Fiber Optic Designer

Classification: Engineering Associate

Work Hours: 40+ hours / week: M - F

About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 501,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission-driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role: This position plays a critical role in the planning, design, and execution of fiber optic infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in either designing fiber optic systems or managing fiber optics projects from concept through completion.

Key responsibilities may include developing or reviewing fiber designs, creating route maps and splicing plans, determining fiber allocation, and coordinating with field teams for both underground and aerial installations. Proficiency with GIS tools such as ESRI ArcPro and 3-GIS is highly valued—particularly for analyzing geographic data, assessing potential paths, and producing efficient, scalable network layouts.

In addition to design tasks, responsibilities may extend into project management activities such as tracking schedules, coordinating with contractors and internal teams, managing budgets, and ensuring materials and inventory are in place to meet deployment timelines.

This role also supports long-range system planning by analyzing large datasets and contributing to system-wide modeling and network optimization efforts. Cross-functional collaboration is expected, including providing technical support and making informed recommendations to improve design and construction outcomes.

Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work involving up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects. The role primarily involves sitting in an office environment but includes occasional walking or standing for inspections, customer visits, and similar tasks. It also requires routine fieldwork and storm response duties, including driving a company vehicle and walking on uneven terrain.

Minimum Requirements:

- High school diploma or equivalent

- Ability to read and understand construction drawings, standards, and specifications

- Ability to work as part of a team to achieve department and KUB goals

- Ability to document daily tasks using Microsoft Word, Excel, or other software as requested

- Have and maintain a valid driver's license

- 2 years of experience in fiber optics outside plant Design or telecom project management

Preferred Requirements:

- 5+ years of relevant experience including outside plant engineering, network design, project management, distributed tap architecture, or telecom network operations

- Personal computer skills including Geographic Information Systems (ESRI ArcMap, ArcPro, 3-GIS), database management, spreadsheet reporting, word processing, presentations, and project management software.

- Bachelor's degree in related field

- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to manage multiple projects

Selection Process

About the Selection Process:

Phase 1 – Apply online at www.kub.org

Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation

Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives

Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises

Phase 5 – Background Investigation

Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

- KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer