Joint Use Designer

About the role

The Joint Use Designer will focus on aerial outside plant (OSP) fiber design, transforming detailed utility pole data into accurate, code-compliant joint use designs. This role supports large-scale rural broadband and fiber expansion projects, ensuring fiber can be safely and efficiently attached to existing utility infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Interpret aerial fiber optic route proposals and incorporate them into comprehensive OSP joint use designs, using maps, photos, and field data.
• Import collected utility pole data, including measurements and photographs, into OSP design tools and organize the information for efficient analysis.
• Review existing pole data to identify height clearance violations and propose make-ready requirements to correct those issues.
• Perform sag and tension calculations, evaluate mid-span clearances, and conduct pole loading analysis to ensure structural integrity and compliance with applicable codes.
• Complete detailed aerial OSP design packages using Adobe, GIS, Excel, AutoCAD, and industry-specific computer software with minimal direction.
• Use 3D modeling and pole loading analysis software to validate the structural capacity of utility poles for new fiber attachments.
• Check pole loading results and clearance conditions against NESC codes and other relevant standards to confirm safe and compliant designs.
• Develop and deliver clear maps and documentation that specify required make-ready work for each utility pole along the assigned route.
• Review photos and measurements uploaded by field crews in a data portal or website and translate this information into precise design decisions.
• Focus on aerial joint use design for pre-defined routes, determining how fiber can be attached to existing utility poles without performing route planning or underground design work.
• Comprehend and follow written procedural documents and verbal guidance related to OSP design processes, standards, and quality expectations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders as needed to clarify design requirements, resolve data discrepancies, and ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
• Maintain organized records of design files, calculations, and make-ready recommendations to support review, approval, and construction activities.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in joint use aerial or overhead fiber design.
• Hands-on experience using pole loading analysis software such as O-Calc Pro, SPIDAcalc, or similar pole loading tools.
• Strong understanding and practical familiarity with NESC codes, including clearance rules for power and communications on utility poles.
• Demonstrated experience with aerial OSP design and joint use fiber design.
• Competence with industry-specific design software and tools used for aerial OSP projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Desire to work in an engineering drafting and design-focused role.
• Experience with drafting or Adobe tools used for engineering and design purposes.
• Background in telecommunications, fiber, or power delivery projects.
• Experience using GIS, Excel, and AutoCAD in a design or engineering environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while maintaining high quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with technical data and calculations.
• Effective communication skills to interpret procedures and follow verbal guidance.

Work Environment

This position is 100% remote, providing flexibility and stability while working on multi-year rural broadband and fiber expansion projects. All necessary hardware is provided. You will collaborate virtually with field crews and internal teams, using online data portals, design software, and standard productivity tools to complete your work. Hours are primarily during the day, with flexibility to start between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and a minimum of 40 hours per week is expected, with the potential to work up to 70 hours for additional overtime opportunities. If in-person training is required, travel and per diem are covered. The company culture is easy-going and flexible, with a strong emphasis on treating employees well and providing long-term, stable work supported by a robust backlog of projects. Paid time off and holidays are available as part of the broader benefits offering.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Requirements

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.