Fiber Networks Specialist - IT Networks

The FirstEnergy Fiber Networks team is responsible for managing the design, construction, and maintenance of the FirstEnergy fiber network which provides mission critical support to the FirstEnergy transmission companies and local electric distribution companies in the operation of the FirstEnergy electrical network.

As a Fiber Networks Specialist, you will work with management, engineering and field personnel within IT and other FirstEnergy departments and will work closely with a wide range of fiber contractors and sub-contractors on a daily basis for the installation of new FirstEnergy fibers, planned and unplanned maintenance events, and more.

Principal Tasks and Accountabilities

• Support and manage the FirstEnergy Fiber Optic Network and projects.
• Follow established IT Operations and network processes.
• Championing safe work practices for FirstEnergy employees and contractors in accordance with Corporate, OSHA and other industry practices.
• Work closely with other FirstEnergy departments, contractors, and subcontractors to develop project requirements, costs and schedule.
• Develop business cases for new projects.
• Field site visits in support of projects, maintenance, or relocations (as necessary).
• Design fiber solutions that are scalable, reliable, and cost effective.
• Ensure FirstEnergy and contractor documentation is complete and up to date.
• Coordinate fiber optic events within the FirstEnergy Change Management process.

• Minimum of two (2) years of direct outside fiber experience.
• Will have worked within one of the following:
• Electric distribution or transmission industry.
• Fiber engineering or design contractor.
• Fiber installation or maintenance company.
• Cable service provider.
• General management of fiber networks.
• Knowledge of building fiber in the underground, in the distribution power space, and in the static position on transmission lines.
• Knowledge of ADSS and OPGW fiber cable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with drawing and document storage tools (AutoCAD, Visio, FileNet, etc.)
• Knowledge of mapping programs used for documentation of fiber optic cable routes.
• Proven skills in utilizing construction drawings and documents.
• Demonstrated project management and/or coordination of various size projects.
• Familiarity with optical network transport technologies.
• Experience with managing right of way and permit issues.
• General knowledge of OSHA, NESC, and other standards required for installation of fiber in the power space.
• Understanding of underground locating requirements and services.

Members of the FirstEnergy Fiber Networks team will be required to be part of an on-call rotation for afterhours fiber outages. Fiber Networks Specialists are also expected to participate in meetings and team discussions in a professional and inclusive manner.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a questioning attitude to learn, produce results, and develop relationships.
• Knowledge of basic research techniques
• Desire to learn grow, work across FirstEnergy, and deliver results.
• Display analytical abilities, including problem solving and decision making.
• Deliver quality, accurate work within established deadlines.
• Basic communication skills: ability to work in a team environment.
• Time management skills
• Minimum of two (2) years of direct outside fiber experience.

FirstEnergy at a Glance

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.