Fiber Optic Splicer & Tester - (Nationwide Travel)

Apex One Communications, LLC; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Holiday pay

Cell phone allowance

$160/day per diem

Birthday gift card

Referral bonus

Job summary

Apex One Communications is hiring a Fiber Optic Splicer & Tester to work on ISP/OSP fiber networks nationwide. You will perform fusion splicing, testing, and full fiber characterization across high-count ribbons, with mentorship for various experience levels.

Role involves 100% travel, breaks between projects negotiable, and frequent overtime. Must maintain rigorous documentation and safety practices on live networks.

Qualifications

• 1+ year fusion splicing experience (senior: 3+ years)
• OTDR/OLTS test sets experience (EXFO/VIAVI/AFL)
• Fiber characterization experience (CD/PMD/ORL) preferred
• Data center, CO, or OSP exposure
• Ability to read splice plans and test results
• Certifications such as FOA CFOT/CFOS/COS desirable

Responsibilities

• Splice high-count ribbon and single-fiber splicing on various cables
• Perform OTDR testing and OLTS setup to specifications
• Characterize fiber using CD/PMD/ORL measurements
• Create and submit detailed test reports and splice maps
• Travel 100% to projects and maintain safety practices

Skills

Fusion splicing

OTDR testing

OLTS testing

CD/PMD tests

Reading splice plans

Safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Fujikura/Sumitomo/AFL splicers

Job description

Fiber Optic Splicer & Tester

Full Job Description

Apex One Communications is a turnkey network infrastructure company that designs, builds, and supports networks for telecom carriers, regional ISPs, and data center operators across the country. We give our technicians the tools, training, and lead-tech mentorship to build a real career in telecom, whatever level of experience you bring. Don't just take a job... become part of the Apex One team!

Interested but don't think your skills quite match this position? Check out our other postings. We are hiring COEI Field Technicians from entry level to lead (L1-L4) and Fiber Optic Splicers & Testers!

JOB SUMMARY

The Fiber Optic Splicer & Tester performs fusion splicing, termination, testing, and fiber characterization on inside-plant (ISP) and outside-plant (OSP) fiber networks for carriers, ISPs, and data center operators, including hyperscale data center and long-haul projects.

This role covers high-count ribbon splicing, OTDR and OLTS testing, and full fiber characterization, and delivers clean, accurate test documentation to our customers. We are hiring at all experience levels; pay and responsibilities are based on experience.

NOTE: We are project based. Overtime is frequent, and 40 hours per week is guaranteed while traveling for work. Options for breaks between projects can be discussed during the interview.

100% US Travel Required. When you are on a project, you are traveling. There are opportunities for PTO and breaks/weekends home. Details can be discussed during the interview.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Splicing

• High-count ribbon (mass fusion) splicing, including 12-fiber flat ribbon and rollable/flexible ribbon on 864 to 6,912-count cable
• Single-fiber fusion splicing on loose-tube and tight-buffered cable
• Cable prep, buffer tube and ribbon handling, and sheath grounding/bonding
• Splice closures, splice cases, and splice trays (OSP domes, in-line closures, ISP splice cabinets)
• Fiber distribution and termination: FDPs, ODFs, patch panels, MPO/MTP trunks and cassettes, and pigtail splicing
• Maintain fusion splicers and cleavers (Fujikura, Sumitomo, AFL, or similar)

Testing

• Bi-directional OTDR testing; trace analysis for splice loss, reflectance, macrobends, and events
• OLTS Tier 1 testing (insertion loss with light source and power meter) to TIA-568 and customer budgets
• End-face inspection and cleaning to IEC 61300-3-35
• Visual fault locating (VFL), continuity and polarity checks
• Troubleshoot and remediate failed splices and links

Fiber Characterization

• Full fiber characterization on long-haul and backbone spans: bi-directional OTDR, insertion loss, optical return loss (ORL), chromatic dispersion (CD), and polarization mode dispersion (PMD)
• Attenuation profile and span analysis
• Compare results to customer and manufacturer specifications

Documentation

• Build and submit test reports with reporting software (EXFO FastReporter, VIAVI, AFL TRC, or similar)
• Maintain splice maps, fiber assignments, and redlines
• Submit time and expense reports accurately and on time
• Read and follow MOPs, splice plans, and construction prints
• Follow safety procedures for fiber handling, confined space, aerial, and live network environments
• Train and mentor less experienced splicers and technicians (senior level)

EDUCATION / SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or GED (minimum)

Skills and Qualifications

• 1+ year of fusion splicing experience (senior candidates: 3+ years including high-count ribbon splicing)
• Hands-on experience with OTDR and OLTS test sets (EXFO, VIAVI, AFL, or similar)
• Fiber characterization experience (CD, PMD, ORL) strongly preferred
• Data center, CO, and/or OSP experience
• Able to read splice plans, prints, and test results
• Certifications preferred: FOA CFOT, CFOS/S (Splicing), CFOS/T (Testing), or BICSI
• Strong attention to detail and clean documentation habits
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Driving and Travel

• Must be willing to travel 100%
• Provide and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report
• Drive company trucks safely, including pulling and backing trailers

Physical Requirements

• Bend, twist, stoop, and kneel
• Lift/carry up to 80 pounds
• Climb ladders safely while carrying tools and materials
• Have the hand strength and dexterity to use industry-specific tools
• Distinguish colors and fine print accurately (fiber and cable color codes)
• Work long hours, nights/odd hours, and in fast-paced environments

ABOUT APEX ONE COMMUNICATIONS

Apex One Communications is a turnkey network infrastructure company headquartered in Florida and working nationwide. We deliver fiber (OSP and ISP), central office and data center builds, AC/DC power systems, testing and commissioning, and wireless civil and site work.

Apex: the top standard of craft, applied to every job, every crew, and every relationship. We do it right the first time.

One: one team and one point of accountability from design to final walkthrough.

Apex One Communications is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Apex One Communications is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

JOB DETAILS

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $35.00 per hour (based on experience)

Work Location: On the road (100% US travel)

Benefits (eligible after 90 days)

• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holiday pay
• Cell phone allowance
• $160/day per diem (unless lodging is paid for by the company)
• Birthday gift card
• Referral bonus

Application Question(s)

• What is the highest fiber count you have spliced, and what is your ribbon splicing experience?
• Which OTDR and OLTS test sets and reporting software have you used? Have you performed CD/PMD characterization?

Experience

• Fusion splicing: 1 year (Required)
• OTDR testing: 1 year (Required)
• High-count ribbon splicing: 1 year (Preferred)

License: Driver's license (Required)

Willingness to travel: 100% (Required)