About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense & Government Technology / IT Services.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Role overview

This opportunity is for a Junior Distribution Systems (DS) Engineer supporting a federal/defense infrastructure modernization program. The position is hired remotely but requires extensive field work primarily at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. Expect approximately 75%–100% travel to work sites to support installation, testing, and sustainment of wired network functionality. The employer is listed here as Confidential Client.

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Primary responsibilities

• Assist senior field engineers in troubleshooting and resolving installation and operational issues.
• Support installation of cabling, network equipment and related infrastructure on project sites.
• Aid in installation and verification of new or upgraded wired technologies under senior guidance.
• Perform end-to-end fiber testing using OTDRs, power meters and related tools; document results.
• Record field findings and report issues that may affect project progress to senior staff.
• Support equipment assessments and provide initial observations for review.
• Participate in team testing, commissioning and sustainment activities for wired network systems.
• Coordinate with Government Points of Contact (POCs) for site access, equipment readiness and scheduling.
• Communicate daily with team members to meet project timelines and deliverables.

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Other responsibilities

• Prepare basic project documentation, drafts and field reports under supervision.
• Update network documentation and as‑built records based on splicing and testing outcomes.
• Participate in customer meetings alongside senior engineers and support communications.
• Coordinate with vendors and other agencies under direction.
• Follow established quality assurance processes and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Contribute to special projects and tasks as required.

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What you’ll need (minimum qualifications)

• A bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline OR 2+ years of related experience.
• Active Secret-level security clearance (or ability to hold/obtain Secret).
• U.S. citizenship (required for clearance and access to government sites).

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Technical skills

• Familiarity with distribution systems (ISP/OSP) designs and implementation documentation (design docs, as-built diagrams, rack elevations, circuit connectivity matrices).
• Hands-on experience or familiarity with fiber testing methodologies and tools (e.g., OTDR, power meters).
• Solid understanding of wired networking fundamentals and general IT functions.
• Experience with basic installation and field verification processes.

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Skills & abilities

• Ability to work effectively in virtual teams and on-site with government stakeholders.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures and government documentation.
• Strong coordination, organization and teamwork orientation.
• Willingness to follow direction and escalate issues to senior engineers when needed.

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Desired / preferred qualifications

• Experience using MS Visio or CAD tools for diagramming.
• BICSI-related certifications or equivalent cabling/telecommunications credentials.
• Prior field engineering experience on military installations or government infrastructure programs.

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Location, travel & schedule

• Hiring / telecommute: Remote hire (any U.S. location) with required onsite work.
• Primary work location: Eielson Air Force Base — Fairbanks, Alaska.
• Travel: Approximately 75%–100% travel to project sites (subject to program needs).
• Scheduled weekly hours: 40 (Full-time).

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Compensation & benefits

• Salary range (provided by Confidential Client): $72,877 - $98,599 per year. Actual pay will be set based on experience, location and contractual requirements.
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off, parental and family leave, and other standard employer benefits (actual offerings depend on hire location and plan eligibility).

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Security & identity verification

• U.S. citizenship is required due to security clearance and government site access.
• The hiring process will include identity verification; applicants should be prepared for virtual interviews and biometric identity verification steps consistent with federal contractor requirements.

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About Confidential Client

Confidential Client delivers technology and professional services for defense and government customers, focusing on mission-driven IT, infrastructure, and systems modernization programs. The role sits within a program dedicated to modernizing wired network infrastructure at U.S. government installations.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.