Job Summary
The AAV Fiber Project Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end fiber optic network deployment projects for Alternative Access Vendor (AAV) connections, cell tower backhaul, small cell deployments, and enterprise fiber builds. This role manages projects through all lifecycle phasesfrom site acquisition, route design, permitting, and right-of-way (ROW) clearance to OSP construction, splicing, testing, and service activation.
The ideal candidate will manage cross-functional vendor teams, field technicians, engineering firms, and municipal authorities to ensure high-quality fiber deliveries on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
Project Execution & Management
- Lead end-to-end management of AAV fiber infrastructure builds, including FTTH/FTTP, cell site backhaul (C-RAN/macro sites), and enterprise customer handoffs.
- Develop and maintain master project schedules, milestones, risk registers, and budget forecasts across multiple concurrent deployments.
- Monitor key project performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular status updates to senior leadership and client stakeholders.
Permitting, Utility & Vendor Management
- Coordinate with local municipalities, departments of transportation (DOT), utilities (pole attachments/make-ready), and railroads to secure necessary permits and Right-of-Way (ROW) approvals.
- Oversee Outside Plant (OSP) engineering firms, general contractors, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews, and splicing subcontractors.
- Perform quality control and field audits to ensure compliance with company standards, engineering guidelines, and safety regulations (OSHA).
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Hand-off
- Work closely with Network Engineering, Site Acquisition, Procurement, and Network Operations Center (NOC) teams to streamline workflow transitions.
- Manage customer hand-offs and service turn-ups, ensuring all closeout documentation (As-Builts, OTDR trace logs, power meter readings, and permit sign-offs) is complete and archived.
- Identify and resolve field obstacles, scope changes, material shortfalls, and vendor performance issues in real time.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Telecommunications, Civil/Electrical Engineering, Business, or equivalent field experience.
- Experience: 3–5+ years of direct project management experience in telecom fiber deployments, specifically involving AAV, OSP construction, cell site backhaul.
- Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of OSP design, aerial and underground fiber construction methods (micro-trenching, directional drilling, jetting).
- Familiarity with joint-use pole processes, NESC standards, and municipal permitting requirements.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering construction drawings, splicing matrices, and GIS maps.
- Knowledge of fiber testing protocols (OTDR, optical power meter, insertion loss testing).
- Software Tools: Proficiency in Project Management software (MS Project, Smartsheet, Primavera), GIS/mapping tools (Google Earth, ArcGIS, Vetro), and MS Office/Google Workspace.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional), CAPM, or FOA (Fiber Optics Association) certifications are a strong plus.
- Experience managing client relationships with major wireless carriers or large enterprise customers.
- Prior experience managing multi-million dollar capital expenditure (CapEx) network build budgets.
Key Competencies
- Problem Solving: Ability to proactively mitigate field issues, weather delays, and permit bottlenecks.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to bridge technical field teams and executive stakeholders.
- Organization: Superior multi-tasking skills with the ability to balance multiple fiber routes across various jurisdictions simultaneously.
WAVSYS is a national solutions company offering contract, permanent and turnkey staffing solutions by leveraging its international network of 20 offices covering USA, Canada, and the UK.
