Description
Install, splice, terminate, test, and maintain fiber optic cabling and components for communications networks using fusion splicers, cleavers, OTDRs, power meters, and inspection microscopes.
- • Monitor inventory and order fiber consumables, connectors, and cable as needed.
- • Maintain clean fiber prep areas and safely handle and dispose of fiber shards.
- • Test and troubleshoot fiber links and components per specifications and test plans.
- • Assist network engineers with fiber deployments, turn-ups, and acceptance testing.
- • Inspect connector endfaces with video microscopes and document defects.
- • Measure insertion and return loss using OLTS and reflectometers.
- • Perform OTDR testing to locate faults, measure events, and verify splice quality.
- • Splice fibers using fusion or mechanical methods and verify splice loss.
- • Terminate, cure, polish, and test field-installable and factory-style connectors.
- • Set up and operate fusion splicers, cleavers, strippers, heaters, and curing ovens.
- • Use OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources, VFLs, and OSAs for testing.
- • Route, label, and secure fiber in trays, panels, splice enclosures, and conduits.
- • Build and dress patch panels, pigtails, jumpers, and MPO/MTP harnesses.
- • Perform cable prep, buffer tube access, mid-sheath entries, and closure installation.
- • Interpret fiber schematics, splice plans, loss budgets, and network drawings.
- • Diagnose and repair breaks, macrobends, dirty connectors, and high-loss events.
- • Maintain and calibrate splicers, cleavers, microscopes, and test instruments.
- • Record OTDR traces, power readings, and as-built documentation; update databases.
- • Document procedures and work instructions for fiber installation and testing.
- • Recommend process or material changes to improve reliability, cost, or cycle time.
- • Adhere to safety standards, including eye protection, confined space, and ladder use.
- • Coordinate with field crews, contractors, and customers to schedule and execute work.
- • Follow industry standards such as TIA/EIA, IEC, and company quality requirements.
- • Support acceptance, commissioning, and handover of completed fiber plant.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
