In our global world, fibre optics engineers are the unsung heroes, facilitating our connectivity and ensuring communication systems run smoothly. Essentially, they are responsible for the design, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of fibre optic cables – vital for efficiently transmitting data over long distances.

BMR Solutions provide technical staff for employment within a wide range of manufacturing and engineering companies at all job levels – from shopfloor to senior management. In this blog, we discuss the role of fibre optic engineer so you can decide whether it might be the right position for you.

What is a Fibre Optic Engineer?

Unsurprisingly, this role centres around fibre optics. This is a kind of data-transmission technology where information is turned into photons and then conveyed down fibre optic cables – usually made of glass. The photons travel along the cables 30% slower than the speed of light – which is still quite fast! Fibre optic technology is highly efficient and used in many different industries including broadcasting, telecommunications, military and space, and for certain medical applications such as surgical microscopy.

A fibre optic engineer makes all this possible. They set up networks, install cables and maintain them. In their role, they may have to be customer-facing at times but will also work to develop and help improve fibre optic performance by designing new equipment behind the scenes.

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Fibre Optic Engineer Job Description

Of course, every role is different and depends upon the company you are working for, but a typical fibre optic engineer will have roughly the following core duties.

  • Establish fibre optic networks
  • Install fibre optic cables
  • Regularly test these installations and networks and fix any faults that occur
  • Design and construct new equipment to improve existing technology
  • Customer-service with individual clients or businesses
  • Keep up-to-date detailed records of work

Fibre Optic Engineer Salary

Whilst the average salary for fibre optic engineering is £33,500, this amount can vary across different companies. Essentially though, you should expect something within the range of £28,000 – £50,000 depending on your level of experience.

Desirable Skills and Qualities

There are many traits that make for a great fibre optic engineer. Here are some of the most desirable to employers.

Good Strength and Stamina

As well as being highly technical, fibre optic engineering can be physically demanding and requires plenty of manual work. Because of this, candidates need to be fit, strong and resilient. Often you will be working outside in a wide range of weather conditions, so being the sort of person who doesn’t mind the rain is also quite crucial!

Tool-Proficiency

In order to install the cables, fibre optic engineers use a variety of tools and equipment. It goes without saying that you need to be tech-savvy to work in this role but having experience in operating a wide range of tools is also helpful.

Customer Service Skills

Depending on the company you work for, your level of customer interaction will vary. But, often, a fibre optic engineer must deal with customers directly and therefore needs to be able to act as the face of the company on top of their other duties.

Attention to Detail

Fibre optics are highly technical and an engineer in the field needs to be extremely precise with an eye for the intricacies of this mode of data transmission. You will be knowledgeable, able to troubleshoot and use logical thinking to figure out any issues and ensure the technology is running as efficiently as possible.

How Do I Become a Fibre Optic Engineer?

For the right candidate, fibre optic engineering can be a varied and rewarding career. If you’ve decided this might be the role for you, there are a few different routes available. Most colleges offer a variety of relevant courses such as the Level 3 Diploma in Telecommunications System or the Level 2 Certificate in Communications Cabling. Have a look at some local colleges and see what they have on offer.

Another option is to go for an apprenticeship. This way, you can work part-time whilst completing a qualification. This is a great way to gain accreditations as well as on-the-job training. Lots of companies appreciate people who have done apprenticeships because this means they have experience of the job in question.

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Leading Technical Industries Employer

If you think fibre optic engineering might be the role for you, get in touch with the team at BMR Solutions and we can help find the perfect position for you.

With over 30 years’ experience recruiting for technical sectors and expert industry knowledge, BMR Solutions are the go-to choice for companies and candidates alike. We’ve helped a wide-ranging portfolio of clients from across the South West fill engineering and manufacturing roles with talented candidates.

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