Operations Support Engineer

Our top telecommunications client is looking for an Operational Support Engineer to work on a permanent basis in and around Stoke-on-Trent

Our Client has a requirement for a Operational Support Engineer, who will be required to work on a permanent basis in Stoke-on-Trent.

Role Purpose:

• The role of Ops Support Engineer will support end to end management of our FTTP network including understanding the network build, maintenance, repair and connections. You will support the growth, quality, and health & safety standards of our network. The day-to-day responsibilities involve supporting build teams across multiple build partners, completing maintenance and repairs activities, deliver in premises installations, liaise with local authority inspectors, and ensuring Freedom Fibre continues to deliver to our customer to the highest quality.  

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Coach and support build and installation partners, ensuring the high standards of the network are maintained and contractual obligations are met
• Conduct site audits of build and install partners.
• Carry out installations in residential and business premises.
• Undertake pre-installation activity such as test rod and roping and hanging / pulling drop cables.
• Update daily/weekly progress reports and review against project milestones, highlighting any risks to the Build Assurance and Head of delivery operations.
• Ensure all post-installation/as-built documents are completed and checked in accordance with project and client requirements.
• Investigate and repair faults on the network to deliver against contractual SLAs across all network areas which can include nights away from home and working unsociable hours and on-call working.
• Flexibly support other build activities and connections as business needs arise, including stepping in to assist with hands-on network construction when required.
• Liaise with Highways Departments, Local Authorities, and other utility companies to coordinate works on behalf of Freedom Fibre Ltd.
• Ensure principal contractors have site-specific method statements and risk assessments in place.
• Engage with the public to resolve issues resulting from construction activity.
• Represent at Local Authority Highways/Roads and Contractor meetings.
• Promote and enforce Health & Safety standards, driving a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

• Experience in OSP telecoms network build and managing contracted engineering works.
• Strong working knowledge of active cabinet builds for fibre networks, including:
• Installation and configuration of Fibre Management Trays, Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs), and active network equipment (e.g. switches, routers).
• Handling and installing SFPs and verifying their integrity.
• Use of inspection microscopes to ensure connector end-face quality prior to connection.
• Routing and dressing patch leads in cabinets for neatness, serviceability, and airflow management.
• Creating, reviewing, and executing patching schedules accurately.
• Experience configuring and managing EXFO FMS platform:
• Building and maintaining test structures for each area/cluster.
• Configuring and patching test heads.
• Performing logical port mapping and node pairing.
• Using the system to assist with live and historical fault diagnosis.
• Excellent OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) skills for fibre testing, fault isolation, and link validation. Extensive knowledge of network fault finding maintenance and repair.
• Strong overall understanding of, and confidence in using, EXFO MaxTester, FTB and NSC devices for fibre testing and diagnostics.
• Fibre optics splicing and iOLM (intelligent Optical Link Mapper) testing experience, including analysis of insertion loss (IL) and optical return loss (ORL).
• Knowledge of both blown and traditional cable installation techniques.
• Understanding and implementation of method statements and risk assessments.
• Desirable accreditations: SA 001/002, S5, S6, S7, S8.
• Must have knowledge of CP standards
• Competent in Microsoft Word and relevant digital reporting tools.
• Full UK driving license.

Personal Attributes

• Strong team player with effective communication skills.
• Proactive problem-solver with a methodical and detail-oriented approach.
• Able to work independently and represent the company professionally in the field.
• Accountable and quality-driven-takes ownership of work, inspections, and outcomes.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions and environments.
• Able to challenge poor workmanship constructively while maintaining good relationships with field teams.

Benefits:

• Company Van
• 25 days paid holidays

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for an Operational Support Engineer looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.