Manager of OSP Network Planning
21 days ago
Spokane
Job DescriptionSalary: $85,000-$105,000 Job Title: Manager of OSP Network Planning Department: Outside Plant Reports to:Director/ Manager - Outside Plant Location: Washington State, Location TBD (Successful applicant must reside in WA, OR, or ID) About NoaNet NoaNet is a non-profit mutual corporation providing telecom solutions and services and is headquartered in Gig Harbor, Washington. For over 20 years, NoaNet has operated a reliable public open-access broadband network that today totals over 3,800 fiber miles and touches every county in Washington State. Our organization provides rural areas access to broadband services, supporting more than 100 last-mile providers that serve more than 260,000 customers. NoaNets owner/members are nine public utility districts and a joint operating agency. Learn more about NoaNet at . Career Overview The Manager of OSP Network Planning provides leadership and strategic direction for NoaNets team of Outside Plant (OSP) engineers, overseeing the full scope of network planning, design, and verification activity. This role manages all professional services projects and ensures the accuracy and constructability of contractor designs and field verificationsdelivering a reliable foundation for Passive Optical Network (PON) deployments across Washington State. Serving as both a technical and operational leader, the Manager guides network expansion initiatives to align with NoaNets mission and partner objectives. The position ensures that fiber infrastructure evolves to meet community broadband needs, embraces emerging technologies, and supports long-term network sustainability. Key responsibilities include program oversight for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) initiatives, community broadband partnerships, and grant-funded network development. The Manager directs capacity evaluation, network performance analysis, and future demand forecasting to ensure projects align with strategic and financial priorities. The role leads the planning and design of backbone, middle-mile, last-mile, and service drop routes, including splicing documentation, cost modeling, and standards for scalability, reliability, and operational flexibility. Vendor and contractor oversight are essential duties, with accountability for quality, budget adherence, and schedule performance. By defining performance metrics and promoting collaboration across engineering, operations, and administrative teams, the Manager of Network Planning supports consistent, high-quality outcomes across all network programs. This role ensures NoaNet remains a trusted leader in public broadband infrastructuredelivering resilient, high-capacity connectivity that strengthens communities across Washington State. Responsibilities Strategic and Proactive Planning • Drive proactive and forward-thinking network planning, supporting NoaNets long-term infrastructure vision and broadband expansion across communities., • Develop and maintain planning frameworks that align with organizational goals, grant requirements, and regional initiatives., • Regularly assess future capacity and growth to maintain a scalable, flexible network architecture. Technical and Design Leadership • Lead optimal network architecture solutions focused on customer experience, operational efficiency, and reliability., • Direct the identification, review, and technical design of backbone, middle mile, last mile, and service drop fiber routes., • Supervise field teams verifying routes and creating high-level and detailed network designs., • Adhere to NoaNet standards and provide technical guidance for PON (distributed split) and P2P layouts, splicing documentation, and engineering controls., • Oversee the preparation and review of splicing, testing, and certification reports (including OTDR traces and power readings). Financial and Project Management • Support and lead project budgeting, costing, and business case development for network builds and upgrades., • Ensure robust financial controls and deliverables tracking through all project phases., • Monitor progress and report project status, identifying risks, schedule impacts, and key performance trends to leadership. Vendor and Partner Oversight • Manage contractor and vendor activities, ensuring design accuracy, installation quality, and schedule adherence., • Establish clear performance expectations and accountability for vendors regarding quality, time, and budget., • Collaborate with partner organizations and suppliers to ensure the successful implementation of network solutions consistent with NoaNet standards. Customer and Stakeholder Collaboration • Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, local authorities, and customers for effective project coordination., • Serve as technical liaison to clients and internal teams, ensuring clarity and consensus on design intent and scope of work., • Communicate project updates professionally to ensure transparency and trust throughout all phases. Team Leadership and Development • Lead and mentor planning team members, fostering technical expertise and accountability., • Promote a collaborative culture grounded in continuous improvement and knowledge sharing., • Standardize best practices within network planning and field verification activities. Innovation and Continuous Improvement • Provide ongoing guidance on new fiber technologies and evolving design methodologies., • Shape deployment strategies across OSP, transport, and service disciplines for efficient infrastructure growth., • Identify and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and solution quality. General • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of network planning, design coordination, and broadband project execution. Education, Training, Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Communications, Telecommunications, GIS, or Computer Science desirable, • 5+ years of Telecommunication network experience required, • 2+ years of Managerial experience required, • The qualified candidate will need to have a broad network understanding, • Fiber Networks, Middle Mile, Last Mile, Service Drops, • FTTP, • PON, • Fiber Splicing and PON Splitter knowledge, • Permitting, • Customer Premise solutions, • Outside Plant (OSP) architectures consisting of underground, aerial, and building applications., • Joint-Use and Aerial Make Ready Experience., • Permitting Experience, State, Local, Railroad etc., • In-depth understanding of PON architectures to include centralized and distributed splits greenfield MDU/SFU, and inside wiring solutions, • GIS experience desirable with platforms such as ARC GIS and QGIS, • AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Visio design programs experience, • Red-Line and As-Built Experience, • Proficiency in common offices tools such as Excel, Word, Powerpoint, • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cross functionally to achieve positive outcomes, • Operate from a customer centered mindset, • Works well in a team environment driven by partnerships, • Ability to work independently with minimal direction Availability and Travel Requirements • Position requires availability for the needs of the business, • Frequent travel is required based on Project/Customer /Team needs Other Requirements • Driving a company car may be required: must have a current, state issued drivers license with a clean driving record; must be able to provide proof of valid drivers license and insurance, • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50+ pounds, • The ability to move safely over uneven terrain Location • Remote location in Washington State, Location TBD (Successful applicant must reside in WA, OR, or ID) Salary/Benefits • Salary Based on Experience, • Defined Benefit Retirement Plan through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (PERS), • 457b Optional Supplemental Retirement Plan, • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, • Accidental Death and Long Term Disability Plan, • Combined Paid Leave, • 11 Paid Holidays EEO:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or another characteristic protected by law. Disclaimer:The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job.