Lead Central Office Installer (100% travel)
Job Description
Central Office Installer (Level IV)
Location & Travel
Candidates may be based anywhere in the United States, preferably in locations with convenient access to a major airport.
This is a 100% travel position, with assignments at job sites across the country. Contractors typically return home every 2–3 weeks for a break, although some travel rotations may extend up to 4 weeks.
Travel & Per Diem
- Flights and rental vehicles are arranged through TravelPerk, paid by INSPYR, and billed back to the client.
- The company provides a $185/day per diem, paid weekly in advance:
- $125/day for lodging
- $60/day for meals
- Contractors are generally responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodations and meals. Exceptions may apply depending on the project location and travel circumstances.
- Flights and rental vehicles are provided as needed and are company-paid.
Job Summary
The Central Office Installer (Level IV) is responsible for advanced installation, upgrades, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunications equipment in central office and related network environments nationwide.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with telecom infrastructure, fiber optics, optical transport systems, power systems, and network equipment. This is a senior field role requiring the ability to work independently, lead other technicians, and serve as the primary field point of contact at job sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute installation, maintenance, testing, upgrades, and decommissioning of telecommunications equipment in central office environments.
- Install Telco/MSO network equipment in Points of Presence (POPs), data centers, huts, repeater sites, and other network facilities.
- Work with equipment such as routers, switches, optical transport systems, DWDM, SONET, and power systems.
- Perform basic equipment testing and configuration using laptops and test equipment, including:
- IP addressing and laptop setup
- Optical Power Meters
- Fiberscopes
- Voltmeters
- Cat 6 testers
- Coordinate remotely with OEM and carrier NOC teams to establish connectivity and hand off systems for advanced provisioning and configuration.
- Route, connect, terminate, and test fiber optic cabling, ensuring proper installation and low-loss connections.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, work orders, and installation documentation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment, connectivity, and configuration issues.
- Conduct equipment audits, upgrades, and decommissioning activities.
- Ensure compliance with Telcordia, OSHA, and client-specific installation and safety standards.
- Serve as the primary field contact for the client's project manager and site contacts.
- Coordinate material and tool requirements and oversee other technicians working at the site.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior installers and ensure adherence to safety and installation best practices.
- Maintain effective communication with project managers, clients, OEM/NOC teams, and field technicians.
- Complete daily reports, test results, as-built documentation, and other required project documentation.
- Manage and properly maintain tools, materials, equipment, and site inventory.
- Ensure projects are completed safely, correctly, professionally, and on schedule.
Qualifications
Experience
- 5–7+ years of experience in central office installation or a similar telecommunications field.
- Advanced knowledge of telecom network infrastructure.
- Typically, candidates will have:
- 3+ years of Level III experience
- 2–4 years of Level I & II experience
Technical Skills
- Advanced hands-on installation and troubleshooting experience with telecommunications systems.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Fiber optics
- DWDM
- SONET
- Optical transport systems
- Routers and switches
- Telecom power systems
- Telco/MSO network infrastructure
- Experience working in central offices, POPs, data centers, huts, repeater sites, or similar telecom facilities.
Certifications
- BICSI certification or equivalent is preferred.
- Manufacturer certifications such as Cisco, Ciena, Nokia, or similar are a plus.
Travel
- Must be willing and able to travel 100% nationwide.
- Must be comfortable working on extended travel rotations and returning home approximately every 2–3 weeks, with some assignments potentially lasting up to 4 weeks.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to climb ladders and work in confined spaces.
- Ability to perform physical field work for extended periods.
Other Requirements
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a drug test, breath test, and background check.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with software and tools used for network testing, documentation, and reporting.
Travel Benefits
- 100% company-paid business travel as required
- Company-paid flights
- Company-paid rental vehicles
- $185/day per diem, paid weekly in advance
- $125/day lodging
- $60/day meals
- Long-term nationwide project opportunities
