Fiber Optic Cable Technician
Great Lakes Energy is looking for a Fiber Optic Cable Technician to ensure quality, timely delivery of fiber services to customers through installation, resolution and repair of fiber optic systems and cable.
Who We Are
For over 85 years, we have powered rural communities across 26 counties in western and northern Michigan. We serve over 128,000 meters as the third-largest Michigan-based electric utility and the state's largest member-owned power company.
We prioritize enriching the lives of our community members. We not only provide electric service, but we also provide reliable and robust fiber technology through Truestream, a communication solutions subsidiary of Great Lakes Energy.
We have over 300 employees who are more than just colleagues - we're a close-knit family of diverse professionals united by a shared vision. Our collaborative environment encourages creativity, empowers growth, and fosters a sense of purpose in everything we do.
A Day in The Life of a Fiber Optic Cable Technician
Your days will never be dull again! This position spends the majority of their day identifying fiber optic problems and getting to work repairing them. With the problem identified, you begin the splicing process. Whether it's fusing or mechanically splicing, you work meticulously to ensure a seamless connection. You construct both pressurized and non-pressurized splice cases, using various cable types like ADSS, MicroCore, and Flat Drop. After splicing, you test the fiber to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
There are also more complex tasks, including mid-sheath splicing on active cables. You work closely with the Technical Services team to ensure the splicing is done accurately. Additionally, you support the SCADA system by splicing, terminating, and testing the fiber optics involved in electric distribution. Your substation certification comes in handy here, ensuring you can service the SCADA equipment effectively.
What truly sets this role apart is the environment. You'll find yourself deep in the rugged Northwoods-where dense forests, remote terrain, and unpredictable weather turn every job into a new adventure. Whether you're navigating narrow backroads, crossing streams, or working through snow and rain, adaptability is key. This is not just a desk job-it's boots-on-the-ground fieldwork in one of the most beautiful and demanding regions. You'll experience a strong sense of independence and pride, knowing your work keeps remote communities connected in areas where reliability is vital and alternatives are few.
Despite the remote setting, you're never alone. You collaborate with external partners, internal teams, and vendors to align on best practices, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure everything stays on track. Whether you're learning a new splicing method or refining procedures, continuous improvement and teamwork are at the heart of the role.
Who You Are
You're the kind of person who thrives in a fast-paced environment and finds it a breeze to tackle tricky technical challenges. Outside work is a must for you, and 9-5 jobs bore you slightly. You don't mind working (and driving) in all kinds of weather, and you don't mind being on call when you are needed. You are highly technically proficient and have a passion for using your complex problem-solving skills. You pay attention to the small details and are very precise in splicing and testing. You collaborate well with others within your department and across the company and outside vendors to get the job done in the most efficient way. You have a decent knowledge of electric distribution SCADA systems and fiber, including splicing, termination and testing.
You are incredibly adaptable and dependable - if we call you out for an emergency, you'll be there! You take initiative and work well individually and with teams, willing to collaborate with and assist your teammates.
No degree? No problem! We just ask that you have a high school diploma (or equivalence certificate) and at least two years of related hands-on experience in the field.
What's in It for You?
You are valuable to us, and our benefits are here to show it. That's why we put employees first-your health, your family, and your development. We have a number of benefits, both traditional and progressive, to support you and your family through life's various stages. Here's just a taste of what we have to offer:
- Competitive Pay Commensurate with your education and experience related to the requirements of the job.
- The Essentials We foot the bill for comprehensive health insurance benefits. You'll be hard-pressed to find better for you and your family...seriously!
- Time to Spend Generous paid time off (PTO) puts you in the driver's seat for how you'll use your time.
- Better Health Through Better LivingWe believe healthy employees are happy employees. We have a diverse wellness program that provides support and resources for financial and mental wellbeing, as well as reimbursement for wellness related products such as gym memberships, tennis shoes, and much more!
- When Life Hands You Lemons GLE knows that sometimes life doesn't go as planned. We offer benefit plans to help soften the blow of the unexpected. Life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance packages are paid for by GLE.
- More Time with Your Baby New parents get time off to bond with their new bundle of joy. Parental leave benefits provide two weeks of family-friendly paid leave for moms and dads to bond and care for their growing families. Growing your family through adoption? You're awesome! We may be able to help you with related expenses up to $2,000.
- Never Stop Learning We hire our employees for a reason, and we want to keep them around. We also want to be an industry leader, so we will train you while you work. If you want to further your career, education or job shadow a different position, we do that too.
- Keep it CasualWhen you work for us, you work in comfort. Blue jeans are the norm in our office.
- Riding Off Into the SunsetYour future is important to us and we have the numbers to prove it. We have two retirement savings plans for eligible employees, with participation rates off the chart! A traditional pension and a 401k option? Yes please!
How To Apply
This is more than a job; it's a journey of innovation and collaboration. So, if you're ready to dive into a day filled with challenges, solutions, and making a real impact, come join us. Your expertise will shape the way we power the future.
We know your time is valuable and that's why our application is short. Grab your resume and answer a few short questions at the link below.
Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
