Network Design Specialist

Socket; Columbia Township (MO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket Fiber is seeking a Network Design Specialist to plan and design fiber network solutions across customer voice and data services. You will collaborate with Network Operations, Outside Plant Design, and Service Delivery teams to ensure accurate designs and timely implementation.

Responsibilities include creating network diagrams, quotes, and PDA designs, reviewing orders for readiness, and coordinating with customers and field teams.

Qualifications

• Design and review fiber network solutions using GIS, plant records, service orders, and design tools.
• Prepare network drawings, fiber quotes, pricing, hardware recommendations, and PDA designs.
• Review service orders to verify location, plant availability, fiber path, strand assignment, and installation readiness.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fiber orders, installations, cutovers, and project activities with customers, technicians, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Troubleshoot fiber, GIS, mapping, plant data, and strand assignment issues to identify impacts and alternatives.
• Provide technical support and escalation to technicians, customers, and internal groups regarding fiber design and implementation.

Skills

GIS experience

Leadership experience

Project management

Telecommunications knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Description

Socket Fiber is one of the fastest growing fiber internet providers in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and Tennessee and is dedicated to building and expanding high-speed fiber optic networks that connect communities. Socket Fiber is a company with more than 25 years of experience. We are committed to innovation, quality, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. Join our dynamic team and help shape the future of connectivity!

The Network Design Specialist supports the planning and design of Socket Fiber's network infrastructure and customer voice and data solutions. This role combines technical analysis, network planning, fiber design, and project coordination to help ensure reliable, scalable, and efficient service delivery.

Working closely with Network Operations, Outside Plant Design, Service Delivery teams, Account Executives, customers, contractors, and vendors, the Network Design Specialist develops network diagrams, prepares fiber service quotes, coordinates orders, and assists with the successful implementation of customer solutions. This position plays a critical role in ensuring designs are accurate, projects stay on track, and technical questions are resolved efficiently throughout the service delivery process.

What You’ll Do

Key responsibilities include:

• Design, review, and support customer voice, data, and fiber network solutions using GIS, plant records, service orders, and network design tools.
• Prepare network drawings, fiber quotes, component pricing, hardware recommendations, PDA designs, and plant data assignments for customer projects, proposals, conversions, and internal planning.
• Review assigned service orders and work orders to verify customer location, plant availability, fiber path, strand assignment, and installation readiness prior to technician dispatch.
• Coordinate fiber orders, installations, cutovers, and project activities with customers, technicians, contractors, vendors, and internal departments to support timely completion.
• Troubleshoot fiber, GIS, mapping, plant data, and strand assignment issues to identify service impacts, alternate routing options, fiber cut locations, and appropriate field responses.
• Provide technical support and escalation assistance to technicians, customers, and internal teams regarding fiber design, GIS, service requirements, and implementation needs.
• Train, mentor, and support employees on GIS tools, fiber design processes, mapping standards, troubleshooting, workflow updates, and assignment changes.
• Serve as backup to the Installation Design Manager for GIS, design review, workflow, assignment, and system-related decisions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network designs, project plans, service updates, customer implementation details, system records, reports, and plan revisions.
• Manage multiple design projects, quotes, fiber conversions, escalations, and implementation tasks while ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

To be considered for this role, you'll need the following required qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year of experience providing technical support to business customers is required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in any leadership role, such as team lead, manager, supervisor, or another position with direct reports required.
• Experience working with geographic information systems (GIS) is preferred.
• One or more years of project management experience is preferred.
• Technical, customer service, telecommunications, network design, or operations experience, including experience working with voice, data, fiber, internet, or business communication services is preferred.

What Will Help You Stand Out

Preferred Qualifications:

• Delivers clear verbal and written communication across multiple audiences.
• Manages multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Supports cross-functional collaboration to resolve issues and improve workflows.
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills apply to identify root causes and solutions.
• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and follow-through on assigned tasks.
• Adapts to changing priorities, processes, and business needs with minimal disruption.
• Maintains compliance with company policies, procedures, and established processes.

Desired Attributes

Beyond the qualifications, these attributes are what make someone a great fit for our team:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with company systems, CRM platforms, billing systems, ticketing systems, or related software preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn internal systems, tools, processes, and technology.
• Knowledge of telecommunications and network technologies, including voice, data, fiber, internet connectivity, routers, firewalls, Network Interface Devices, LAN/WAN equipment, T1, xDSL, MPLS, ADSL, Integrated Access, HPBX, and local phone services required.

Why Join Socket Fiber?

At Socket Fiber, we're redefining what it means to connect communities. We share a mission-driven culture focused on bringing high-speed internet to areas that need it most. We're not just selling a service—we're providing access, opportunity, and real change. Socket Fiber offers a culture where employee strengths are highlighted and recognized.

A few of the key ways we strive to make employees feel valued include:

• Competitive pay + bonus potential or performance-based commission
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and 401k with match
• Free coaching/counseling for employees & families
• Free fiber service (if available in your area)
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• Culture that values results, effort, and integrity

Our Core Values

• Respect: Toward all customers, communities, property, and coworkers.
• Advocacy: In-person, online, or by phone—we go beyond support to serve as customer advocates.
• Transparency: In our commitments, service experiences, and business relationships.
• Progress: Growth is proof of our dedication to improving lives and communities.
• Winning: Every conversation is a chance to gain a customer for life.

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

This role is not eligible for relocation.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

This employer uses E-Verify.