Fiber Optics Architect

Role Overview

The Fiber Optics Architect is the domain expert for all physical-layer optical infrastructure design from Outside Plant (OSP) cable route design and FTTH access network planning to high-capacity DWDM/OTN transport architecture. This role is pivotal to the MSI business where fiber infrastructure underpins every managed service and connectivity deal. The architect must bridge field-level technical depth with the ability to produce bankable, customer-ready designs and cost models.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Outside Plant (OSP) fiber networks: aerial, underground, duct-based, and submarine route surveys, cable sizing, and splicing plans
• Architect FTTH/FTTB/FTTC/FTTx networks PON architecture (GPON/XGS-PON), ODF planning, distribution point units (DPU), and ONT selection
• Design high-capacity DWDM and OTN transport networks for metro and long-haul using Ciena, Nokia 1830, Huawei OptiX OSN, or Fujitsu platforms
• Produce fiber route maps, splice diagrams, loss budgets, and optical power budgets for acceptance testing
• Develop BoQ for civil works, cable, equipment, and integration costs critical for MSI project bids
• Conduct OTDR interpretation, power meter testing, and light source characterisation both in design review and site acceptance
• Advise on dark fibre IRU/lease strategies for ISP backbone buildouts
• Support pre-sales: technical presentations on fiber solution value, coverage maps, rollout timelines, and ROI models
• Coordinate with civil/structural engineering teams on duct sizing, joint chambers, and data centre entry requirements
• Maintain OEM/vendor relationships: Corning, AFL, Prysmian, CommScope, Huawei, Nokia, Ciena, Ericsson, and EXFO

Technical Expertise — Hands-On Requirements:

• OSP design tools: AutoCAD, ArcGIS, QGIS, or specialist network GIS (ESRI/OSPInsight) for route planning
• Optical link budget calculations: span loss, OSNR, chromatic dispersion (CD), polarisation mode dispersion (PMD), non-linear effects
• DWDM: ROADM architecture, WSS, optical amplifiers (EDFA/Raman), coherent modulation formats (DP-QPSK, 16QAM)
• OTN multiplexing hierarchy: ODU0/ODU1/ODU2/ODU4, OTU framing, GCC0 management channels
• FTTH/GPON: OLT platform configuration (Huawei MA5800, Nokia 7360 ISAM, ZTE C300), OMCI, provisioning automation
• OTDR analysis: event detection, splice loss measurement, reflectance assessment, and end-to-end link characterisation
• Fibre types: OS1/OS2 SMF, OM3/OM4/OM5 MMF — selection criteria and applications

Pre-Sales & Communication Skills

Candidates must demonstrate strong pre-sales aptitude and communication capability:

• Ability to translate complex technical architectures into clear, compelling business narratives for C-suite and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience in responding to RFPs, RFIs, and tenders — including solution write-ups, BOQs, and commercial inputs
• Skilled in conducting customer workshops, discovery sessions, and proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstrations
• Ability to create high-quality solution presentations, architecture diagrams, and proposals independently
• Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences — from NOC engineers to CTO/CIO level executives
• Strong written English for proposal and documentation; proficiency in MS Office / Visio / draw.io
• Active listening skills to identify unstated customer pain points and shape solutions accordingly
• Experience working alongside sales teams in deal pursuit, customer engagement, and solution shaping

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes

• Self-driven professional with the ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously under deadline pressure
• Collaborative team player who can mentor junior engineers and guide solution reviews
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, partner offices, and OEM briefings as required
• Intellectual curiosity — stays updated with emerging technologies and market trends
• Ability to engage with OEM vendor teams (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.) for deal support and design validation