Fiber Optic Project Engineer

Job Purpose

The Fiber Optic Project Engineer will be responsible for the planning, execution, supervision, testing, commissioning and handover of fiber-optic works for oil & gas, utility, infrastructure and industrial projects in the UAE. The role requires strong field experience and the ability to execute works in accordance with ADNOC, DEWA, ADDC/utility requirements, approved project specifications, drawings, method statements and applicable IEC/ITU-T standards.

ADNOC's published specification requires FO cable design to comply with standards including IEC 60793, IEC 60794, IEC 61281/61282 and ITU-T G.652, and includes OTDR and end-to-end attenuation testing requirements. DEWA likewise operates substantial fiber-optic infrastructure and currently tenders fiber-optic cable installation, testing and commissioning works.

Key Responsibilities

• Review IFC drawings, cable schedules, routing drawings, specifications, BOQ, scope of work and approved material submittals before commencement.
• Plan and supervise fiber-optic cable laying/pulling through ducts, trenches, cable trays and underground/aboveground routes.
• Ensure compliance with allowable pulling tension, minimum bending radius, cable drum handling and manufacturer installation requirements.
• Coordinate cable drum inspection, drum allocation, route preparation and pre-installation drum testing.
• Supervise installation of single-mode and multimode FO cables, including armoured and industrial-grade cables.
• Supervise fiber splicing using fusion splicing machines, including fiber preparation, cleaving, splice protection and splice-tray management.
• Supervise installation and termination of ODFs, fiber patch panels, FDBs, joint closures, splice enclosures, LIUs and associated accessories.
• Verify correct fiber/core identification, labeling, routing and termination as per approved schedules.
• Perform/supervise OTDR testing at applicable wavelengths, optical power-meter testing and end-to-end attenuation/loss testing.
• Analyse OTDR traces for splice loss, connector loss, reflection, attenuation, distance and abnormal events.
• Prepare OTDR reports, test records and fiber-core test schedules for client/consultant approval.
• Coordinate testing and commissioning activities with ADNOC/DEWA/utility representatives, EPC contractor, consultant and other disciplines.
• Raise and close RFIs/WIRs/inspection requests, punch-list items and technical observations.
• Prepare method statements, risk assessments/JSA, ITPs, work procedures and testing procedures in coordination with QA/QC and HSE.
• Ensure only approved materials are installed and maintain traceability against approved material submittals. DEWA's infrastructure process specifically includes material sample/specification approvals and as-built approvals.
• Coordinate with civil, electrical, instrumentation, telecom and other teams regarding ducts, chambers, trays, crossings and equipment interfaces.
• Monitor subcontractors and technicians for productivity, workmanship, safety and schedule compliance.
• Prepare daily/weekly progress reports, manpower requirements, cable-pulling schedules and look-ahead plans.
• Maintain red-line drawings and prepare/review as-built drawings and final handover documentation.
• Support final commissioning, client acceptance and project closeout.

Technical Knowledge Required

The engineer should have hands-on knowledge of:

Fiber installation: Cable drum handling, duct/tray installation, pulling/blowing methods, underground FO routes, chambers/manholes and cable management.

Splicing & termination: Fusion splicing, ODF termination, pigtails, patch cords, connectors, adapters, joint closures and splice trays.

Testing: OTDR, optical power meter/light source, visual fault locator, end-to-end attenuation and continuity/identification testing. ADNOC's published requirements specifically include OTDR measurements, end-to-end attenuation, macrobending loss and other FO cable tests, with attenuation testing on 100% of fibers during FAT.

Fiber standards: Working knowledge of IEC 60793, IEC 60794, ITU-T G.652/G.655 and relevant project specifications. ADNOC also specifies loose-tube FO construction and requirements covering armouring, moisture protection and flame-retardant construction for relevant applications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication, Communication Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant fiber-optic project experience, preferably in UAE/GCC oil & gas, utilities or infrastructure.
• Previous experience on ADNOC, DEWA, ADDC/TAQA Distribution or similar UAE utility/EPC projects strongly preferred.
• Practical experience in fiber cable laying, fusion splicing, termination, OTDR testing and commissioning.
• Ability to read and interpret IFC drawings, SLDs, fiber schematics, cable schedules and termination drawings.
• Knowledge of UAE project QA/QC, HSE, PTW and inspection procedures.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD; ability to prepare technical reports and test documentation.
• UAE driving licence preferred.

Preferred Certifications

FOA CFOT/CFOS, BICSI or equivalent fiber-optic certification is advantageous. ADNOC project-specific HSE/PTW training and other client competency certifications should be obtained where required by the particular project.

Key Competencies

Strong site execution capability, troubleshooting skills, technical documentation, team supervision, client coordination, QA/QC awareness, HSE compliance, planning and the ability to independently manage a fiber-optic work front from drum receipt through installation, splicing, OTDR testing, commissioning and final handover.

Work Location: In person