QA/QC Project Manager

Network Connex; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Connex Company in the United States seeks an experienced OSP Project Manager to direct long-haul fiber projects, manage engineering, permitting, construction, and testing, and ensure delivery on schedule and to specification.

The role requires coordinating internal staff and external vendors, maintaining client interfaces, and applying QA/QC practices and regulatory compliance across route segments.

Responsibilities

• Direct long-haul fiber project work, including route engineering, permitting, right-of-way, construction, and testing scope.
• Manage schedules, budgets, and deliverables; ensure on-time and on-spec project delivery.
• Coordinate with clients and vendors, maintaining positive interfaces and timely reporting.
• Oversee engineering drawings accuracy and QA/QC compliance with telecom/utility standards (NESC, FOA, etc.).
• Monitor and manage vendor performance, scope changes, and procurement processes.
• Lead project reporting, risk management, and lessons learned to improve processes.

Job description

$75,000 - $100,000 a year

Position Summary

The OSP Project Manager directs and supervises all work required on long-haul fiber network projects. This position executes the technical direction provided by management and implements changes when needed regarding route engineering, permitting, right-of-way, construction, and splicing/testing scope, deliverables, schedule, and budget for the project. The OSP Project Manager is responsible for nurturing a positive client interface and providing all project details to the client in a timely manner. This will include managing both internal staff as well as external Vendors and coordinating through project phases (engineering, permitting, construction, and as-built delivery) to ensure the long-haul fiber route is delivered on schedule and to specification. We are looking for a self-motivated and detail-orientated individual with a strong work ethic who balances technical knowledge with rigorous organizational oversight and effective communication to ensure a successful project delivery to our clients. We are offering an opportunity for a driven OSP Project Manager to join us progress their professional career along with our organization to help position Network Connex as the "go to" vendor within the Telecom / Outside-Plant (OSP) Industry.

Key Responsibilities

OSP Engineering Oversight / Quality Framework Development

• Responsible for accuracy and content of the OSP engineering drawings created (including for permit, for construction and as-builts).
• Understanding of outside plant (OSP) construction activities, including aerial and underground placement, directional boring, splicing, and testing, across multi-state route segments.
• Identify and manage long-haul-specific project risks, including weather delays, land access disputes, and environmental or cultural resource clearances.
• Foster the use of new/innovative concepts in the development of project designs and proposals, while assisting in staff training to learn/teach best technical practices
• Collaborate with team to build upon Internal Standards to ensure all Engineering Deliverables meet these internal requirements and the needs of our Customers.
• Ensure use of internal QA/QC manuals and inspection checklists for OSP design (FTTH, Long Haul, etc.) and construction.
• Perform regular Engineering Audits to ensure all our OSP engineering drawings adhere to telecom/utility standards (e.g., NESC, FOA) as well Permitting/Regulatory correspondence (DOT/County/City/RUS).
• Support all Redline Revisions with specific reasoning based on client requirements, agency regulations, or field/construction feedback. Document reoccurring issues to ensure these are addressed within Internal Standard Documentation.

Project Management / Vendor & Client Management

• Serve as the client primary Point of Contact (POC) on assigned projects, attend all necessary meetings to keep them informed, communicate issues/scope questions needing client feedback, and respond to their overall needs.
• Responsible for scheduling, forecasting, and tracking the project deliverables. Accountable to deliver on the deployment of workflow scheduling, project execution, delivery within budget, and quality of all project elements.
• Effectively be able to create OSP Engineering Drawings, manage resource planning, set & track goals, implement process improvement, and submit timely project reporting.
• Prepare/Authorize/Endorse project related contracts, proposals, documents etc.
• Manage route engineering, permitting, and right-of-way/easement acquisition for long-haul fiber segments, including coordination with state DOTs, railroads, and utility companies for crossing and joint-use agreements.
• Track and manage make-ready engineering and pole attachment processes in coordination with utility and joint-use partners.
• Maintain accurate as-built documentation, GIS mapping, and fiber route records to ensure data integrity across the project lifecycle.
• Review and Approve all project schedules, budgets, work plans, invoices, and QC/QA documentation
• Build and expand relationships with key clients within the market by listening/understanding their needs and implementing process/schedule changes accordingly.
• Maintain open and positive working relationships and enhance the image of the company for the development of additional business opportunities.
• Manage project workloads with strategic use of our Engineering Vendor(s) to assist with internal staffing resources.
• Manage Vendor(s) to assure that that they are consistently completing work within the specific time periods requested while ensuring accuracy, completeness, quality, and thoroughness,
• Provide necessary Quality Framework and Feedback to our Vendor(s) via a comprehensive Review Process doctored selectively to customer specifications and internal requirements.
• Ensure Vendor(s) that that they are updating Project Management Tools on a daily basis to reflect precise statuses and revised forecasting.
• Submit Purchase Order (PO} requests to clients, work with clients to obtain PO, track work completed to invoice against PO, and regularly report to management.
• Be in constant communication with Leadership with reporting progress of Vendor contracted work/projects.

Technical Design/Engineering Support

• Apply previous OSP Engineering experience, Internal Quality Standards, and telecom/utility regulations to provide insight on design questions: best build environment, handhole/manhole placements, conduit routing, etc.
• Identify design conflicts and resolve proactively with expedited design-related decisions based on changing field conditions, customer needs, or financial constraints.
• Provide technical assistance with Permitting/Regulatory correspondence (DOT/County/City/RR)
• Know when to seek assistance or