About the position

Lightpath is one of the largest competitive local exchange carriers in the tri-state area. We own and operate our infrastructure \"from the ground up\" by deploying over 20,000 route miles connecting 13,500 on-net/LIT buildings. With a strong portfolio of cutting edge solutions for Internet, WAN, Voice, SD-WAN, Security & Cloud services, we enable Enterprise customers of all sizes the ability to react to new challenges while developing best practices for the future. With Lightpath's continued focus on network excellence and a “customer first” service commitment, we are building a workforce of the best talent that will meet the needs of our customers and reflect the diverse communities we serve.   Position Overview:   The Director of Long-haul Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering, reporting to the Area Vice President - OSP Engineering and Operations, will lead the planning, design, and execution of Lightpath's aerial and underground fiber network infrastructure. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Long Haul OSP engineering, including route planning, construction drawings, cost estimation, vendor coordination, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in fiber optic network design and construction, ILA designs, and a passion for building scalable, future-ready broadband systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team in planning and preparing construction drawings for new and existing aerial and underground fiber routes, cables, and conduits.
• Direct all Long-haul OSP engineering projects, including design, cost modeling, and location passings.
• Analyze geographic and service demand data to determine optimal construction methods and future capacity needs.
• Design and implement facilities-based architectures such as PON and Active Ethernet networks.
• Prepare detailed installation plans and cost estimates for equipment, labor, and materials.
• Supervise inspection of work orders and contract construction, including contractor negotiations and verification of staking sheets.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Operations, GIS, Construction) to ensure seamless integration of inside and outside plant designs.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend engineering strategies to support new services and network expansion.
• Manage external vendors for engineering projects, including bid preparation and progress oversight.
• Develop and manage engineering budgets and oversee the procurement of labor and services.
• Maintain relationships with zoning, planning, and permitting agencies to ensure compliance and anticipate infrastructure needs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team to ensure high-quality work and timely project completion.
• Develop and maintain design standards documentation across all jurisdictions and municipalities where Lightpath operates.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Requirements

• BA/BS or MA/MS in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years in fiber optic cable engineering and design.
• Minimum 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven knowledge of telecommunications, construction and engineering practices.
• Familiarity with industry regulations and permitting processes.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Expertise in executive reporting and communications.
• Expertise using GIS systems and tools.
• Expertise in OSP design tools and construction methods.
• Ability to interpret survey data, maps, and geographic datasets.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Mastery in Microsoft Office and engineering software platforms.
• Hybrid remote/office-based with occasional travel or fieldwork required.

Nice-to-haves

• PE certification is a plus.