Fiber Optical Repair Technician

What You Will Do

Role Overview: The Fiber Optical Repair Technician is responsible for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure, including splicing, testing, and troubleshooting of both single-mode and ribbon fiber cables. This role ensures the rapid restoration of network services and supports ongoing operational excellence in high-availability environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Fiber Repair & Restoration
• Perform fault isolation and repairs on fiber optic cables and connectors, from initial fault detection through to full service restoration.
• Conduct both emergency restorations and planned maintenance activities with strict adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Conduct single and ribbon fiber splicing within Meet-Me Vaults (MMVs), splice cases, and central Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs).
• Maintain accuracy and quality in all repair activities, adhering to live traffic handling procedures and minimizing service disruption.
• Testing & Troubleshooting
• Operate advanced fiber testing instruments (OTDR, OLTS, power meters, microscopes, and inspection scopes).
• Accurately interpret OTDR traces and locate break points, microbands, or connector faults.
• Perform in-depth root cause analysis on recurring or systemic network issues.
• Implement corrective and preventive measures to improve reliability and reduce fault recurrence.
• Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate records of repair activities, test results, and maintenance logs.
• Comply with relevant industry standards (ITU-T, FOA, BICSI, TIA/EIA, NEC) and local safety regulations.
• Support audits and quality assurance processes as required.
• Collaboration & Leadership
• Work closely with field operations, network engineers, and project managers to coordinate repair activities.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to junior team members.
• Participate in on-call rotations and respond to network outages within defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and clients during critical incidents, providing real-time updates and restoration progress reports.
• Continuous Improvement
• Stay current with the latest fiber optic technologies, repair techniques, and industry best practices.
• Participate in technical training, cross-functional workshops, and skill enhancement initiatives.
• Contribute to the refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and restoration workflows.

Required Skills & Experience

• Technical Expertise:
• 5+ years’ experience in fiber optic repair, splicing, testing, and restoration — including live-network work.
• Proficient in using advanced test and repair equipment: OTDR, OLTS, power meter, fusion splicer, fiber identifier, and inspection scopes.
• Strong ability to interpret OTDR traces, event tables, and loss readings for accurate fault localization.
• Deep knowledge of fiber types, connector standards (LC, SC, MPO, MTP), and splice protection methods.
• Experience with both single-mode (OS1/OS2) and multi-mode (OM3/OM4/OM5) fibers.
• Familiarity with high-count and ribbon fiber systems (864+, 1728+, etc.) and mass fusion techniques.
• Skilled at working in both OSP (outside plant) and ISP (inside plant) conditions.
• Network & Infrastructure Understanding:
• Awareness of data center physical infrastructure, structured cabling systems, and routing standards.
• Understanding of Layer 1 principles, optical signal flow, and basic network architecture for troubleshooting.
• Experience restoring and maintaining backbone, metro, or enterprise optical networks.
• Diagnostics & Analytical Skills:
• Ability to perform detailed fault isolation under time pressure.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and contributing to failure analysis reports.
• Capable of identifying environmental and mechanical stress factors affecting fiber reliability.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance:
• Comprehensive understanding of laser safety, confined space procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and PPE usage.
• Proven commitment to safety-first practices, maintaining a zero-incident mindset.
• Demonstrated attention to workmanship quality, cleanliness, and handling of fiber materials.
• Soft Skills & Behavioral Attributes:
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Clear and professional communication skills for incident coordination and client interaction.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead or integrate into multidisciplinary field teams.
• Strong organizational skills, capable of documenting all activities accurately and consistently.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently in challenging environments.
• Technical Tools & Systems:
• Proficiency with digital reporting systems and fiber management databases.
• Comfortable using network mapping, GIS, or ticketing platforms for incident tracking.
• Competent with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and documentation software.

Desirable Qualifications

• Industry certifications such as FOA CFOT, CFOS/T, BICSI Technician, or equivalent.
• OEM training (e.g., Corning, AFL, or Sumitomo fusion splicer certification).
• Experience in data center, metro network, or hyperscale infrastructure environments.
• Prior experience in project leadership, team supervision, or field coordination roles.
• Valid driver’s license and flexibility to travel or work in variable field conditions.