Senior Outside Plant (OSP) Technician

Scires; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Scires is seeking a Senior Outside Plant (OSP) Technician in North Charleston, SC, to lead the installation and maintenance of fiber optic and copper telecommunications infrastructure. Candidates should have 10+ years of hands-on experience, proficiency in fiber optic splicing, and strong communication skills.

The role involves mentoring junior technicians, ensuring safety compliance, and leading major OSP projects. A Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential is preferred, with a travel requirement of 50-75% of the year.

Qualifications

• Must hold or obtain required certifications for working on telecommunications infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of safety codes and regulations relevant to the industry.
• Ability to travel within service territory and work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunications infrastructure.
• Operate and maintain OSP equipment for project execution.
• Mentor junior technicians and ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Skills

Fiber optic splicing

Telecommunications experience

Operating aerial lift equipment

Communication skills

Education

10+ years of hands-on outside plant experience

Tools

OTDR testing

Fusion splicers

Power meters

Job description

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—a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (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

#LI-JC1

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
• Working at heights in aerial lift equipment
• Ability to work 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 is 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 WILL REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS A U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE AT THE TOP SECRET / SCI LEVEL

Travel Requirements

• 50-75% of the year

Benefits

SRC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, vacation and sick paid time off accruals with amounts increasing based on role and years of service, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a work environment that encourages excellence and more. For positions requiring a security clearance, selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

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.