Area Network Owner

The Area Network Owner (ANO) is responsible for continuous vendor coaching, inspection, acceptance, and testing of completed Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) underground construction activities within assigned Michigan markets including Wayne County, Midland, Saginaw, Sterling Heights, and surrounding deployment areas. This role serves as Ripple Fiber's primary field representative responsible for ensuring all construction activities are completed in accordance with company standards, engineering requirements, municipal specifications, safety expectations, and overall network quality objectives.

The ANO is expected to actively engage with vendor partners in the field to promote proper construction techniques, workmanship standards, restoration quality, documentation compliance, and testing integrity. Responsibilities include validating completed construction through physical inspection, OTDR review, light level verification, restoration inspection, and closeout documentation review prior to acceptance.

This role requires strong FTTH construction knowledge, leadership presence, vendor accountability, and the technical ability to identify workmanship deficiencies, enforce standards, and support the successful delivery of high-quality fiber optic infrastructure.

Additionally, the ANO is expected to operate with a high level of independence while maintaining alignment with Ripple Fiber standards, leadership direction, and operational objectives. This role directly impacts network integrity, customer experience, serviceability timelines, and long-term infrastructure reliability.

Responsibilities:

Construction Oversight & Governance

• Conduct field inspections, vendor coaching, and quality governance activities for FTTH construction performed by vendor partners across assigned markets.
• Conduct field inspections of underground, aerial, MDU/MxU activities.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with Ripple Fiber Construction Standards, engineering designs, and applicable municipal requirements.
• Identify, document, and track construction deficiencies (snags) through resolution.
• Verify corrective actions and remediation efforts prior to acceptance.
• Ensure construction activities are completed safely and in accordance with OSHA, NESC, and company safety standards.

Quality Assurance & Acceptance

• Perform quality inspections and acceptance reviews of completed construction work.
• Validate proper installation practices for:
• Handholes and vaults
• Fiber placement
• Splice enclosures
• Slack storage
• Restoration activities
• Aerial attachments
• Review construction deliverables including:
• ArcGIS photo documentation
• Redlines
• As-built documentation
• OTDR traces
• Light level testing
• Closeout packages
• Ensure network acceptance testing aligns with Ripple Fiber standards and optical budget expectations.

Vendor Management

• Hold vendors accountable for workmanship, restoration quality, and standards compliance.
• Support vendor training and field coaching where necessary.
• Participate in construction meetings, production reviews, and issue resolution discussions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate inspection records and reporting within approved company systems.
• Track construction progress, unresolved snags, and market-level quality trends.
• Provide clear communication to leadership regarding risks, blockers, and operational concerns.
• Support market readiness and Gate Acceptance processes.

Do you have experience in Underground utilities?, * Minimum 5 years of experience in telecommunications, construction, fiber deployment, or OSP operations.

• Experience with FTTH underground and aerial construction practices.
• Experience inspecting contractor-performed construction work.
• Experience reading and interpreting fiber engineering prints, splice diagrams, and construction drawings.

Technical Knowledge

Candidate must possess a working knowledge of:

• OTDR operation and interpretation, including the ability to read traces and identify high-loss events, reflections, macro bends, and splice irregularities.
• Fiber optic color code identification and ribbon/buffer tube organization.
• Fiber optic splicing practices and splice enclosure management.
• Fiber optic testing methodologies including light level validation and optical budget verification.
• Proper installation and restoration of variously sized handholes, vaults, pedestals, and underground infrastructure.
• Underground utility locating awareness and damage prevention practices.
• Aerial construction standards and attachment requirements.
• Construction restoration requirements including concrete, asphalt, softscape, and hardscape restoration practices.

Systems & Software

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to utilize GIS platforms, mobile inspection tools, and reporting systems.
• Experience with ArcGIS, QuickBase, or similar construction/documentation systems preferred., * Fiber splicing certification or equivalent field experience preferred.
• Experience with OTDR testing equipment such as VeEX platforms preferred.
• Previous leadership or construction management experience preferred.
• Understanding of FTTH network architecture from FDH to customer premise preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry construction materials and equipment as needed.
• Ability to walk active construction sites and uneven terrain daily.
• Ability to travel throughout assigned Michigan markets as required., * Strong accountability and field presence
• High attention to detail
• Professional communication skills
• Ability to manage vendor relationships firmly but collaboratively
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance, We offer competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) with company match, and a supportive work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. If you're passionate about making a difference and being part of a community-focused company, Ripple Fiber is the place for you.

Ripple Fiber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Ripple Fiber is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year, * 401(k)

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

At Ripple Fiber, we deliver more than high-speed internet. We're creating a ripple effect by producing opportunities and brighter futures for the residents of the communities we serve. Join America's most innovative, industry-leading fiber internet company, and help shape the future. We believe the biggest wave starts as a ripple.