioning properly post-installation.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of maintenance activities, including work completed, parts replaced, and troubleshooting performed.
• Provide regular status updates and incident reports to management and team leaders as needed.

Network Monitoring & Troubleshooting:

• Use monitoring tools for tracking the health of the inside plant infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
• Identify and resolve issues affecting network quality and reliability, escalating to higher-level teams if necessary.

Collaboration & Teamwork:

• Collaborate with outside plant maintenance teams and other technical departments to resolve network issues and improve overall service delivery.
• Work closely with customer service and technical support teams to address and resolve any client-side ISP concerns.

Safety & Compliance:

• Adhere to company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements in all activities.
• Participate in regular safety training and ensure that all maintenance tasks are carried out safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Associate’s degree in network engineering, Telecommunications, or related field .
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in ISP maintenance, network operations, or telecommunications.
• Previous experience with fiber optic technology, network routers, switches, and related hardware is required.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of fiber optic cabling, splicing, and termination techniques with excellent problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve technical issues in a timely manner
• Knowledge of network protocols and troubleshooting methodologies for fiber optic and Ethernet networks.
• Knowledge of Critical Systems such as HVAC, Powering and Generators
• Proficient in the use of test equipment, such as OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer), fiber optic fusion splicers, and power meters.
• Ability to read and interpret network diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with team members and other departments.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Certifications & Education ( but not required):

• Calix Hardware and Software (Calix SMX Management and ASOX equipment)
• Certification or course completion for Cisco, Linux, Juniper hardware

Physical Demands

• Ability to work while standing, ability to lift up to 70 lbs. and work in a physically demanding environment.
• Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights, when necessary.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Must be able to work and travel in inclement weather and participate in an on-call rotation schedule. Need to possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License with a safe driving record.