Verified Job
Engineering - Architecture
Telecoms Field Engineer – WSS Card Swap-Out Support – Midlands
Engineering - Architecture
#52475
Remote / WFH
KMS Communications Limited
Job Description
KMS Communications is looking for one additional subcontract telecoms / field engineer based in or near the Midlands to support upcoming WSS card swap-out works across regional JISC sites.
KMS already has core engineers allocated to this project and is looking to add regional support engineers to provide additional coverage during planned maintenance windows.
The works involve replacing WSS cards within Ciena 6500 shelves as part of a wider optical network upgrade project.
Prior Ciena 6500 experience is not essential, as the task is primarily a controlled hardware card swap-out. However, experience with Ciena, DWDM, optical transport equipment, data centres, exchanges, or live telecoms environments would be advantageous.
Regional Coverage
This advert is for engineers based in or near the Midlands.
Potential site coverage may include Birmingham, Warwick, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Oxford, Culham, and other surrounding areas.
Applicants must be able to travel to assigned sites within the region.
Scope of Work
You will attend assigned sites during planned maintenance windows and support WSS card replacement activities in line with provided instructions, site procedures, and change-control requirements.
Typical duties may include:
Attending site within the agreed maintenance window
Identifying the correct shelf, slot, and WSS card to be replaced
Completing controlled card/module swap-out activities
Handling network equipment safely and carefully
Supporting remote network engineers during the maintenance window
Following step-by-step work instructions
Taking clear pre-work and post-work photographs
Confirming completion and providing site updates
Escalating any access, hardware, or site issues promptly
Working Pattern
This is project-based subcontract support work, with attendance required only when regional sites are scheduled.
Some visits may only require a few hours on site, although each planned maintenance window can be up to a maximum of 8 hours.
Works are currently expected to take place during normal business hours, Monday to Friday. Weekend work is not currently included in the scope.
Some maintenance windows may require more than one on-site engineer, so you may be paired with another KMS engineer or subcontractor depending on site requirements.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must have:
Previous telecoms, data centre, exchange, network, or field engineering experience
Experience with hardware swap-outs, equipment replacement, or card/module changes
Ability to follow detailed work instructions and change-control processes
Good attention to detail when working around live network infrastructure
Ability to provide clear site evidence, including photographs and completion updates
Own PPE
Full UK driving licence
Ability to travel to assigned sites within the Midlands and surrounding areas
Professional and reliable approach to site attendance and communication
Advantageous Experience
The following would be beneficial but is not essential:
Ciena 6500 shelf experience
WSS card or optical module replacement experience
DWDM / optical transport experience
Fibre patching or optical network awareness
Carrier, university, data centre, or exchange site experience
ECS / CSCS / telecoms site access certifications
First aid, manual handling, or working at height certification
Engagement
This is a subcontract / project-based support role. It is not a full-time permanent position and does not guarantee continuous work.
Rates can be agreed based on location, availability, experience, and whether engagement is structured as a day rate, attendance rate, or regional support rate.
There may be potential for future telecoms, optical network, and field engineering work with KMS Communications.
Pay: £200.00 per day
Work Location: In person
KMS already has core engineers allocated to this project and is looking to add regional support engineers to provide additional coverage during planned maintenance windows.
The works involve replacing WSS cards within Ciena 6500 shelves as part of a wider optical network upgrade project.
Prior Ciena 6500 experience is not essential, as the task is primarily a controlled hardware card swap-out. However, experience with Ciena, DWDM, optical transport equipment, data centres, exchanges, or live telecoms environments would be advantageous.
Regional Coverage
This advert is for engineers based in or near the Midlands.
Potential site coverage may include Birmingham, Warwick, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Oxford, Culham, and other surrounding areas.
Applicants must be able to travel to assigned sites within the region.
Scope of Work
You will attend assigned sites during planned maintenance windows and support WSS card replacement activities in line with provided instructions, site procedures, and change-control requirements.
Typical duties may include:
Attending site within the agreed maintenance window
Identifying the correct shelf, slot, and WSS card to be replaced
Completing controlled card/module swap-out activities
Handling network equipment safely and carefully
Supporting remote network engineers during the maintenance window
Following step-by-step work instructions
Taking clear pre-work and post-work photographs
Confirming completion and providing site updates
Escalating any access, hardware, or site issues promptly
Working Pattern
This is project-based subcontract support work, with attendance required only when regional sites are scheduled.
Some visits may only require a few hours on site, although each planned maintenance window can be up to a maximum of 8 hours.
Works are currently expected to take place during normal business hours, Monday to Friday. Weekend work is not currently included in the scope.
Some maintenance windows may require more than one on-site engineer, so you may be paired with another KMS engineer or subcontractor depending on site requirements.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must have:
Previous telecoms, data centre, exchange, network, or field engineering experience
Experience with hardware swap-outs, equipment replacement, or card/module changes
Ability to follow detailed work instructions and change-control processes
Good attention to detail when working around live network infrastructure
Ability to provide clear site evidence, including photographs and completion updates
Own PPE
Full UK driving licence
Ability to travel to assigned sites within the Midlands and surrounding areas
Professional and reliable approach to site attendance and communication
Advantageous Experience
The following would be beneficial but is not essential:
Ciena 6500 shelf experience
WSS card or optical module replacement experience
DWDM / optical transport experience
Fibre patching or optical network awareness
Carrier, university, data centre, or exchange site experience
ECS / CSCS / telecoms site access certifications
First aid, manual handling, or working at height certification
Engagement
This is a subcontract / project-based support role. It is not a full-time permanent position and does not guarantee continuous work.
Rates can be agreed based on location, availability, experience, and whether engagement is structured as a day rate, attendance rate, or regional support rate.
There may be potential for future telecoms, optical network, and field engineering work with KMS Communications.
Pay: £200.00 per day
Work Location: In person
