About the role: As our Network Engineer Lead – Fibre, you'll take ownership of the design, deployment, testing, and upkeep of Northpower Fibre's open access network. You'll work hands-on with GPON, XGSPON capable OLTs and Cisco carrier-grade aggregation switches, ensuring service excellence and optimal network performance across our network. Your day-to-day will involve ensuring network is operating efficiently, monitoring the overall performance and problem resolution, while collaborating with teams across operations, engineering, and service delivery. You'll also play a key role in mentoring other engineers, supporting continuous improvement, and driving innovation within the Fibre team. You will a lead role in managing network upgrade and deployment projects, including topology changes, performance and throughput testing and service activation tests that meet or exceed the standards. This role is primarily onsite in Whangarei, with flexibility work arrangements as required in the future, and travel to Fibre Central Offices, Points of Presence (POPs), occasional travel to service provider offices and national or international conferences to stay up to date with the latest technologies. What you'll do: * Design, develop, and maintain Northpower Fibre's GPON/XGSPON network infrastructure. * Lead the configuration, activation, and lifecycle management of OLTs, ONTs, and Cisco switches. * Conduct performance monitoring and throughput testing to ensure optimal network reliability. * Support problem and incident management by providing 1st and 2nd level technical expertise. * Manage change control, testing, and rollout of new services and technologies. * Collaborate across teams to integrate and optimise new network solutions. * Maintain accurate documentation, network diagrams, and configuration details. * Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a learning-focused, collaborative team environment. * Respond to critical network issues when required. * Attend industry conferences and stay “audible ready” by continuously upskilling yourself in emerging technologies. About You: * A tertiary qualification in Electronics, Communications Engineering, or IT/Computer Science. * At least 8 years' experience in telecommunications or service provider environments. * Strong background in performance monitoring, throughput testing, and fibre network management would be preferred. * Hands-on experience in open access network environments with GPON/XGSPON systems would be highly desirable. * Proven experience with OLT/ONT hardware, Cisco carrier-grade switches, and Linux systems. * Familiarity with Python and PowerShell (PSP) scripting for automation and testing tasks would be desirable. * Understanding of network authentication, VLANs, and Layer 2/3 configurations. * Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, mentoring approach to team development. * Flexibility to work onsite in Whangarei with occasional travel and after-hours availability for network upkeep. * A proactive mindset with a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and continuous learning. What's in it for you? * Competitive remuneration. * An in-house well-being programme, a peer support network (Kaitiaki) and EAP services. * Life Insurance and group discounted medical insurance. * Commitment to professional growth and development. * A friendly workplace where people are valued and appreciated. * Family-friendly events and discounted gym membership along with various retail discounts. About us: Northpower is an electricity and fibre network provider for Whangarei and Kaipara, with more than 60,000 connected customers. We are one of the largest multi-utility contractors in New Zealand, servicing the needs of clients in transmission, distribution, generation, fibre, renewables, and commercial sectors. We have a reputation for excellence and innovation, providing commercially viable solutions for electrical and telecommunication design, construction, and maintenance requirements. Get in touch! Join Northpower Fibre and take the lead in designing, maintaining, and optimising our GPON/XGPON network. You'll work with OLTs, ONTs, Cisco switches, and cutting-edge monitoring tools, while keeping our network running reliably for all of Northland. Apply now via #REQ1773 and help power up connections and possibilities across the region! New Zealand work rights are required for the role. Pre-employment checks will include a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.