Ritter Communications has been at the forefront of the local communications industry for more than a century. We began providing telephone service in Northeast Arkansas in 1906. Since then, Ritter has become a regional telecommunications provider delivering a broad and competitive range of communications products and services to businesses and residents in Northeast and North Central Arkansas and West Tennessee.By providing our Business Services customers with the most innovative and integrated technology and services, we're dedicated to reducing their costs and maximizing their profits with customized connectivity solutions. Our Residential Services customers enjoy lightning fast Internet speeds, cable TV and HDTV and reliable local and long distance phone service. Our services are delivered and supported by a dependable team of local industry experts.
General Summary:
The Network Field Engineering Technician, Engineering and Infrastructure, is responsible for providing rapid and accurate information about the design and safe installation of AC and DC power systems, power distribution, battery backup systems, and cabling systems in support of telecommunications systems.This role supports engineering and operations teams in their efforts to maintain and upgrade HVAC systems, generators, UPS units, grounding networks, rectifiers, and inverters.
Additionally, the Network Field Engineering Technician ensures adherence to Central Office Engineering and Installation Standards to guarantee efficient space utilization and the proper installation of facility cable trays and racks. The position also involves complete network site ownership and responsibility, including designing, standardizing, and managing critical infrastructure such as ISP/cabling.
Essential Job Functions:

• Installs network equipment based on installation standards, including but not limited to switches, routers, servers, power systems, optical network equipment, patch panels, and cables, as well as inside and outside facility issues;
• Configures, installs, and tests network equipment, including base configuration specific to requirements;
• Gathers and accounts for all material and equipment needed for network installations based on deployment design;
• Ensures Critical Infrastructure/power systems are functional by performing and analyzing battery routines, maintaining generators, UPS, and DC power systems;
• Maintains and troubleshoots facility repairs for HVAC systems and generators, including managing vendor support and preventative maintenance contracts;
• Maintains company buildings, structures, grounds, and equipment to ensure a safe and functioning workspace;
• Provides feedback and redlines (as-built data) to various teams to ensure all site records are accurate and updated in M4;
• Identifies required network repairs for budgeting purposes;
• Ensures adherence to Central Office Engineering and Installation Standards to ensure efficient space utilization and properly installed facility cable tray and racks;
• Performs routine preventative maintenance on network equipment and facilities as defined; perform regular site audits for records assurance;
• Performs annual alarm testing with the NOC;
• Provides final 'Room Ready' documentation for new markets; this includes all aspects required by the NOC to assume monitoring of network facility environmental alarms;
• Prioritizes job safety in all duties;
• Supports Network Operations and Network Planning & Deployment teams, including night work and 24-hour emergency call-out;
• Travels to project areas and job sites as required;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of various telecommunications topologies, including microwave, fiber, wireless, data, and voice networks, and how they interface;
• General knowledge of telecommunications facility installation for Transport, Internet, Microwave, Cellular, Satellite, LAN/WAN, Switch, and customer premise equipment;
• Knowledge of basic electronics, specification sheets, and circuit diagrams;
• Knowledge of telecommunications design, installation practices, and principles;
• Proficiency in setting up and using OTDR and OPM;
• Basic understanding of DC Power Systems;
• Proficiency in operating various office equipment, such as personal computers and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Visio);
• Skills in problem identification, resolution, and oral and written communication;
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, such as vendor deployment guidelines and configuration manuals;
• Project management and time management skills required;
• Ability to communicate with customers, employees, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner;
• Ambitious and goal-oriented, with the initiative to complete tasks;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to evaluate, test, and report on network equipment with minimal supervision;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Ability to interface with, direct, and coordinate contractors as necessary;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent, plus 2-3 years of related job training and work experience installing and maintaining network equipment, repair, wiring, cabling, and associated peripherals;

• Experience in maintaining telecommunications facilities, including HVAC systems, generators, grounds, DC plants, and AC power systems;
• Experience with Ciena, Calix, and Nokia platforms is a plus;
• Experience with various equipment asset and circuit inventory systems is a plus;
• Experience with Mapcom M4 is a plus;
• HVAC and Generator System experience and/or knowledge is a plus;
• Experience installing and/or commissioning telecommunications network elements such as routers, switches, DSLAMs, PON, TDM, VOIP, DWDM, and associated cabling, including copper and fiber optic.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.
We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)