OSP Design Engineer

Location: Little Rock, AR
Contract: W2 only, 12 month contract with potential for extension or conversion to full time with either the client or CEI
Pay: $70-$75/hour + optional medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match

Overview

Position involves designing fiber optic and microwave networks, overseeing permitting and rights-of-way, and ensuring network resiliency for mission-critical utility services. The role includes site, facility, and power integration design, as well as project planning and execution support. Candidates with demonstrated experience in utility telecommunications and fiber outside plant design are encouraged to review further.

Key Responsibilities

• Fiber Optic & Microwave Network Design: Plan aerial and underground fiber routes connecting substations, generation plants, and control centers.
• Oversee permitting, rights-of-way, and network resiliency planning for mission-critical utility services (SCADA, protective relaying).
• Design point-to-point microwave radio links, determine tower heights, select antennas, and manage FCC licensing/interference studies.
• Site, Facility & Power Integration Design: Design telecom facilities, including communication shelters, towers, poles, cabinets, and associated civil/site work.
• Integrate reliable power solutions including AC feeds, DC power plants, battery backups, and standby generators.
• Ensure proper grounding, surge protection, and physical security compliance at all utility communication sites.
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, and comprehensive engineering design packages (drawings, splice diagrams, bills-of-materials).
• Produce route maps, floorplans, and site diagrams using CAD and GIS software.
• Manage implementation schedules, coordinate network cutovers, secure outage clearances, and write methods-of-procedure (MOPs).

Required Skills

• Fiber Outside Plant (OSP) design and build experience.
• Hands-on experience with equipment from Cisco, Nokia, and Scinea.
• Fiber Optic Systems: Aerial (OPGW, ADSS) and underground route design, cable selection, splicing, and termination.
• Microwave & RF Engineering: Point-to-point link design, path surveys, line-of-sight analysis, frequency coordination, and link budgets.
• Transport & Networking: Packet-based networks (MPLS, Carrier Ethernet), traditional TDM systems (SONET/SDH, DCS, channel banks), and IP networking fundamentals.
• GIS & Mapping: ESRI ArcGIS or GE Smallworld.
• CAD Software: AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Inventory & OSS: ConnectMaster or similar network documentation tools.
• Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and Teams.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), Telcordia/Bellcore, IEEE, and NERC standards.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Telecommunications Engineering (or equivalent work experience with relevant technical certifications).

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated engineering experience in utility telecommunications or a similar industry.

Why Should I Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to work on mission-critical utility networks with a focus on fiber optic and microwave design, supporting essential infrastructure. Candidates will contribute to resilient and secure communication systems in a dynamic environment.

About CEI:
As a trusted technology partner, CEI delivers solutions that help our customers transform their business and achieve meaningful results. From strategy and custom application development through application management - our technology and digital experience services are tailored to meet each unique need of our customers. Our staffing solutions bring specialized skills to complement our customers' workforce and project requirements.

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