Manager - OSP Engineering

About the role

Lumos is looking for a full-time Manager – OSP Engineering to lead and coordinate all aspects of the Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering program for both existing and new facilities within our North Carolina market. This role drives the planning, design, and implementation of our fiber optic network infrastructure, leveraging technical expertise and a solutions-focused mindset to navigate project plans and overcome roadblocks. The Manager collaborates closely with utility partners, permitting authorities, and community leaders while ensuring clear communication with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and prioritize multi-million dollar OSP budgets for capital and operating expenditures, ensuring financial efficiency and project accountability.
• Review, approve, and coordinate complex project schedules involving internal teams, contractors, customers, and utilities, driving projects from concept through completion.
• Provide strategic direction to company employees and contracted resources, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective project execution.
• Manage teams responsible for critical infrastructure work, including railroad crossings, right-of-way (ROW) easements, and pole/conduit management, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
• Act as the primary liaison with government agencies, industry organizations, utilities, and telecommunications firms, fostering strong relationships to support project success.
• Lead the planning and engineering of all ILEC/CLEC and network OSP facilities, including aerial, buried, and underground fiber optic networks.
• Participate in the creation and execution of strategic programs aimed at improving capital efficiency, reducing installation timelines, and optimizing overall project outcomes.
• Ensure all OSP engineering activities meet company objectives and adhere to regulatory requirements, balancing technical and operational priorities.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in Outside Plant (OSP) telecommunications, with a focus on OSP construction and engineering.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing OSP engineering teams.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Proven expertise in OSP engineering and project management, with a strong understanding of industry best practices.
• Strong financial acumen, including the ability to effectively manage substantial budgets.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated focus on team development and collaborative problem-solving.
• In-depth knowledge of fiber optic network design, including aerial, buried, and underground systems.
• Active, fully unencumbered driver’s license required.

Skills

• Experience with FTTH OSP infrastructure, including planning, design, and integration with fiber networks, is highly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong experience influencing and directing the work of others.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: capable of respectfully engaging with direct reports, multiple internal teams, external contractors, and a wide variety of community stakeholders.
• Solid experience with computers and peripherals, and software including Smartsheet or similar as well as MS Office: particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word; Visio and PowerPoint helpful.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently operates computer, keyboard, and related peripherals.
• Frequent travel to construction sites – standing, walking, and safely navigating in all weather.
• Near-constant use of sight, speech, hearing, comprehension, and reasoning.