Optical Network Specialist

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid annual leave

Specialized training

Safety equipment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Optical Network Specialist to join the Kimberley operations team. You will deploy, maintain, and optimize fiber optic infrastructure across the Northern Cape region, ensuring reliable services and high performance.

The role requires hands‑on experience with DWDM, CWDM, OTN and MPLS‑TP, plus proficiency with OTDRs and related test gear. Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s in Telecommunications or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3 years hands‑on optical network deployment/maintenance experience.
• Strong knowledge of DWDM, CWDM, OTN and MPLS-TP.
• Proficiency with optical test equipment (OTDR, power meters, light sources).
• Ability to read network diagrams and technical specs; excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure and maintain optical network equipment (DWDM, ROADM, OTN).
• Perform fiber testing, splicing and termination for high‑quality connections.
• Monitor network performance and promptly identify and resolve issues.
• Troubleshoot and repair fiber faults to minimize service interruptions.
• Plan and implement network upgrades with engineering and field teams.
• Document network configurations, schematics and test results.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Provide guidance to junior technicians and stay updated on new technologies.

Skills

Optical networking

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Diploma or Bachelor in Telecom/EE

Tools

OTDR

Power meters

Light sources

Fiber testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding telecommunications company, is seeking a dedicated Optical Network Specialist to join their operations team in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA . This role is essential for the deployment, maintenance, and performance optimization of our client's advanced fiber optic network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in optical networking technologies, a strong understanding of network protocols, and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving. You will play a key role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of critical network services across the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain optical network equipment, including DWDM, ROADM, and OTN systems.
• Perform fiber optic cable testing, splicing, and termination, ensuring high-quality connections.
• Monitor network performance using specialized tools, identifying and resolving issues promptly.
• Troubleshoot and repair fiber optic network faults, minimizing service interruptions.
• Conduct regular network health checks and preventative maintenance.
• Collaborate with engineering and field teams to plan and implement network upgrades and expansions.
• Develop and maintain accurate network documentation, including schematics, configurations, and test results.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and company best practices for optical network management.
• Provide technical support and guidance to junior technicians.
• Stay updated on emerging optical networking technologies and trends.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience in optical network deployment and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of optical transport technologies such as DWDM, CWDM, OTN, and MPLS-TP.
• Proficiency in using optical test equipment (OTDR, optical power meters, light sources).
• Experience with fiber optic splicing and termination techniques.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and management systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to read and interpret network diagrams and technical specifications.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be willing to work in Kimberley, Northern Cape , and occasionally travel to remote sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on skills and experience.
• Medical aid contributions and a provident fund.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Opportunities for specialized training in optical networking technologies.
• Company‑provided tools and safety equipment.
• A supportive team environment focused on growth and development.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.