Director Long Haul OSP Engineering

Lightpath; Plain City (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company is seeking a Director of Long-haul Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering in Plain City, Ohio. This role involves leading the planning and execution of the fiber network infrastructure, overseeing engineering projects, and managing external vendors. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering, 5+ years in fiber optics, and strong leadership skills. This position offers a hybrid work model with the opportunity to participate in exciting projects in a growing market.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in fiber optic cable engineering and design.
• 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Knowledge of telecommunications and engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team in construction drawing preparation.
• Direct Long-haul OSP engineering projects.
• Analyze geographic and service demand data.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Fiber optic network design

GIS systems expertise

Education

BA/BS or MA/MS in Engineering

Tools

OSP design tools

Microsoft Office

Engineering software platforms

Job description

Company Overview

Lightpath is one of the largest competitive local exchange carriers in the tri-state area. We own and operate our infrastructure "from the ground up" by deploying over 20,000 route miles connecting 13,500 on-net/LIT buildings. With a strong portfolio of cutting edge solutions for Internet, WAN, Voice, SD‑WAN, Security & Cloud services, we enable Enterprise customers of all sizes the ability to react to new challenges while developing best practices for the future. With Lightpath’s continued focus on network excellence and a “customer first” service commitment, we are building a workforce of the best talent that will meet the needs of our customers and reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Job Summary

The Director of Long‑haul Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering, reporting to the Area Vice President – OSP Engineering and Operations, will lead the planning, design, and execution of Lightpath's aerial and underground fiber network infrastructure. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Long Haul OSP engineering, including route planning, construction drawings, cost estimation, vendor coordination, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in fiber optic network design and construction, ILA designs, and a passion for building scalable, future‑ready broadband systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team in planning and preparing construction drawings for new and existing aerial and underground fiber routes, cables, and conduits.
• Direct all Long‑haul OSP engineering projects, including design, cost modeling, and location passings.
• Analyze geographic and service demand data to determine optimal construction methods and future capacity needs.
• Design and implement facilities‑based architectures such as PON and Active Ethernet networks.
• Prepare detailed installation plans and cost estimates for equipment, labor, and materials.
• Supervise inspection of work orders and contract construction, including contractor negotiations and verification of staking sheets.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Operations, GIS, Construction) to ensure seamless integration of inside and outside plant designs.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend engineering strategies to support new services and network expansion.
• Manage external vendors for engineering projects, including bid preparation and progress oversight.
• Develop and manage engineering budgets and oversee the procurement of labor and services.
• Maintain relationships with zoning, planning, and permitting agencies to ensure compliance and anticipate infrastructure needs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team to ensure high‑quality work and timely project completion.
• Develop and maintain design standards documentation across all jurisdictions and municipalities where Lightpath operates.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or MA/MS in Engineering or related field.
• PE certification is a plus.
• Minimum 5+ years in fiber optic cable engineering and design.
• Minimum 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven knowledge of telecommunications, construction and engineering practices.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and permitting processes.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Expertise in executive reporting and communications.
• Expertise using GIS systems and tools.
• Expertise in OSP design tools and construction methods.
• Ability to interpret survey data, maps, and geographic datasets.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Mastery in Microsoft Office and engineering software platforms.
• Hybrid remote/office‑based with occasional travel or fieldwork required.

Lightpath is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Lightpath collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA‑compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.