Senior Telecoms Infrastructure Engineer - Fiber Optics

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for site visits

Hybrid work model

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Telecoms Infrastructure Engineer in Polokwane, Limpopo, SA, to lead fiber optic network design, deployment and maintenance. The role blends on-site project oversight with remote design and analysis for advanced optical networks.

You will drive OTDR testing, fiber routing, documentation, and collaboration across construction teams to ensure high-performance, reliable infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in telecommunications infrastructure engineering with a focus on fiber optics.
• In-depth knowledge of fiber optic principles, SMF/MMF, connectors and testing methodologies.
• Proficiency with OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources and fusion splicers.
• Experience with design software and GIS tools for planning fiber routes.
• Understanding of FTTx deployments and telecom network architecture.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings and construction plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent project management and coordination abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan fiber optic network routes including conduit pathways, splicing locations and equipment placement.
• Oversee installation and deployment of fiber optic cables, connectors and hardware.
• Conduct OTDR testing and interpret results to verify cable integrity and performance.
• Perform optical power meter measurements and ensure signal strength meets parameters.
• Troubleshoot and resolve fiber optic network issues such as breaks or attenuation problems.
• Maintain fiber optic network documentation including splicing records and routes.
• Collaborate with construction crews, technicians and stakeholders to meet timelines and standards.
• Evaluate and recommend new fiber optic technologies and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to junior engineers and field technicians.

Skills

Fiber optics

OTDR testing

GIS tools

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

FOA CFOT/CFNI certifications

Tools

OTDRs

Optical power meters

Fusion splicers

Testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major telecommunications provider, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Telecoms Infrastructure Engineer with a specialization in fiber optics to join their team in **Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA**. This hybrid role involves both on-site project oversight and remote design/analysis. You will be responsible for the planning, design, deployment, and maintenance of advanced fiber optic networks that form the backbone of modern communication systems. This position requires a deep understanding of optical networking principles, fiber deployment techniques, and performance monitoring. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable telecommunications infrastructure. You will play a key role in expanding and optimizing our client's network capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan fiber optic network routes, including conduit pathways, splicing locations, and equipment placement.
• Oversee the installation and deployment of fiber optic cables, connectors, and associated hardware.
• Conduct optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) testing and interpret results to verify cable integrity and performance.
• Perform optical power meter measurements and ensure signal strength meets design parameters.
• Troubleshoot and resolve fiber optic network issues, including breaks, attenuation problems, and connectivity faults.
• Manage and maintain fiber optic network documentation, including splicing records, cable routes, and inventory.
• Collaborate with construction crews, technicians, and other stakeholders to ensure project timelines and quality standards are met.
• Evaluate and recommend new fiber optic technologies and equipment to enhance network capabilities.
• Ensure all network deployments and maintenance activities comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior engineers and field technicians.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in telecommunications infrastructure engineering, with a strong focus on fiber optics.
• In-depth knowledge of fiber optic principles, cable types (SMF, MMF), connectors, and testing methodologies.
• Proficiency in using OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources, and fusion splicers.
• Experience with network design software and GIS tools for planning fiber routes.
• Understanding of telecommunications network architecture, including FTTx deployments.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and construction plans.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving optical network issues.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., FOA CFOT, CFNI) are highly desirable.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Opportunity to work on significant fiber optic network expansion projects.
• Continuous learning and professional development support.
• Contribution to a vital infrastructure development company.
• Company-provided vehicle for site visits.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement fund contributions.
• Ample paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to advanced testing equipment and technology.