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Fieldengineer
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Fiber Optic Jobs and Careers


The modern world is hinged on internet and telecommunication connectivity. We cannot imagine a world without the internet or telephone/cellphone connections, primarily because most of our daily business is based on connecting with people living hundreds and thousands of miles away. The only way we can conveniently and quickly connect with these people is through these mediums. Therefore, fiber optic engineer jobs are very much in demand these days.

Fiber optic engineers are part of a whole team of people who make this global connectivity possible. In this article, we will look at the fiber optic engineer job description and fiber optic engineer job requirements.

Job outline


So, what are fiber optic engineer jobs? What is it that these folks
do? Well, the job of a fiber optic engineer is centered on the
installation of broadband telecommunication cables, which include fiber
optic cables. These cables transmit information by converting messages
into light pulses which travel through these cables rapidly over long
distances. These cables have an edge over steel cables since the
transfer of information on this medium is much quicker. The job of the
fiber optic engineer is to install and test these cables, perform
maintenance checks on them, and take care of any malfunctioning that may
happen.

The job itself is something of a challenge since fiber optic
engineers often have to brave a lot of rough weather and conditions,
climb heights or descend into deep caverns, crawl into cramped spaces,
perform a lot of manual labor which involves carrying around heavy tools
and material, and perform a lot of repairs and fixes on the cables and
poles. That being said, the job allows for a lot of field work and is
best suited for people who enjoy working outside and interacting with
people.

Quite often, fiber optic engineers spend time working in specific
areas as maintenance officials. This means that they rapidly become a
part of the community in which they work, allowing them an opportunity
to make long-term acquaintances and friends. This is a very rewarding
part of their job and perhaps even makes up for the tough working
conditions that these folks sometimes have to work in.

What the market wants

Fiber optic engineer jobs can be found in many places. Most of the
companies that have placed advertisements for fiber optic engineer job
vacancy are telecommunication firms. These firms are looking for
individuals who are qualified to perform the type of work they require.
The job mostly includes laying and installing fiber optic cable lines,
LAN and DSL routers and maintenance checks with the customers who
utilize the product.

At times, however, the fiber optic engineer must double down as a
company representative and collect service charges and repair fees on
behalf of the company. The fiber engineer jobs do not only involve
repair work; they also entail a lot of traveling between sites and
dealing with suppliers to procure specific parts.

Therefore, on the fiber optic engineer resume, one of the first
things that should be mentioned is a willingness to work in the field
and face the challenges of the environment out there.

Pay range and opportunities in the market

Fiber optic engineer jobs salary falls within the mid-range bracket. A
survey says that fiber optic engineers earn around $55,000 per year.
This figure tends to vary since some big names in the industry offer
higher salary packages than smaller competitors. Fiber engineer jobs in
reliance and other big telecommunication firms offer very good packages
to qualified applicants.

This field of work does not need a high level of education, such as a
master’s or postgraduate degree. Since this field relies mostly on
experience and proficiency on the part of the employee, a high-level
degree would most likely make a prospective engineer overqualified. Most
fiber engineer jobs ask for a bachelor’s in engineering or electronics
or a diploma in the field of optics. More important is the
apprenticeship that should be undertaken before looking for fiber
engineer jobs. These apprenticeship training programs last 3-5 years and
groom the student for the field. Fiber optic engineer jobs for novices
often ask for this kind of experience.

Fiber optic engineering is a demanding job. It puts a certain degree
of strain on the physique of the individual and involves braving the
environment rather than comfortably sitting in an office chair. However,
this is a massively rewarding job for people who want to actually work
on the field and engage in traditional engineering work.