Network Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Outside Plant Network Engineer
- Company: Brightspeed
- Location: Ripon, Wisconsin
- Job Type: Hybrid
- Category: Network Engineering
- Date Posted: June 18, 2025
- Experience Level: Intermediate (5-10 years)
🚀 Role Summary
At Brightspeed, we're reimagining how people connect by providing fast, reliable internet and an awesome customer experience. As an Outside Plant Network Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and preparing engineering work orders for various projects, ensuring high-quality service to our customers. You'll be responsible for designing and acquiring civil permits, maintaining positive interaction with internal and external customers, and providing a high quality of service to Brightspeed customers.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in network engineering and telecommunications, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and various network planning tools is essential.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Network Design & Planning: Develop and define plans for the implementation of new plant construction or modifications to existing facilities. Utilize tools such as NDS, AutoCAD, Fireworks/Bid master, JDS, FORTE, WFMT, ARMOR, TIRKS, LFACS, and the full suite of Microsoft Office.
- Civil Permitting: Acquire civil permits for projects, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards.
- Budget Management: Monitor and control project expenditure, and assist with forecasting budgets.
- Customer Interaction: Maintain positive interaction with internal and external customers, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
- Installation Oversight: Oversee the installation and construction of plant facilities, ensuring they meet Brightspeed's quality standards.
- System Configuration: Analyze local and wide area network systems, and configure communication media with concentrators, bridges, and other devices. Resolve interoperability problems to obtain operations across all platforms.
- Hardware & Software Acquisition: Support the acquisition and implementation of hardware and software, as well as subcontractor services as needed.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: An associate degree or equivalent education and relevant experience.
Experience: 8 years of related experience in telecommunications, engineering, or network planning.
Required Skills:
- Proficient in planning and/or engineering
- Knowledgeable in appropriate systems and Microsoft Office
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work with Planning, Operations, and all internal and external customers
- Ability to maintain budget and assist with forecasting budgets
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with civil permitting processes
- Experience in outside plant (OSP) network engineering
- Knowledge of network planning tools (e.g., NDS, AutoCAD, Fireworks/Bid master, JDS, FORTE, WFMT, ARMOR, TIRKS, LFACS)
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate your experience in network design and planning, highlighting your proficiency in tools such as AutoCAD, NDS, and other relevant software.
- Showcase your ability to acquire civil permits and manage project budgets.
- Include examples of your excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide detailed documentation of your network designs, including diagrams, specifications, and any relevant calculations.
- Include any project case studies that demonstrate your ability to oversee installation and construction, and ensure high-quality service to customers.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 per year (Based on industry standards for intermediate network engineering roles in the Midwest)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance program
- 401K plan with company match
- Voluntary benefits
Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid role with a mix of on-site and remote work. Flexible hours may be required for project deadlines and maintenance windows.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for intermediate network engineering roles in the Midwest. Actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Telecommunications and internet service provider
Company Size: Medium-sized company with a focus on expanding rural broadband access
Founded: Not specified
Team Structure:
- The Outside Plant Network Engineer role will report directly to the Network Engineering Manager.
- Collaborate with Planning, Operations, and other internal departments to ensure high-quality service to customers.
- Work closely with external customers, vendors, and contractors to acquire civil permits and oversee installation and construction.
Development Methodology:
- Brightspeed uses a project-based approach to network engineering, with a focus on delivering high-quality service to customers.
- Utilize Agile methodologies for project management and collaboration.
Company Website: Brightspeed
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed is a growing company focused on expanding broadband access to rural markets. As such, the company culture values innovation, collaboration, and a strong customer focus.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Network Engineering Career Level: Intermediate (5-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Directly report to the Network Engineering Manager, with collaboration across various internal and external teams.
Technical Impact: Outside Plant Network Engineers at Brightspeed have a significant impact on the company's ability to expand broadband access to rural markets. Their work directly influences the quality of service provided to customers and the company's overall network infrastructure.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Growth: Expand your knowledge and skills in network engineering, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work. Gain experience in project management and team leadership.
- Career Progression: Transition into a senior network engineering role or move into a management position within the network engineering team.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in broadband technology and explore opportunities to apply these technologies within Brightspeed's network infrastructure.
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed's focus on expanding rural broadband access presents unique growth opportunities for network engineering professionals. As the company continues to grow, there will be ample opportunities for technical and career progression.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a mix of on-site and remote work.
Office Location(s): Ripon, Wisconsin
Workspace Context:
- On-site: Collaborative workspace with network engineering and other internal teams. Access to necessary tools and software for network design, planning, and project management.
- Remote: Remote work environment with access to necessary tools and software for network design, planning, and project management. Regular communication with on-site teams and customers via email, phone, and video conferencing.
Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid role with a mix of on-site and remote work. Flexible hours may be required for project deadlines and maintenance windows.
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed's hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. This allows network engineering professionals to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still being accessible to customers and internal teams.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience and qualifications for the role.
- Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your network engineering skills, focusing on outside plant (OSP) work. You will be asked to design and plan a network project, utilizing relevant tools and software.
- Behavioral Interview: A discussion of your problem-solving skills, customer focus, and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Final Review: A review of your technical assessment and behavioral interview performance, with a focus on cultural fit and career growth potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your experience in network design and planning, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work.
- Include examples of your ability to acquire civil permits and manage project budgets.
- Showcase your excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your network engineering skills, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work.
- Familiarize yourself with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD, NDS, and other network planning tools.
- Practice designing and planning network projects, utilizing relevant tools and software.
ATS Keywords: Network Engineering, Outside Plant, Telecommunications, Civil Permitting, Project Management, Network Planning, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Collaboration, Customer Focus, Problem-Solving, Technical Skills
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing for each stage of the process and highlighting your relevant experience, you'll increase your chances of success.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Network Engineering Tools:
- AutoCAD
- NDS
- Fireworks/Bid master
- JDS
- FORTE
- WFMT
- ARMOR
- TIRKS
- LFACS
- Microsoft Office Suite
Civil Permitting Tools:
- Not specified
Project Management Tools:
- Not specified
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed utilizes a wide range of network engineering tools to support its outside plant (OSP) work. Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Network Engineering Values:
- Customer Focus: Brightspeed places a strong emphasis on customer service and satisfaction. Network engineering professionals are expected to maintain positive interaction with internal and external customers, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
- Collaboration: Brightspeed values a collaborative work environment, with network engineering professionals working closely with internal teams and external customers, vendors, and contractors.
- Innovation: Brightspeed is committed to expanding broadband access to rural markets, requiring network engineering professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in broadband technology.
- Quality: Brightspeed is dedicated to delivering high-quality service to its customers. Network engineering professionals are expected to maintain high standards in their work and continuously improve their skills and knowledge.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Network engineering professionals work closely with internal teams, such as Planning and Operations, to ensure high-quality service to customers.
- Code Review Culture: Not specified
- Knowledge Sharing: Brightspeed encourages knowledge sharing and technical mentoring, with network engineering professionals collaborating with one another to improve skills and share best practices.
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed's network engineering team values customer focus, collaboration, innovation, and quality. By embracing these values, network engineering professionals can make a significant impact on the company's ability to expand broadband access to rural markets.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Network Design & Planning: Develop and define plans for the implementation of new plant construction or modifications to existing facilities, utilizing relevant tools and software.
- Civil Permitting: Acquire civil permits for projects, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards.
- Budget Management: Monitor and control project expenditure, and assist with forecasting budgets.
- Customer Interaction: Maintain positive interaction with internal and external customers, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
- Installation Oversight: Oversee the installation and construction of plant facilities, ensuring they meet Brightspeed's quality standards.
- System Configuration: Analyze local and wide area network systems, and configure communication media with concentrators, bridges, and other devices. Resolve interoperability problems to obtain operations across all platforms.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skills: Expand your knowledge and skills in network engineering, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work. Gain experience in project management and team leadership.
- Career Progression: Transition into a senior network engineering role or move into a management position within the network engineering team.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in broadband technology and explore opportunities to apply these technologies within Brightspeed's network infrastructure.
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed's focus on expanding rural broadband access presents unique technical challenges and growth opportunities for network engineering professionals. By embracing these challenges and seeking out learning and development opportunities, network engineering professionals can make a significant impact on the company's ability to deliver high-quality service to its customers.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Network Engineering: Describe your experience with network design and planning, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work. Explain your proficiency in relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD, NDS, and other network planning tools.
- Civil Permitting: Discuss your experience with civil permitting processes and how you ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.
- Project Management: Explain your approach to project management, budget management, and customer interaction. Provide examples of successful projects you've managed in the past.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Customer Focus: Describe your approach to customer service and how you ensure customer satisfaction in your network engineering work.
- Collaboration: Explain your experience working with internal teams and external customers, vendors, and contractors. Describe your approach to collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Innovation: Discuss your experience with emerging broadband technologies and how you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Network Engineering Projects: Highlight your experience in network design and planning, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work. Include examples of your proficiency in relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD, NDS, and other network planning tools.
- Civil Permitting Projects: Include examples of your experience with civil permitting processes and how you ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.
- Project Management: Showcase your approach to project management, budget management, and customer interaction. Provide examples of successful projects you've managed in the past.
📝 Enhancement Note: Brightspeed's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing for each stage of the process and highlighting your relevant experience, you'll increase your chances of success.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Outside Plant Network Engineer position at Brightspeed:
- Submit Your Application: Visit the Brightspeed careers page and search for the Outside Plant Network Engineer position. Click on the job title to view the job description and submit your application.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience in network design and planning, with a focus on outside plant (OSP) work. Include examples of your proficiency in relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD, NDS, and other network planning tools. Showcase your approach to project management, budget management, and customer interaction.
- Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to the Outside Plant Network Engineer role, highlighting your relevant experience and skills. Include specific examples of your problem-solving abilities and customer focus.
- Prepare for the Interview: Familiarize yourself with the interview process and prepare for each stage. Practice your technical skills, brush up on your knowledge of network engineering tools and software, and research Brightspeed's company culture and values.
- Research Brightspeed: Learn about Brightspeed's focus on expanding rural broadband access and its commitment to customer service and satisfaction. Understand the company's mission and values, and how the Outside Plant Network Engineer role fits into its overall strategy.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have an associate degree or equivalent experience, with at least 8 years in telecommunications or network planning. Strong communication skills and the ability to work with various stakeholders are essential.