Network Field Engineering Technician

Ritter Communications has been at the forefront of the local communications industry for more than a century. We began providing telephone service in Northeast Arkansas in 1906. Since then, Ritter has become a regional telecommunications provider delivering a broad and competitive range of communications products and services to businesses and residents in Northeast and North Central Arkansas and West Tennessee. By providing our Business Services customers with the most innovative and integrated technology and services, we're dedicated to reducing their costs and maximizing their profits with customized connectivity solutions. Our Residential Services customers enjoy lightning fast Internet speeds, cable TV and HDTV and reliable local and long distance phone service. Our services are delivered and supported by a dependable team of local industry experts.

General Summary:

The Network Field Engineering Technician, Planning and Deployment, maintains network facilities and equipment as well as installs network elements (transport, access, and core) within the Ritter Communications network. This work also involves design, standardization and management of critical infrastructure including ISP/cabling.

Essential Job Functions:

• Installs network equipment based on installation standards; This includes but is not limited to switches, routers, servers, power systems, optical network equipment, patch panels and cables as well as inside and outside facility issues;
• Stage 1 Network equipment configuration, installation, and testing; This includes base configuration specific to requirements;
• Gathers and accounts for all material and equipment needed for network installations based on deployment design;
• Ensures critical infrastructure/power systems are functional which includes performing and analyzing battery routines, performing preventative maintenance on HVAC, generators, UPS, and DC power systems;
• Maintains and troubleshoots facility repairs for HVAC systems and generators, including managing vendor support and preventative maintenance contracts;
• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of company's buildings, structures, grounds, and equipment to ensure a safe and functioning workspace;
• Performs routine preventative maintenance on network equipment and facilities as defined;
• Performs regular site audits for records assurance;
• Provides feedback-redlines (as-built data) to various teams to ensure all site records are accurate and updated in M4; Provides final 'Room Ready' documentation for new markets; This includes all aspects required by the NOC to assume monitoring of network facility environmental alarms;
• Ensures adherence to central office engineering and installation standards to ensure efficient space utilization, and properly installed facility cable tray, racks and manage on-site labeling of all ISP and network equipment;
• Performs annual alarm testing;
• Makes job safety a primary objective in all duties;
• Supports Network Operations and Network Planning & Deployment teams including night work and 24-hour emergency call out;
• Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required;
• Performs other related duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of the various topologies of telecommunications; microwave, fiber, wireless, data and voice networks and how they interface;
• General knowledge of telecommunications facility installation for Transport, Internet, Microwave, Cellular, Satellite, LAN/WAN, Switch, and customer premise equipment;
• Knowledge of basic electronics, specification sheets, and circuit diagrams;
• Knowledge of telecommunications design, installation practices and principles;
• Knowledge of DC power systems;
• Skill in operating various office equipment such as personal computer, various software programs including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Visio)
• Skills in problem identification, resolution, and oral and written communication;
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents such as vendor deployment guidelines, and configuration manuals;
• Skill in project management and time management;
• Ability to identify required network and facility repairs for budgeting purposes;
• Ability to communicate with customers, employees, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to evaluate, test, and report network equipment with little to no supervision;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Ability to interface with, direct, and coordinate contractors as necessary;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 2-3 years of related job training and work experience installing and maintaining network equipment, repair, wiring & cabling and associated peripherals.
• Experience installing and/or commissioning telecommunications network elements such as routers, switches is required;
• HVAC and Generator System experience and/or knowledge
• Experience in Ciena, Calix and Nokia platforms a plus.
• Experienced in network equipment asset and circuit inventory systems a plus.
• Mapcom M4 experience a plus.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!