Planning Engineer I

Summary

Join NRTC, a member-driven technology cooperative, as a Planning Engineer I. You will collaborate with members and internal/external teams to plan, launch, and support broadband projects. Responsibilities include overseeing FTTx design, applying knowledge of telecommunication solutions, ensuring design plans meet member expectations, driving standardization, and providing support to engineering and construction teams. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a cooperative mindset. This role requires significant interaction with members and internal teams, demanding strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities. Travel is required, up to 20% annually, depending on project needs.

Requirements

• Cooperative and Member-focused mindset
• Ability to excel in a team environment
• Ability to have difficult conversations
• Fact and data driven decision making
• Energized by tough challenges strong leadership qualities
• Excellent organization skills with proven ability to complete multiple tasks and deliver results within critical deadlines
• Superb work ethic and commitment to customer satisfaction
• Knowledge of OSP standard industry practices and use cases for standards, codes, and specifications including BICSI, OSHA 29 – 1910.268, I3A, NESC, NEC, ANSI/IEEE 802.3, related TIA/EIA Standards (such as TIA/EIA-568-B, TIA/EIA-569-B, TIA/EIA-606-B, TIA/EIA-758, TIA/EIA-862), J-STD-607A, UFGS 33 82 00, related USDA RUS publications (such as Form 515, Form 217, RUS Bulletin 1753F-601a, RUS Bulletin 1753F-601x, RUS Bulletin 1753F-150, RUS Bulletin 1753F-152, RUS Bulletin 1753F-401)
• Strong understanding of GIS
• General knowledge of CAD
• Strong understanding of OSP FTTx material
• Understanding or general knowledge of standard engineering processes for data collection, field engineering, SCIP, site surveys, engineering locates, permitting, and ROW
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of telecom construction methods
• Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal communications skills
• Quick learner who is self-motivated, fact driven, and values pride in end results
• Ability to work under deadlines and deliver results on time
• Ability to have difficult conversations
• Batchelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in OSP Engineering
• Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education

Responsibilities

• Oversee initial FTTx Technical Design Planning while ensuring customer standards and processes are understood. This includes reviewing and managing changes while considering both the technical and commercial implications
• Apply knowledge of FTTx telecommunications solutions and commercial requirements to support business growth through identifying competitive solutions to meet customer needs
• Work collaboratively with internal departments and contract partners to ensure that design plans meet Member expectations and are carried out per plan
• Drive standardization of practices and processes for the Planning and Engineering Team
• Change and implement standard practices as warranted by industry change
• Review, evaluate, and approve any changes to the technical scope of each project and provide feedback as it relates to deliverables that these changes may impact
• Work with internal and external teams to establish relationships and an understanding of work processes and procedures needed to meet member needs
• Validate quality of outputs created by field engineers, construction, and other design teams to ensure that they meet established guidelines
• Provide feedback and guidance to internal teams including Design, PMO, and Construction
• Lead successful implementations by meeting timelines and design requirements as established by the member and other internal teams
• Provide real time support to engineering and construction teams related to engineering and design issues and concerns
• Provide material guidance and support by ensuring applicable material is deployed for projects and material specifications are applied. This includes working with Procurement, Design, PMO, and Construction
• It is imperative that the Planning Engineer assigned to a project represents NRTC at the highest level with our Members. This includes maintaining a level of professionalism in speech, dress, conduct, support, and conflict resolution
• The Planning Engineer is the primary contact point of NRTC for our Members. The Planning Engineer must be willing to support the project, communicate clearly and concisely, speak openly and honestly, and become a representative of the member internally while maintaining the best interests of NRTC
• Work with engineering, design, fielding, project management, and construction teams to identify and address member concerns and report issues or concerns as soon as they arise, including but not limited to any issues that may give rise to: Member disharmony
• Unexpected impact on project scope
• Unexpected impact on project delivery
• Unexpected impact on project cost
• Changes or increase in risk exposure
• Overall Project Health
• Support the Field Engineering Team with training, field visits, documentation, and problem solving as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering or a related field