Central Office Planner - Network & Fiber Access

Job Description

Job Description

At PEARCE , we've got a career for you!

Pearce is a leading technology-enabled provider of asset management solutions for mission-critical electromechanical infrastructure throughout North America. Pearce provides technical maintenance, repair, operations, and engineering services for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, backup power generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS), critical cooling systems, and other electrical and mechanical infrastructure across end markets such as renewable energy, telecom, and data centers. Founded in 1998, Pearce has more than 4,000 employees and 28 locations across the U.S. Pearce is a wholly owned subsidiary of CBRE Group, Inc., the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. To learn more about Pearce visit

Job Summary

The Central Office Planner (Network & Fiber Access) is responsible for the design, deployment, operation, and optimization of network equipment and fiber-access infrastructure within central office (CO) facilities. This role supports IP, transport, and fiber access networks, including OLT-based architectures, while ensuring IOF diversity, efficient space utilization, and high availability across Central Office–to–Central Office environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network central office equipment including routers, switches, OLTs, aggregation platforms, and transport systems.

• Support fiber access and IP-based technologies such as GPON, XGS-PON, IP/MPLS, carrier Ethernet, VoIP, and distributive split technologies.

• Design, deploy, and support Central Office–to–Central Office OLT architectures and interconnections.

• Coordinate with Central Office Engineers, network engineering teams, IOF organizations, and vendors to execute builds, augments, and migrations.

• Manage relay rack layouts, floor space planning, power distribution, and equipment placement to support scalable growth.

• Lead and support augment projects to expand network capacity and fiber access coverage.

• Implement and maintain IOF diversity strategies, ensuring network redundancy and resiliency across CO infrastructure.

• Perform turn-up, testing, validation, and acceptance of new network and fiber access services.

• Monitor network performance, alarms, and capacity; troubleshoot outages and service degradations.

• Monitor DC power systems including power plants, rectifiers, batteries, and generator interfaces.

• Execute planned maintenance, upgrades, and migrations with minimal customer impact.

• Maintain accurate network documentation including diagrams, rack elevations, fiber assignments, and inventory records.

• Ensure adherence to safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 3–7+ years of experience in a network telecommunications central office environment.

• Strong knowledge of IP networking, routing, switching, and fiber access architectures.

• Hands-on experience with OLT platforms and fiber access network deployments.

• Experience managing relay rack layouts, floor space utilization, and network augments.

• Understanding of IOF infrastructure concepts, diversity planning, and redundancy models.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, network diagrams, and fiber documentation.

• Proven troubleshooting skills in high-availability network environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GPON and XGS-PON and distributive split fiber access networks.

• Knowledge of DWDM, IP/MPLS core and aggregation networks.

• Experience supporting Central Office–to–Central Office interconnects.

• Vendor and industry certifications (CCNA/CCNP, MEF, FOA, or equivalent).

• Experience working with network monitoring, alarm, and inventory management systems.

• Familiarity with automation or scripting for network provisioning and monitoring.

• Ability to utilize 3GIS software.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong network and fiber access engineering expertise

• Excellent coordination and vendor management skills

• Ability to manage multiple augments and network projects simultaneously

• Detail-oriented approach to infrastructure planning and documentation

• Ability to work under pressure in 24x7 carrier-grade environments

Work Environment

• Remote engineer – Must work Mountain Standard Time (MST) hours

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and a continuous improvement mindset

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment

At Pearce, we are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.

In addition to wages, employees may also be eligible for performance and referral bonuses, production incentives, tool/equipment and fuel stipends, company vehicle, per diem or other applicable compensation. We also offer all full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance, 401k with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and professional development courses.

This pay range reflects our commitment to pay equity and compliance with state and federal pay transparency laws. If you have questions about compensation, we encourage open discussions during the hiring process.

Base Pay Range

$36—$37 USD

What We Offer

Pearce offers a family-friendly and innovative culture with opportunities for growth, competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, HSA option. To help you recharge, we have paid vacation and paid holidays. For your future, we offer a company-matching 401(k) Retirement, Life Insurance, Tuition reimbursement, and professional development training. To help you be successful at work, as required for the role, we will provide a company vehicle, phone, laptop, or tablet along with all necessary tools and safety equipment.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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