[Hiring] Senior Principal DS Engineer @General Dynamics Information Technology

Role Description

The DS Engineer performs field surveys, installation tasks, and design support activities for telecommunications distribution systems as part of global Air Force and Space Force modernization efforts. This hands-on role supports Inside Plant (ISP), Outside Plant (OSP), Fiber Optic (FO), and Communication Equipment Location (CEL) modernization by collecting accurate field data, executing installation tasks, developing design inputs, and verifying installed work. The DS Engineer may report to any discipline-specific lead depending on project scope and site requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed on-site surveys of ISP, OSP, FO, and CEL infrastructures, collecting measurements, documenting conditions, capturing photographs, and identifying installation constraints.
• Execute installation tasks including cabling pulls, rack/patch panel installation, fiber routing assistance, equipment mounting, labeling, and pathway preparation (under supervision of discipline leads).
• Produce accurate field redlines, survey notes, measurements, and environmental observations to support design development.
• Assist engineering leads in developing design inputs for pathways, conduit routing, fiber distribution, telecom room layouts, and grounding/bonding requirements.
• Support the installation and verification of infrastructure such as racks, conduits, cable trays, handholes, fiber enclosures, and vertical/horizontal pathways.
• Validate installed components against design intent, quality requirements, and program standards.
• Conduct field verification to ensure equipment rooms, pathways, and OSP routes are ready for installation activities.
• Work closely with OSP, FO, and CEL leads to confirm survey results, installation requirements, and implementation sequencing.
• Ensure all survey and installation work aligns with applicable TIA/EIA, UFC, I3A, NEC, and Air Force/Space Force technical standards.
• Support as-built documentation by providing accurate markup updates reflecting field actual conditions.
• Assist in troubleshooting pathway blockages, fiber routing issues, equipment spacing challenges, or documentation discrepancies.
• Coordinate with base personnel for facility access, escort requirements, and logistical planning.
• Provide daily updates to discipline leads and assist with reporting, risk identification, and documentation management.

Qualifications

• 15+ years experience in telecommunications installation, infrastructure survey work, or distribution systems engineering.
• Must possess and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Hands-on experience performing ISP/OSP/FO/CEL surveys or installations.
• Familiarity with structured cabling, conduit systems, fiber optics, and telecom room infrastructure.
• Basic understanding of TIA/EIA standards including TIA‑568, TIA‑569, TIA‑606, TIA‑607.
• Ability to read and interpret floorplans, construction drawings, utility diagrams, and infrastructure layouts.
• Experience working in field environments performing physical surveys and installation activities.
• Ability to travel globally to Air Force and Space Force bases.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as climbing ladders, pulling cable, or accessing confined telecom spaces.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate field documentation.
• Ability to work under the direction of DS Leads, OSP Leads, FO Leads, CEL Leads, or the Site Implementation Lead.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoW, AF/SF, or other large-scale telecommunications infrastructure programs.
• Experience assisting with design packages, redlines, or as-built documentation.
• Exposure to OSP pathways, duct banks, manholes/handholes, or aerial plant.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages.
• 401K with company match.
• Competitive pay and paid time off.
• Full flex work weeks where possible.
• 15 days of paid leave per calendar year for vacations, personal business, and illness.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid Family Leave program providing up to 160 hours of paid leave in a rolling 12 month period for eligible employees.
• Short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness, and business travel and accident insurance.