Access Network Engineer

Access Network Engineer Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Remote Reporting To: Craig Walker Description The Access Network Engineer is responsible for the architecture, deployment, and operational support of the organization’s fiber access network. This role focuses on GPON and XGS-PON broadband platforms, including OLT systems, ONT lifecycle management, and integration with aggregation, IP routing, and subscriber management platforms. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience operating large-scale FTTH networks, understands access network architecture and optical design, and is comfortable leveraging automation and scripting to improve operational visibility and efficiency. Key Responsibilities • Design, deploy, and support GPON and XGS-PON access network architectures. • Engineer and maintain OLT platforms, PON service profiles, and subscriber provisioning templates. • Configure and manage DBA profiles, GEM ports, VLAN tagging, service flows, and subscriber traffic policies. • Support ONT provisioning, firmware lifecycle management, and OMCI-based configuration. • Define and maintain PON split ratios, optical power budgets, and service capacity thresholds. • Perform PON utilization analysis and capacity planning to support subscriber growth. • Troubleshoot service impairments across OLT, ONT, optical distribution network (ODN), and aggregation layers. • Analyze optical metrics including TX/RX power levels, signal degradation, and fiber path integrity. • Support network upgrades, shelf expansions, and platform migrations. • Perform root cause analysis for subscriber impacting issues and large-scale service events. • Develop operational standards and procedures for access network configuration and maintenance. • Integrate PON infrastructure with: Subscriber management platforms, DHCP / AAA systems, IP routing and aggregation layers and multicast and IPTV delivery systems. • Support service activation workflows for residential and commercial broadband services. • Collaborate with field engineering teams to support ODN deployments and fiber plant integration. Automation & Network Telemetry • Develop automation to improve access network observability and operational efficiency. • Create scripts to collect and analyze: OLT and ONT operational metrics, optical power levels, subscriber provisioning status and firmware compliance. • Automate operational workflows including: ONT inventory validation, provisioning audits and service configuration validation. • Integrate network data into internal monitoring and analytics platforms. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise • 5+ years of experience supporting fiber broadband access networks. • Hands-on experience with carrier-grade PON platforms. • Strong understanding of PON technologies, including: GPON, XGS-PON, FTTH architectures. • Solid knowledge of networking fundamentals, including: OSI model, TCP/IP, VLAN architecture and multicast and QoS fundamentals. • Experience troubleshooting subscriber provisioning, optical performance, and access network faults. Technical Skills: Access Platforms • Experience with one or more of the following platforms: Calix (AXOS / EXA), Cisco access platforms or equivalent carrier-grade OLT systems. Automation / Scripting • Experience with scripting languages such as: Python or Bash • Experience automating network operations using: SSH / CLI automation, REST APIs and data parsing and reporting tools Preferred Qualifications • Experience operating large-scale FTTH or broadband access networks. • Familiarity with optical network design and fiber outside plant architecture. • Experience supporting IPTV or multicast video delivery over PON networks. • Exposure to network monitoring, telemetry, or analytics platforms. • Experience supporting network automation initiatives within access engineering teams. • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills. • Ability to operate effectively across engineering, operations, and field teams. • Strong documentation and operational process development. • Focus on network scalability, reliability, and operational efficiency. Job Benefits • Medical, Dental and Vision • PTO & Holidays • 401K + Match • Life Insurance • FSA & HSA • Short Term/Long Term Disability • Legal Plan Support & EAP