About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Structured Cable Design Engineer manages the entire spectrum of structured networking projects, including both twisted copper pair and fiber-optic cables, as well as associated pathways such as conduit and duct-banks. This role encompasses project management, cost estimation, design, and the creation of drawings, specifications, and contract documents for networking and structured cabling projects. The engineer will also supervise contractors engaged by Design and Construction Management and other departments. Additionally, the incumbent will collaborate with the Network Engineering team to manage network modifications, additions, and changes on campus, and to handle emergency cable repairs.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage structured cable installation projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop, design, and document comprehensive project plans, including defining scope, goals, and deliverables.
• Ensure timely execution by managing project milestones and deadlines effectively.
• Coordinate with University agencies such as Campus Planning, Facilities, EH&S, and the State Department of Public Safety to optimize building systems for safety, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Prepare, review, and approve plans and specifications for structured wiring infrastructure and MDF/IDF closet design, ensuring they meet all relevant standards and requirements.
• Develop and manage contract documents and specifications for external contractors, overseeing project administration to ensure successful outcomes.
• Take responsibility for the overall performance and final results of projects, including designing cable installations for new construction and renovations in compliance with university, national, and international standards.
• Establish and maintain standards for campus cable networking installations for both current and future projects, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Coordinate with the State Division of Capital and Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the State Building Inspector, UMBA and other State, Federal and Local agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
• Plan, design and manage licensing and permit applications for the University’s off-campus aerial cabling systems, working with public utility companies and local authorities.
• Review the work of outside contractors and design and installation services to ensure performance and quality standards are met.
• Engage with faculty, staff and students to assess existing conditions define project requirements for developing scopes of work.
• Conduct feasibility studies for design projects, including considerations for building utilities such as cooling loads and power availability.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations, codes, and technical developments related to network and cabling systems design.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3 - 5 years of experience OR four years of experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree, for a total of 7 to 10 years of experience.
• Valid Class D Driver’s License.
• Strong background in low voltage wiring installation and design.
• Experience installing or approving low voltage wiring installations on active construction sites.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communications, word processing and data management systems, spreadsheet applications and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate the work of other design professionals, consultants and contractors and experience supervising technical staff and skilled tradespeople.
• Strong attention to detail and correct documentation.
• Field experience with network installations and construction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as BICSI RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) or qualifications necessary to obtain certification within one year.
• Strong background in low voltage wiring in a higher education/ institutional environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Must have the physical ability to access work sites, including manholes and confined spaces.

Work Schedule

Mon-Fri 1st Shift. May be required to work some nights and weekends. 

Salary Information

Level 30

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.