Manager, OSP Engineering (Fiber Network Expansion) (Plain City)

Manager, OSP Engineering (Fiber Network Expansion)Location: Columbus, OH area (7475 Montgomery Drive, Plain City, OH)Work Model: 5 days onsite (non-negotiable)About the RoleWe are seeking a hands-on, player-coach OSP Engineering Manager to lead fiber network design and execution supporting Lightpath's high-capacity infrastructure buildout across Ohio. This role focuses on fiber expansion tied to data center connectivity, backbone/long-haul infrastructure, and complex enterprise routing solutions.The environment is highly execution-focused, requiring strong field-aware engineering judgment, permitting expertise, and the ability to guide vendors and internal teams through complex builds from design to delivery.What You'll DoLead OSP fiber design for data center, transport, and backbone network builds.Design and review fiber routes, conduit plans, splice designs, and as-builts.Drive ROW, municipal, environmental, and federal permitting coordination (including Army Corps considerations).Evaluate complex route feasibility, constraints, and alternative pathing strategies.Oversee vendor execution, construction support, and project delivery timelines.Mentor and guide OSP engineers and ensure adherence to engineering standards.Coordinate across internal teams, customers, and field/construction partners.Maintain accurate GIS, KMZ, and project documentation systems.What We're Looking For10+ years of OSP / fiber engineering experience (construction or design-heavy background).Strong experience in fiber to data center, transport/backbone, and/or long-haul networks.Deep knowledge of ROW permitting, jurisdictional approvals, and complex crossings.Experience with construction drawings, CAD reviews, BOMs, and splice documentation.Vendor and project management experience in large-scale fiber deployments.Proficiency with GIS tools, Google Earth, KMZ files (AutoCAD/Salesforce a plus).Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, ambiguous build environment.Leadership experience coaching engineers and managing field execution.Ideal ProfileSomeone who combines hands-on OSP engineering + permitting expertise + field construction awareness, with exposure to carrier-grade, backbone, or data center interconnect networks rather than purely FTTH-focused work.