Chief Operations Officer (COO) Position Available In Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Chief Operations Officer (COO) LightWorx LLC DBA Ripple Ops Charlotte, NC 28210

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location:

Charlotte, North Carolina Salary:

$180,000 per year + performance-based incentives + comprehensive benefits

Industry:

Telecommunications /

Fiber Infrastructure Employment Type:

Full-Time, Executive Level About Lightworx Lightworx is a fast-growing fiber infrastructure company committed to delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity to communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, and beyond. As we rapidly expand our last-mile installation and maintenance capabilities, we’re looking for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our multi-state field operations, implement scalable systems, and drive sustainable, profitable growth. The Opportunity This is a hands-on executive leadership role responsible for the end-to-end operations of our fiber network deployment and maintenance business. The COO will oversee Outside Plant (OSP) and Inside Plant (ISP) operations, preventative and reactive maintenance, locate and third-party coordination, team development, and process optimization across multiple states—with more coming online soon. You will be responsible for transforming our operational infrastructure into a high-performance, tech-enabled, and scalable platform that delivers consistent results and exceptional service. This role is critical to ensuring Lightworx operates as a true profit center.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership:

Lead all field operations across

OSP & ISP

installations, fiber maintenance, and service delivery.

Geographic Expansion:

Build and scale teams across North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, and future expansion markets.

Team Development:

Hire, train, and mentor high-performing operations staff and subcontractor partners.

Process & Systems:

Design and implement systems, software, SOPs, and training to ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance.

Performance Management:

Establish and monitor KPIs across safety, quality, response times, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Vendor & Third-Party Oversight:

Manage utility locates, permitting, third-party collections, and municipal coordination.

Strategic Planning:

Collaborate with the CEO and executive team on growth strategies, budgets, capital investments, and workforce planning.

Profit Optimization:

Transition operations into a cost-efficient, margin-focused business unit that supports both rapid buildout and long-term service contracts. What You Bring 10+ years of senior operations experience, ideally in fiber, telecom, utilities, or infrastructure sectors. Deep understanding of last-mile fiber deployment, OSP/ISP operations, and maintenance workflows. Experience managing field teams, subcontractors, and operational budgets across multiple states. Track record of implementing systems, training, and metrics that scale with growth. Engineering, construction, or technical background preferred (Civil, Electrical, or related). Strong leadership, problem-solving, and execution skills with a data-driven mindset. Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-accountability, growth-stage environment.

What We Offer Base Compensation:

$180,000 per year

Incentives:

Performance-based bonuses aligned to operational targets and company growth

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more

Impact:

A high-ownership role with the opportunity to shape the future of fiber deployment in the U.S.

Culture:

Entrepreneurial, mission-driven, and committed to excellence at every level

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Work Location:

In person