Fiber Optic Network Planner

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Paid time off and public holidays

Professional development and training

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Travel allowance for site visits

Stable company with Port Elizabeth'sDH

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Fiber Optic Network Planner to join our client in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will lead feasibility studies, design routes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high‑performance fiber networks.

The role emphasizes GIS mapping, cost estimation, stakeholder coordination and adherence to industry standards, providing opportunity to shape digital infrastructure growth in the Port Elizabeth region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Telecommunications), Geography, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in network planning, design, or engineering, specifically with fiber optic networks.
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and network planning tools.
• Solid understanding of fiber optic technologies, network topologies, and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Experience reading and interpreting civil engineering drawings and construction plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with Outside Plant (OSP) network design principles.
• Keen eye for detail and commitment to producing accurate plans for Port Elizabeth area.

Responsibilities

• Conduct feasibility studies and site surveys for new fiber optic network deployments.
• Develop detailed network designs and route plans, optimizing for cost, efficiency, and future scalability.
• Utilize GIS software and planning tools to map network infrastructure, including fiber routes, splice points, and termination locations.
• Estimate project costs, including labor, materials, and equipment, for fiber optic network construction.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and operations teams to ensure designs meet technical and operational requirements.
• Liaise with local authorities, property owners, and other stakeholders to secure necessary permits and rights-of-way.
• Analyze existing network infrastructure and identify opportunities for expansion and upgrades.
• Prepare detailed project documentation, including design maps, BOMs, and technical specifications.
• Contribute to capacity planning and forecasting for future network growth.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and company best practices for network design and planning.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Geography or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Network planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications infrastructure company, is seeking a motivated Fiber Optic Network Planner to join their expanding team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role is crucial for the strategic planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring efficient coverage and high-speed connectivity. You will be involved in everything from initial feasibility studies and route planning to capacity forecasting and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fiber optic technologies, network design principles, and experience with GIS tools and planning software. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the growth of digital infrastructure in the region and build a rewarding career in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct feasibility studies and site surveys for new fiber optic network deployments.
• Develop detailed network designs and route plans, optimizing for cost, efficiency, and future scalability.
• Utilize GIS software and planning tools to map network infrastructure, including fiber routes, splice points, and termination locations.
• Estimate project costs, including labor, materials, and equipment, for fiber optic network construction.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and operations teams to ensure designs meet technical and operational requirements.
• Liaise with local authorities, property owners, and other stakeholders to secure necessary permits and rights-of-way.
• Analyze existing network infrastructure and identify opportunities for expansion and upgrades.
• Prepare detailed project documentation, including design maps, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and technical specifications.
• Contribute to capacity planning and forecasting for future network growth.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and company best practices for network design and planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Telecommunications), Geography, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in network planning, design, or engineering, specifically with fiber optic networks.
• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and network planning tools.
• Solid understanding of fiber optic technologies, network topologies, and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Experience with reading and interpreting civil engineering drawings and construction plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with OSP (Outside Plant) network design principles.
• A keen eye for detail and commitment to producing accurate and comprehensive plans for the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape area.

Benefits

• Annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Paid time off and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced planning techniques.
• Contribution to a provident fund.
• Performance bonuses based on project delivery.
• Travel allowance for site visits.
• A stable and growing company with a strong presence in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
• Exposure to exciting fiber network expansion projects.
• Supportive team environment.