Senior Outside Plant (OSP) Technician

Scientific Research Corporation; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Scientific Research Corporation in North Charleston, SC is seeking a Senior Outside Plant (OSP) Technician to oversee the installation and maintenance of fiber optic and copper telecommunications systems. The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience and be knowledgeable in OSHA safety standards as well as telecommunication construction practices.

This role includes mentoring junior technicians and requires a BICSI RCDD credential. The position may involve significant travel, requiring a valid driver's license and potential for government clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of outside plant experience in telecommunications.
• Strong understanding of OSHA and relevant safety codes.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation and troubleshooting of telecommunications infrastructure.
• Design, install, splice, and test fiber optic and copper cabling.
• Mentor junior technicians and lead field crews.

Skills

Hands-on outside plant experience

Fiber optic splicing

Reading engineering drawings

Safety procedures compliance

Communication skills

Education

BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

BICSI OSP Installer 2 or Technician certification

Tools

Fusion splicers

OTDRs

Aerial lift equipment

Job description

Senior Outside Plant (OSP) Technician

Location: US-SC-North Charleston

ID: 2026-11313

Category: Field Service Engineer

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Application Open Date: 6/30/2026

Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Outside Plant (OSP) Technician to lead the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic and copper telecommunications infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings deep hands‑on expertise in outside plant construction and network cabling systems, and holds or is actively pursuing an RCDD credential from BICSI. This role serves as a technical lead on complex projects and a mentor to junior technicians.

• Designing, installing, splicing, and testing fiber optic (single-mode and multi-mode) and copper cabling systems in aerial, buried, and conduit environments
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, OSP design plans, and permit documents and ensuring work complies with applicable codes and standards (BICSI, NEC, NESC, local/state regulations)
• Operating and maintaining OSP equipment including fusion splicers, OTDRs, power meters, cable locators, and aerial lift equipment
• Leading field crews on major outside plant projects
• Coordinating with general contractors, utilities, municipalities, and customers
• Performing fault isolation and emergency restoration on fiber and copper networks, including after‑hours as required
• Conducting OSP site surveys and providing technical input for project scoping, materials estimation, and bid preparation
• Maintaining accurate as‑built documentation, splice records, and work order closeouts in company systems
• Enforcing and modeling safety procedures including traffic control, confined space entry, trenching/excavation, and PPE compliance
• Mentoring and providing on‑the‑job training to junior and mid‑level technicians
• Collaborating with engineering and project management teams to ensure on‑time, on‑budget project delivery

Requirements

• 10 or more years of hands‑on outside plant experience in telecommunications, electric utility, or related field
• Proficiency with fiber optic splicing (fusion and mechanical), OTDR testing, and end‑to‑end acceptance testing
• Demonstrated experience with direct‑buried, and conduit/duct‑bank OSP construction
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, plats, and GIS maps
• Competency operating aerial lift equipment (bucket truck)
• Must hold or obtain required certifications
• Strong understanding of OSHA, NEC, NESC, and relevant local safety codes
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interface with customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
• Experience working in confined spaces, trenches, and vaults (may require permit‑required confined space entry)
• Travel within the service territory required; occasional overnight travel possible

Desired Skills

• BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential strongly preferred
• BICSI OSP Installer 2 or Technician certification
• Experience with GPON, DWDM, or other active fiber network technologies
• Familiarity with GIS/network documentation platforms (e.g., Esri, Maximo, ServiceNow)
• Background in telecommunications, municipal broadband, or utility OSP environments
• Prior experience in a field lead or crew supervisor role
• Valid driver's license with clean MVR; CDL preferred

Clearance Information

SRC is a contractor for the U.S. Government. This position requires U.S. citizenship and a U.S. Government security clearance at the TOP SECRET / SCI level.

Travel Requirements

50‑75% of the year.

EEO

Scientific Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.

Scientific Research Corporation endeavors to make www.scires.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.