Inside Plant Technician I

About the role

Access Technician I is responsible for providing first-level technical support across Video, DOCSIS, and Critical Infrastructure systems. This includes the set-up and operation of cable modem termination systems, cable modems, and basic networking equipment. The role involves maintenance and adjustments of document video carrier levels, audio-video ratio, depth of modulation, and audio deviation, as well as management of optical splice patch panels, optical couplers, and appropriate optical connector handling and cleaning procedures.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact to determine the source of signal impairments in partnership with field and Network Operations Center (NOC) employees to facilitate quick resolution of identified issues.
• Perform proactive and reactive monitoring of all fundamental tasks required in the testing and analysis of all elements of the network equipment and facilities.
• Partner with Internet Protocol (IP) network engineers to facilitate proper operation, maintenance, and restoration of the high-speed data network.
• Support, operate, and maintain all Headend equipment, including but not limited to: signal processors, modulators, demodulators, satellite receivers, integrated receiver descramblers, digital receivers, transcoders, combining and splitting networks, laser transmitters, and fiber optic receivers.
• Monitor Headend cooling and coordinate with air-conditioning specialists to ensure proper system operation.
• Generate universal change request (UCR) tickets for the notification and updating of scheduled or emergency repairs with the Network Operations Center and other departments.
• Install, test, and maintain emergency alert systems and backup powering systems, including generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and temporary feeds, and support after-hours emergency response standby.
• Ensure proper Optical Transport Network (OTN) operation and adherence to the maintenance schedule.
• Utilize all safety equipment and protocols to maintain a safe environment, ensuring all work-related tasks follow Company and OSHA safety rules and regulations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent; technical school certification, equivalent college courses, or on-the-job experience.
• Previous troubleshooting experience in a technical environment preferred.
• Knowledge of test equipment, including Analog and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) analyzers, Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), etc.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required, as well as 24-hour standby when needed.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing within the state of current residence; ability to travel to other work locations as necessary.
• Occasionally required to climb, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds.
• Subject to occasionally working aloft.

About Optimum

At Optimum, every action and interaction is driven by our three Guiding Principles: Do What’s Right, Drive One Optimum, and Make It Happen. These principles help us build trust, create real community, and embrace new ways of thinking. Our employees are empowered to do the right thing for our customers and co-workers and to recognize and reward these behaviors when we see them. It’s all part of the bigger picture of “Be The Difference,” where each employee knows they have the power to enact real change, share new ideas, and understand that learning never stops.