Director of Field Engineering

Description

The Director of Field Engineering is responsible for leading, training, and managing field engineering teams to support fiber network deployment and make-ready engineering projects. This role oversees field data collection, make-ready engineering, permitting, and construction support while ensuring compliance with industry standards. The Director of Field Engineering will work closely with cooperative and power companies, contractors, and internal teams to optimize project efficiency, reduce costs, and drive successful fiber deployment across rural America.

This role is critical to ensure high-quality, cost-effective fiber deployment while maintaining strong relationships with clients and industry partners. If you are a results-driven leader with expertise in field engineering and fiber network deployment, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Responsibilities & Essential Job Functions:

Personnel Management & Training:

• Hire, train, and mentor field personnel on engineering processes, specifications, and industry standards.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure teams meet quality, compliance, and efficiency goals.
• Oversee the performance of internal teams and external contractors to ensure successful project execution.

Engineering & Project Management:

• Develop and maintain project schedules to meet key objectives and revenue targets.
• Communicate project milestones and schedules effectively to stakeholders.
• Manage field data collection teams to ensure compliance with Conexon’s design requirements.
• Lead the Make-Ready Engineering team to assess poles, determine construction needs, and facilitate fiber deployment.
• Oversee the creation of staking sheets, material pick lists, budgets, and other essential project documentation.
• Track key metrics, including make-ready costs per mile and the number of poles per mile per feeder.

Storm Damage Recovery & Third-Party Attachments:

• Conduct storm damage assessments to assist Conexon Connect and consult clients with infrastructure recovery.
• Manage third-party attachment permitting, including make-ready engineering when required.
• Coordinate with pole owners to align schedules for fiber construction.

Smart Grid & Construction Support:

• Support and develop Smart Grid implementation for Conexon clients.
• Oversee on-site personnel and contractors to ensure quality and efficiency in field operations.
• Assist new clients with construction processes and provide ongoing support for construction-related issues.
• Participate in construction RFPs, ensuring alignment with project goals and compliance standards.

Collaboration & Industry Compliance:

• Work closely with cooperatives and power companies to reduce make-ready volume and cost per mile.
• Maintain a fundamental understanding of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) plant design and National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards.
• Ensure aerial and underground plant designs are ready for fiber optic attachment while complying with national safety regulations.

Financial & Software Management:

• Process invoices, reconcile payments, and track budget trends on a monthly basis.
• Utilize staking software tools, including but not limited to NISC, SCDC, and Millsoft.
• Support make-ready engineering and pole load analysis software, such as O-Calc, SPIDA Calc, Pole Foreman, and Catapult.

Client & Stakeholder Relations:

• Represent Conexon professionally with clients, contractors, and customers.
• Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and strategic recommendations to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in fiber deployment.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7 years of experience in field engineering, telecommunications, or fiber network deployment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing field teams and contractors.
• In-depth knowledge of make-ready engineering, fiber deployment, and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and industry standards.
• Ability to develop and track project budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in staking software (NISC, SCDC, Millsoft) and make-ready engineering tools (O-Calc, SPIDA Calc, Pole Foreman, Catapult).
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for on-site project management.