Physical Network Architect – Backbone & ISP/OSP Design

Meta; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 162,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta’s LTD team designs the physical infrastructure that carries a rapidly scaling IP and optical backbone. We seek a network engineer with strong experience in structured cabling and ISP/OSP design to own backbone POPs and ILA huts.

You will translate topology into physical designs, define rack layouts, power needs and splice plans, and collaborate with vendors to scale our network topologies. The role emphasizes documentation, standards, and cross-functional reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 6+ years designing physical infrastructure / fiber-optic infrastructure (OSP and/or ISP) in telecom, backbone/transport, carrier or hyperscale environments
• Strong knowledge of fiber fundamentals: single-mode vs multimode, connector types (LC/MPO), fusion & ribbon splicing, optical-loss / OTDR testing, and optical-budget basics
• Proven ability to turn a network / optical design into a physical build — rack elevations, power requirements, fiber counts, ODF / patch-panel layouts, cable trays / containment, splice plans
• Understanding of IP network hardware platforms and their specifications in the POP and data center space
• Experience producing clear technical documentation and communicating across teams and with vendors to drive cross-functional decisions
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, engineer and implement scalable physical infrastructure for backbone POPs, self-built ILA sites and midpoints, including structured cabling and fiber-optic plant: ODFs, fiber trunks, harnesses, ToR/patch panels, raceways and containment, rack layouts, PDUs
• Work closely with our network engineering and sourcing teams to translate IP and optical / network topology into physical designs — rack layouts, space and power requirements, power delivery, fiber counts, splice plans, patch schedules — within site constraints
• Own high-level site design standards and refresh them as topology and hardware evolve
• Produce the material forecast and BOMs for the manufacturers
• Engage with vendors (e.g., Amphenol, CommScope, Prysmian, Corning) and with ILA shelter manufacturers on components, harness/panel design, quality, and supply to evolve and scale our network topologies
• Produce engineering documentation and represent designs in cross-functional reviews (network engineering, deployment, site acquisition)
• Support design-automation / tooling for BOMs, fiber-plant and rack space modeling where it is useful
• Support and provide guidance to our site sourcing strategy on provider facilities and proposed floor plans against high-level site design standards requirements
• Support and provide guidance to the delivery teams by reviewing low-level site design migration plans

Skills

Structured cabling

Fiber-optic design

OSP/ISP design

Rack elevations

Power distribution

Documentation

Vendor engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Site design standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering or related field

Job description

Meta’s LTD team designs the physical infrastructure that carries a rapidly scaling IP and optical backbone. We seek a network engineer with strong experience in structured cabling and ISP/OSP design to own backbone POPs and ILA huts.

You will translate topology into physical designs, define rack layouts, power needs and splice plans, and collaborate with vendors to scale our network topologies. The role emphasizes documentation, standards, and cross-functional reviews.