Fibre Optic Network Planner

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a meticulous Fibre Optic Network Planner to join our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design detailed fibre networks, select optimal routes, and ensure regulatory compliance while working with deployment teams and local authorities in a hybrid work setup.

The ideal candidate has a civil/electrical/telecom engineering background, 5+ years in fibre design, and strong GIS/CAD skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, or Telecommunications engineering.
• At least 5 years in telecom network design and planning, fibre-focused.
• Proficient in GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS) and CAD tools.
• Knowledge of trenching, ducting, and deployment methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed fibre network designs and route plans.
• Conduct site surveys and feasibility studies for routes.
• Map infrastructure with GIS and maintain route data.
• Prepare BOMs and cost estimates for projects.
• Ensure compliance with standards and safety regulations.
• Coordinate with civil engineering teams, construction crews and authorities.
• Review design changes based on field feedback.
• Maintain accurate network documentation.
• Support project managers to meet rollout milestones.
• Contribute to network expansion strategies.

Skills

Fibre optic design

GIS software

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Spatial reasoning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in expanding South Africa's digital infrastructure, is looking for a meticulous Fibre Optic Network Planner to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is fundamental to the strategic design and deployment of high-speed fibre optic networks across the region. You will be responsible for detailed network planning, route selection, and ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fibre optic technologies, civil engineering principles, and GIS systems. This position plays a vital role in connecting communities and businesses with reliable, high-performance internet services. You will work closely with deployment teams, civil contractors, and local authorities to ensure efficient and effective network build-outs in Richards Bay and its surrounding areas, incorporating a hybrid work model.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed network designs and route plans for fibre optic cable deployments.


• Conduct site surveys and feasibility studies to identify optimal network paths.


• Utilize GIS software to map network infrastructure, assets, and planned routes.


• Prepare bills of materials and cost estimates for network construction projects.


• Ensure designs comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and safety regulations.


• Coordinate with civil engineering teams, construction crews, and external stakeholders.


• Review and approve design modifications based on field feedback and site conditions.


• Maintain accurate network documentation and databases.


• Collaborate with project managers to ensure timely completion of network rollout phases.


• Contribute to the development of network expansion strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Telecommunications) or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in telecommunications network design and planning, specifically with fibre optics.


• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and CAD tools.


• Strong understanding of fibre optic network architecture, components, and installation methods.


• Knowledge of civil engineering principles related to trenching, ducting, and infrastructure deployment.


• Experience with project management methodologies is beneficial.


• Excellent spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.


• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.


• Familiarity with South African telecommunications regulations and permitting processes.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting experience and qualifications.


• Performance-based bonuses.


• Contribution to medical aid and pension fund.


• Opportunities for professional development and further certifications.


• Exposure to large-scale, cutting-edge fibre optic projects.


• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life balance.


• Company vehicle or travel allowance.