The role – Lead Network Engineer (FTTP)

Location – Anywhere in England as will be hybrid with travel

Package – Salary to £56,000 with commercial vehicle and solid benefits package.

This role is working for one of the main business to business fibre network owners, and we’re looking to bring in a lead engineer, with a national remit to sit above the network engineers who are going to be looking after service, repair and general support for the active layer of the fibre network.

This active layer point is pretty key, so we’re looking for someone that comes from the active layer, network engineering background (Knowledge of PON / XGS-PON being the key point) and the role will be to sit above the engineers and having been where they are currently at, make sure everything is going smoothly when it comes to all aspects of their job.

This is network assurance, and the team is currently around 11 strong across the UK, with bias to the North West (Merseyside, Cheshire, Manchester) and Greater London area. Due to that, we are flexible on location as the role would be hybrid, with assumed travel to the main patches as and when required.

This isn’t a management role but is definitely on the way to becoming one so if that is the career path that you are looking to take, then this could be the logical stepping stone.

On that basis, we are looking for a lead engineer who has been on the tools around I&C, splicing, testing but needs to be someone from the active, rather than the passive network side.

You’ll play a part in planning the work, making sure all kit, materials and training is available to the engineering teams and it’s also a customer facing role, so you’ll be visible and a key point of contact across the network of business customers, plus you’ll be working closely with the contract partners when it comes to quality and delivery of the service.

Attitude needs to be all hands on deck by way of technical input, so occasionally, you’ll help out to solve technical problems and could also contribute in times of high workload, holidays and absence etc.

Technical background:

Strong network engineering knowledge, specifically working in the FTTP sector with knowledge of PON / XGS-PON. This isn’t a job for a passive fibre splicer, nor a project manager – you need to be an active network bias, network engineer with service, configuration, assurance and lead capability.

Knowledge of network assurance, commissioning, fault finding and configuration of kit from vendors such as Cisco and Adtran.

Knowledge of network build protocols – this isn’t a build role but high-level knowledge of NRSWA and PIA would be useful.

Knowledge / exposure to BT exchanges and data centres a bonus.

Flexible attitude to travelling – you’ll be managing your own diary, but position will involve a good amount of time being on patch and with the network being spread across England then being on the road to spend time with the team & customers is going to be taken as read.

This is a permanent role, with one of the leading names in the industry so a great chance for the foot in the door, and it will offer both stability and progression – key points in the UK telecoms industry at the moment. The company is well funded, have their own network and a good blend of customer across enterprise, public sector and partners through the channel.

Company vehicle, all expenses paid, and a solid range of benefits come with the position.