OSP Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: OSP Design Manager

Company: Jobgether (Partner Company)

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Telecommunications Operations & Design Management

Date Posted: June 5, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote Eligible (US-based candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design lifecycle for telecommunications Outside Plant (OSP) projects, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution.

• Translate complex technical requirements into constructible network solutions, bridging conceptual engineering with field implementation.

• Manage and coordinate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal design teams, external vendors, subcontractors, and clients.

• Drive adherence to industry standards, regulatory compliance (NESC), and quality assurance protocols throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical operations management function within the telecommunications infrastructure sector. The "OSP Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like leading the "end-to-end design lifecycle," "coordinating vendors," and "tracking project progress," clearly indicates a need for strong project management, process oversight, and technical leadership in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment. The mention of "Jobgether on behalf of a partner company" suggests this is an outsourced recruitment effort, and candidates should focus their application on demonstrating direct experience relevant to telecommunications infrastructure design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the OSP design process from initial concept through final deliverable, ensuring all project phases meet quality, compliance, and schedule objectives across multiple concurrent projects.

• Develop comprehensive telecommunications site designs by expertly utilizing field data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools, satellite imagery, as-built documentation, and engineering resources.

• Effectively manage and coordinate external vendors, subcontractors, and consultants, ensuring strict alignment with project scope, critical timelines, and defined quality expectations.

• Act as the principal technical liaison, facilitating clear communication and seamless execution between engineering, design, drafting, permitting, and client teams.

• Apply in-depth knowledge of Outside Plant (OSP) telecommunications standards, best-practice construction methods, and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) regulations to guarantee safe, compliant, and constructible design outputs.

• Conduct thorough reviews of fiber optic, utility, and construction drawings to ensure absolute consistency, accuracy, and strict adherence to client specifications and industry standards.

• Establish, implement, and enforce robust Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes to maintain the highest standards of deliverable quality and comprehensive documentation across all design packages.

• Utilize reporting tools, performance dashboards, and documentation systems to meticulously track project progress, effectively manage schedules, identify and mitigate risks, and monitor project budgets.

• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to design and drafting teams throughout the full project lifecycle, fostering continuous improvement and strengthening overall team capabilities.

• Engage collaboratively with clients and internal stakeholders to proactively resolve design challenges and ensure the successful, on-time delivery of all OSP projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design oversight and project management. Candidates should highlight experience in leading design teams, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with specific telecommunications standards like NESC. The mention of "multiple concurrent projects" and "tracking project progress using reporting tools, dashboards, and documentation systems" points to the need for robust project management and operational efficiency skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience in telecommunications design.

Experience:

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in telecommunications design, specifically in Outside Plant (OSP) or Inside Plant (ISP) engineering, or site development roles.

• 1–3 years of proven leadership or supervisory experience within design or engineering teams, demonstrating the ability to manage and mentor technical staff. Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD for detailed design creation and modification.

• Strong experience with GIS tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, IQGEO, or Vetro for spatial analysis and design integration.

• In-depth understanding and application of NESC standards and utility/municipal design compliance requirements.

• Comprehensive knowledge of OSP/ISP telecommunications standards, including aerial, buried, and underground network design principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and communication.

• Experience utilizing Bluebeam Revu for document review, markup, and collaboration.

• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to travel as needed for client meetings, site assessments, and field coordination. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with telecom project management and workflow platforms such as Sitetracker.

• Experience navigating and adhering to specific client workflows, such as Comcast's.

• Knowledge of integrating CommScope products and other telecom hardware into design packages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a strong technical foundation in OSP/ISP design tools and standards, combined with essential leadership and project management experience. Emphasis on AutoCAD, GIS, and NESC is critical. Preferred skills in Sitetracker and specific client workflows suggest that candidates with direct experience in these areas will have a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end OSP design projects, highlighting the scope, scale, and complexity managed.

• Include case studies that clearly outline process optimization initiatives undertaken, detailing the problem, solution, and quantifiable improvements achieved in design efficiency or quality.

• Present examples of system implementation or integration within design workflows, illustrating how tools and technologies were leveraged to enhance project delivery.

• Provide evidence of ROI or cost-saving measures directly attributable to design methodologies or process improvements implemented. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow design and optimization for OSP projects, including process maps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and efficiency metrics.

• Illustrate experience with process implementation and automation strategies used to streamline design tasks, improve accuracy, and reduce turnaround times.

• Present methods for measuring and analyzing design process performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards used to track efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations and design management roles, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should prepare to showcase not just completed designs, but also their process management capabilities. This includes demonstrating how they've improved efficiency, ensured quality through defined processes, and leveraged technology. The emphasis is on tangible results and systematic approaches to design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Competitive Annual Salary: $85,000–$95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage Options: Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Leadership Growth Opportunities: Clear pathways and support for career advancement into senior management roles within a growing telecom organization.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Opportunity to contribute to significant national fiber and telecommunications infrastructure projects, offering valuable experience.

• Collaborative, Cross-Functional Work Environment: A supportive team culture that encourages open communication and collaboration across departments.

• Professional Development: Access to training, workshops, and resources for continuous technical skill advancement and professional growth.

• Hands-on Involvement: Direct engagement in the complete network design and deployment cycles, providing practical, end-to-end project experience.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for travel for client engagement, site assessments, and field coordination, offering diverse work experiences.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits package emphasizes career development, exposure to significant projects, and a supportive work environment, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking growth and impact. The mention of "travel opportunities" is also a key detail for roles requiring field engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications Infrastructure / Fiber Optics. The company operates within a dynamic sector focused on building and expanding critical digital communication networks. This context implies a fast-paced environment with a constant demand for innovative design and efficient deployment processes.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the nature of OSP design management for "large-scale national fiber and telecom infrastructure projects" suggests a medium to large-sized organization, or a rapidly scaling division within a larger entity. This size typically allows for structured processes and dedicated teams while still offering opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the emphasis on "fast-scaling telecom environment" and "large-scale national projects" indicates a company that is either established and growing significantly, or a newer entity rapidly expanding its market share in the telecommunications infrastructure space.

Team Structure:

• The OSP Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of OSP designers and drafters, potentially working within a broader engineering or project management department.

• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership role responsible for infrastructure deployment.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with permitting teams, construction crews, project managers, client representatives, and potentially procurement/vendor management specialists. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are informed by field data, GIS, and as-built records, requiring analytical skills to interpret existing conditions and plan new infrastructure.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core function involves defining, implementing, and refining the OSP design workflow to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging design software (AutoCAD, GIS) and project management tools (Sitetracker) to automate repetitive tasks and improve overall operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://jobgether.com/ (as this is the platform posting on behalf of a partner company)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the job description's focus on large-scale telecom projects. This implies a need for robust operational processes, strong technical expertise, and the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Candidates should emphasize their experience in similar high-growth, infrastructure-focused industries.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and engineering domain of the telecommunications sector. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in OSP design and proven leadership capabilities to manage a team and complex projects. The scope involves direct responsibility for the quality and efficiency of critical design outputs that directly impact project timelines and costs.

Reporting Structure: The OSP Design Manager typically reports to a higher-level executive, such as a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or Head of Infrastructure Projects. This position often interfaces directly with project managers, client stakeholders, and external vendor leads.

Operations Impact: The OSP Design Manager's work has a direct and significant impact on:

• Project Timelines: Accurate and efficient designs are crucial for meeting construction schedules.

• Cost Efficiency: Well-planned designs minimize material waste, reduce rework, and optimize labor deployment in the field.

• Network Quality & Reliability: Compliant and technically sound designs lay the foundation for robust and reliable telecommunications networks.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring designs meet NESC and local regulations prevents costly fines and project delays.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Progression to roles like Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or Head of Design, overseeing larger teams and broader project portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like advanced fiber optics, network architecture, or specialized design software.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transitioning into senior project management, program management, or operational strategy roles within the telecommunications industry.

• Technical Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert (SME) in OSP design standards, new technologies, or specific client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the strategic importance of the OSP Design Manager role within the telecommunications operations framework. It highlights how the role contributes to key business outcomes and outlines clear paths for career advancement, making it attractive to ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote-eligible position for candidates based in the United States. The company likely utilizes a virtual or hybrid work model, relying on digital collaboration tools for day-to-day operations and team management.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company's operational footprint and client base are likely distributed across the United States, given the mention of "national fiber and telecom infrastructure projects." Specific headquarters or operational hubs are not detailed but can be inferred to be geographically diverse.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The virtual environment necessitates a strong emphasis on digital collaboration tools and proactive communication to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with essential design software (AutoCAD, GIS), project management platforms (Sitetracker), and communication suites (Microsoft Office, Bluebeam Revu) is paramount.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, video conferences, and digital project updates will be key for interaction, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing among the design team and with other departments.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule is expected to be a standard 40-hour week. However, given the nature of managing critical infrastructure projects and potentially coordinating with field teams or international vendors, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues. This may involve occasional work outside standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with virtual collaboration and have a well-equipped home office setup. The description emphasizes the need for self-discipline and effective digital communication strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an AI-powered review via Jobgether's platform, followed by a brief call with a Jobgether recruiter to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager or a senior member of the operations/engineering team to evaluate technical expertise, leadership style, and alignment with role requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with OSP design, project management, and team leadership.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: This may involve a practical exercise or a case study where candidates are asked to solve a design problem, outline a process improvement strategy, or present a hypothetical project plan. This assesses problem-solving skills and technical acumen.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Potential interviews with peers or key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., project management, permitting) to gauge collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 3-5 OSP design projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical skills (AutoCAD, GIS), and project management capabilities, ideally showcasing diverse project types (aerial, buried, underground).

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, the tools and standards used (NESC, AutoCAD, GIS), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., design efficiency gains, cost savings, successful compliance).

• Highlight Process Improvements: Dedicate a section to any process optimizations you implemented or managed. Detail the specific changes, the rationale behind them, and the measurable impact on design quality, speed, or cost.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to walk through specific design elements in AutoCAD or GIS, explaining your decisions and adherence to standards.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Provide examples of how you mentored teams, managed vendors, resolved conflicts, and ensured cross-functional alignment.

Challenge Preparation:

• OSP Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical OSP design challenge. This might involve planning a route for a new fiber line, addressing a specific site constraint, or optimizing an existing design. Focus on your methodology, decision-making criteria, and risk assessment.

• Process Improvement Task: Practice outlining a strategy to improve a specific aspect of the OSP design lifecycle (e.g., reducing review times, improving vendor coordination, enhancing QA/QC). Focus on actionable steps and measurable outcomes.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would handle communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including challenging clients, difficult vendors, or internal teams with competing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical depth and operational leadership. Candidates should prepare a strong portfolio that highlights process management and quantifiable achievements, in addition to their technical design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating detailed OSP designs, including conduit layouts, fiber routing, and pole attachments. Proficiency in advanced features for efficiency and accuracy is expected.

• GIS Software (ArcGIS, QGIS, IQGEO, Vetro): Critical for spatial analysis, site planning, data integration, and visualizing network infrastructure in its geographic context. Experience with at least one is required.

• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management within engineering and construction workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: For data analysis, budget tracking, performance metrics, and creating custom reports.

• GIS Reporting Capabilities: Tools within GIS platforms for generating spatial reports and data visualizations.

• Project Management Dashboards: Likely integrated within platforms like Sitetracker or custom-built solutions for tracking project progress, KPIs, and resource allocation.

CRM & Automation:

• Sitetracker (Preferred): A leading platform for managing telecom projects, including OSP design, construction, and maintenance. Familiarity with its modules for workflow management, data tracking, and reporting is highly advantageous.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard suite including Word for documentation, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and project management tools common in the telecommunications infrastructure sector. Proficiency in AutoCAD and GIS is non-negotiable, with Sitetracker being a significant plus. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and efficiency with these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A strong commitment to producing high-quality, accurate designs that adhere to all standards and specifications.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driving processes that maximize output, minimize waste, and ensure timely project delivery.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment where open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing are paramount.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance design processes and outcomes.

• Compliance & Safety: Upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance (NESC) and ensuring safety in all design considerations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with project managers, permitting specialists, construction teams, and client representatives to ensure a unified approach to project delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, leading to iterative improvements and shared learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that facilitate the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the design team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes operational excellence, teamwork, and a forward-thinking approach to design and project delivery. Candidates should align their responses and experiences with these values, demonstrating a proactive and collaborative mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Balancing the demands of numerous OSP design projects with varying deadlines and complexities.

• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Staying abreast of and ensuring adherence to evolving NESC and local municipal regulations across different jurisdictions.

• Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Effectively coordinating and holding external partners accountable for quality, timelines, and budget adherence.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Integrating new design software, tools, and construction methodologies into existing workflows.

• Data Integrity: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date design data across complex GIS and CAD platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to become an expert in specialized modules of AutoCAD, GIS, or project management software.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to telecommunications engineering, project management, or GIS.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders for guidance on career progression, leadership development, and strategic thinking.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Gaining invaluable experience managing design aspects of major national infrastructure initiatives.

• Leadership Development: Formal training and practical experience in team management, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses the inherent difficulties in large-scale OSP design management and frames them as opportunities for skill development and career advancement, aligning with the company's emphasis on growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading an OSP design team through a period of rapid project scaling. How would you ensure quality and efficiency remain high?" (Focus on delegation, process standardization, QA/QC, and team motivation).

• "Walk me through a complex OSP design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome in terms of cost, timeline, and compliance?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your technical and management skills).

• "How do you ensure adherence to NESC standards and other regulatory requirements across a diverse set of projects and team members?" (Discuss your QA/QC processes, training strategies, and oversight mechanisms). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about our company and the work we do in telecommunications infrastructure?" (Research Jobgether's partner network or similar telecom infrastructure companies).

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among your design team, and how would you engage with cross-functional departments like permitting and construction?" (Provide examples of your communication and team-building strategies).

• "How do you measure the success of an OSP design operation beyond just project completion?" (Discuss KPIs related to design accuracy, efficiency, cost savings, and client satisfaction). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects for detailed presentation. Focus on the story: the problem, your solution, and the results.

• Visual Aids: Be ready to share screen and walk through relevant drawings (AutoCAD, GIS), process maps, or dashboards. Ensure visuals are clear and highlight key aspects.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced design time by 15%", "saved $X in material costs through optimized routing").

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the design processes you followed and any improvements you made. Explain how you ensured quality and compliance.

• Leadership Examples: Weave in examples of how you led your team, managed vendors, and collaborated with stakeholders throughout your project narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of OSP design principles, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities, supported by concrete examples from past projects and a well-prepared portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Jobgether platform via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight keywords such as "OSP Design," "Telecommunications," "AutoCAD," "GIS," "NESC," "Project Management," "Vendor Management," and "Team Leadership." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics related to project delivery, efficiency improvements, or cost savings.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio that includes 2-3 key OSP design projects. For each project, clearly outline the scope, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. Include examples of process improvements or workflow optimizations you've managed.

• Research the Company: Gain an understanding of the telecommunications infrastructure sector and the types of projects the partner company likely undertakes. Familiarize yourself with common industry standards and challenges.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to concisely articulate your qualifications, leadership style, and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of an OSP Design Manager. Practice walking through your portfolio projects and discussing your process management approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.