Engineering Lead – Optical Networks

Connect44 Sarl; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect44 Sarl in Switzerland seeks an hands-on Engineering Lead to drive delivery of next-generation Access Network projects in Zürich. You will take initiative and work with engineering teams, customers, and delivery partners.

You will lead rollout, coordinate activities and stakeholders, and identify risks to keep projects moving. This role offers room to grow as you shape deployment methods for 50G PON and related technologies.

Qualifications

• Proactive attitude with initiative.
• Responsible and accountable for results.
• Curious and eager to learn new skills.
• Adaptable in fast-moving environments with evolving priorities.
• Strong problem-solving abilities in practical contexts.
• Excellent communication with engineers, partners and customers.
• Good organization and ability to multitask and manage multiple activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead rollout of Access Network solutions including 10G/50G PON technologies.
• Plan activities, coordinate teams and partners, monitor progress and keep projects moving.
• Bridge between technical teams, project management, customers and subcontractors.
• Identify risks and proactively drive solutions rather than waiting for instructions.
• Support project leadership with planning, progress reporting, issue management and stakeholder coordination.
• Suggest smarter processes and improve deployment efficiency.

Skills

Proactive

Accountability

Curiosity

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Communication

Organisation

Tools

GPON

XGS-PON

MA5800

WDM

Job description

We are looking for a hands-on Engineering Lead who takes initiative, enjoys solving problems, is eager to learn, and isn't afraid to step outside their comfort zone to support the delivery of next-generation Access Network projects in Switzerland

What you'll be doing

You'll take an active role in delivering Access Network rollout projects, working alongside engineering teams, customers, and delivery partners.

• Drive technical delivery: Support and lead the Rollout of Access Network solutions, including 10G/50G PON technologies.
• Make things happen: Plan activities, coordinate teams and partners, follow up on progress, and help keep projects moving.
• Connect the dots: Be a bridge between technical teams, project management, customers, and subcontractors.
• Take ownership: Identify risks, anticipate challenges, and proactively drive solutions rather than waiting for instructions.
• Support project leadership: Contribute to project planning, progress reporting, issue management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Keep improving: Challenge existing processes, propose smarter ways of working, and help the team become more efficient.

What we're looking for

Mindset matters as much as experience. We're particularly interested in people who demonstrate:

• A proactive attitude: You spot what needs to be done and take action.
• Responsibility and accountability: You follow through on commitments and take responsibility for results.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn: You enjoy developing new skills and aren't intimidated by unfamiliar technologies.
• Adaptability: You're comfortable in a fast-moving environment where priorities may evolve.
• Problem-solving skills: You focus on finding practical solutions, not just identifying problems.
• Strong communication: You can collaborate confidently with engineers, partners, and customers.
• Good organization: You can manage multiple activities, prioritize effectively, and work independently.

Your technical background

You don't need to tick every box. A solid engineering foundation, practical experience, and the right attitude can go a long way.

Ideally, you'll bring some of the following:

• Experience in telecommunications, particularly Access Networks, FTTx, or Transport Networks.
• Familiarity with GPON, XGS-PON, or other PON technologies.
• Exposure to Huawei Access Network platforms, particularly MA5800, is a strong advantage.
• Experience in network deployment, installation, commissioning, or troubleshooting.
• Understanding of technical rollout projects and coordination with field teams or subcontractors.
• Good documentation and reporting skills.
• Professional English communication skills; German is an advantage.

• Worked with Optical Transport Networks (WDM).
• Combined technical engineering responsibilities with project coordination or partner management.
• Contributed to process improvements, automation, or more efficient deployment methods.

What makes this opportunity interesting?

• Real responsibility: You'll have the autonomy to influence how projects are delivered.
• Exposure beyond engineering: Gain experience in project coordination, customer engagement, and partner management.
• Next-generation technology: Work mainly on the evolution of fiber access networks, including 50G PON, and also support in some occasional short-term WDM network deployments.
• Room to grow: Expand your technical and leadership capabilities through practical experience.
• Variety and impact: No two days are exactly alike, and your contributions will directly influence project outcomes.