Fibre Splicer job description
A Fibre Splicer joins optical fibre cables so that broadband and telecom links carry light cleanly from one point to the next. The work happens on poles, in manholes, at junction closures and inside exchange rooms.
Why the role exists
Fibre networks are built and repaired by joining thin glass strands, and a poor joint can slow or break a whole link. The Fibre Splicer works with a fusion splicer, an OTDR and a field team, usually under a supervisor or project engineer. In Indian ISP and telecom rollouts the role covers new laying, restoration after cuts and customer drops.
What the person does
- Strip, clean and cleave optical fibre, then fuse the strands with a fusion splicer inside the closure or joint box.
- Test each joint with an OTDR or power meter and note the loss readings against the engineer's acceptance sheet.
- Restore fibre cuts caused by road work, digging or damaged ducts, working to the repair priority set by the NOC.
- Dress and label fibres in splice trays, joint closures and patch panels so later teams can trace each core.
- Carry out splicing on aerial, underground and in-building routes, using the correct closures for each setting.
- Keep the fusion splicer, cleaver and consumables clean, calibrated and stored safely between jobs.
- Follow work-at-height and road-side safety practices set by the employer, and report unsafe sites to the supervisor.
- Complete a job card with route name, core numbers, readings and photos before leaving the location.
Skills and tools
- Operating a fusion splicer and a precision cleaver, with steady hands and good eyesight
- Reading OTDR traces and spotting a bad splice, a bend loss or a break
- Knowing core colour codes, loose tube and ribbon cable layouts and splice tray management
- Using power meters, visual fault locators and cleaning kits correctly
- Reading route maps and as-built drawings to find the right closure and core
- Working at height, in manholes or by the roadside with the safety gear the employer provides
- Basic mobile app use for job cards, photos and location sharing
- Patience and neat habits on repetitive fine work in all weather
Education and experience
Preferred, never a bar: equivalent experience counts.
- Preferred: ITI, diploma in electronics or telecom, or equivalent hands-on fibre experience.
- Preferred: some experience on live FTTH, backbone or last-mile fibre work with a recognised operator or contractor.
- Any training certificate from a splicer manufacturer or training institute is useful but not essential.
- Safety certification for work at height or confined spaces depends on the employer; confirm it with the employer's own adviser.
How the work is judged
- Joint loss readings against the acceptance sheet, with few re-splices needed
- Time to restore a fibre cut once the team reaches the site
- Completeness of job cards, photos and core records handed back after each job
- Care of the splicer, cleaver and test tools, and the rate of equipment faults
- Safe working record and following of site safety instructions
Where the role can lead
- Move to Senior Splicer or Splicing Team Lead managing a crew and quality checks.
- Grow into OTDR testing, fibre survey or network commissioning roles.
- Progress to Fibre Supervisor or Project Engineer for large rollouts.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions in the same order and score them against written anchors, so the decision rests on the work and not the impression.
- Describe how you prepare a fibre before splicing. Which steps do you never skip?
- Your OTDR shows a high loss at one joint. What do you check before you re-splice?
- A fibre is cut near a busy road at night. How do you plan the repair safely?
- How do you keep track of which core goes to which customer in a crowded closure?
- Tell us about a time you found a fault that was not the splice. How did you prove it?
- The supervisor wants a restore within a tight time but the closure is wet. What do you do?
Hiring tips for this role
- Give a practical test. Ask the candidate to strip, cleave and splice under observation, then read an OTDR trace. Certificates alone do not show skill.
- Ask about travel, night restorations and weather clearly. Fibre crews are often called out at odd hours and mis-hires leave over this.
- Check how they handle tools. A candidate who keeps the cleaver and splicer clean usually gives lower loss readings.
- Do not rely on speed claims. Ask for recent job cards or photos and a reference from a supervisor who saw the work.
Questions about hiring a fibre splicer
Not always. A splicer joins and tests fibre. A technician may also install, patch and maintain equipment. Write out which tasks you want, since pay and skills differ.
Often yes, depending on the route. State this plainly and confirm the safety training and gear the company provides. Requirements depend on the employer and site, so check them with your own adviser.
Most employers provide the machine and consumables, since it is costly and needs calibration. Some experienced splicers bring their own tools. Settle this before the offer.
GullyHR agrees the job description with you, screens candidates for hands-on fibre experience and availability, and supports the offer on a permanent hire. You run the practical test and choose.
Hiring a fibre splicer?
GullyHR runs talent acquisition for permanent roles. We agree the job description with you, find and screen candidates against it, and support the offer through to joining. We recruit permanent employees. We do not supply contract or temporary staff.