Access Network Engineer

The Access Network Engineer is responsible for the architecture, deployment, and operational support of the organization’s fiber access network. This role focuses on GPON and XGS-PON broadband platforms, including OLT systems, ONT lifecycle management, and integration with aggregation, IP routing, and subscriber management platforms.The ideal candidate has hands-on experience operating large-scale FTTH networks, understands access network architecture and optical design, and is comfortable leveraging automation and scripting to improve operational visibility and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
PON Architecture & EngineeringDesign, deploy, and support GPON and XGS-PON access network architectures.Engineer and maintain OLT platforms, PON service profiles, and subscriber provisioning templates.Configure and manage DBA profiles, GEM ports, VLAN tagging, service flows, and subscriber traffic policies.Support ONT provisioning, firmware lifecycle management, and OMCI-based configuration.Define and maintain PON split ratios, optical power budgets, and service capacity thresholds.Perform PON utilization analysis and capacity planning to support subscriber growth.Access Network OperationsTroubleshoot service impairments across OLT, ONT, optical distribution network (ODN), and aggregation layers.Analyze optical metrics including TX/RX power levels, signal degradation, and fiber path integrity.Support network upgrades, shelf expansions, and platform migrations.Perform root cause analysis for subscriber impacting issues and large-scale service events.Develop operational standards and procedures for access network configuration and maintenance.Access Network IntegrationIntegrate PON infrastructure with: Subscriber management platforms, DHCP / AAA systems, IP routing and aggregation layers and multicast and IPTV delivery systems.Support service activation workflows for residential and commercial broadband services.Collaborate with field engineering teams to support ODN deployments and fiber plant integration.Automation & Network TelemetryDevelop automation to improve access network observability and operational efficiency.Create scripts to collect and analyze: OLT and ONT operational metrics, optical power levels, subscriber provisioning status and firmware compliance.Automate operational workflows including: ONT inventory validation, provisioning audits and service configuration validation.Integrate network data into internal monitoring and analytics platforms.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
5+ years of experience supporting fiber broadband access networks.Hands-on experience with carrier-grade PON platforms.Strong understanding of PON technologies, including: GPON, XGS-PON, FTTH architectures.Solid knowledge of networking fundamentals, including: OSI model, TCP/IP, VLAN architecture and multicast and QoS fundamentals.Experience troubleshooting subscriber provisioning, optical performance, and access network faults.Technical Skills:Access PlatformsExperience with one or more of the following platforms: Calix (AXOS / EXA), Cisco access platforms or equivalent carrier-grade OLT systems.Automation / ScriptingExperience with scripting languages such as: Python or BashExperience automating network operations using: SSH / CLI automation, REST APIs and data parsing and reporting toolsPreferred QualificationsExperience operating large-scale FTTH or broadband access networks.Familiarity with optical network design and fiber outside plant architecture.Experience supporting IPTV or multicast video delivery over PON networks.Exposure to network monitoring, telemetry, or analytics platforms.Experience supporting network automation initiatives within access engineering teams.Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.Ability to operate effectively across engineering, operations, and field teams.Strong documentation and operational process development.Focus on network scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Job Benefits
Medical, Dental and VisionPTO & Holidays401K + MatchLife InsuranceFSA & HSAShort Term/Long Term DisabilityLegal Plan Support & EAP

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