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Apprentice Fiber Optics Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Communication Apprentice

Tysons, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Apprentices with experience assisting with Fiber Optics is a plus. * Vocational Training is a plus. Abilities: * The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 ...

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Apprentice Fiber Optics information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$17

$26

How much do apprentice fiber optics jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice fiber optics in Reston, VA is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Fiber Optics, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Fiber Optics, you need a basic understanding of electrical systems, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with fiber optic testing tools, splicing equipment, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA 10 are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this position. These skills ensure the accurate installation, maintenance, and repair of fiber optic networks, supporting reliable telecommunications infrastructure.

What are the typical challenges faced by an Apprentice Fiber Optics and how can they be overcome?

As an Apprentice Fiber Optics, common challenges include learning to handle delicate fiber cables without causing damage, accurately interpreting technical diagrams, and working in various environments, sometimes outdoors or in confined spaces. Overcoming these challenges requires attention to detail, patience, and practice with hands-on tasks under supervision. Building strong communication with experienced technicians and taking advantage of on-the-job training will help you develop the necessary skills and confidence for success.

What are apprentice fiber optics?

An apprentice fiber optics technician is a trainee who learns how to install, maintain, and repair fiber optic cables and systems. This role involves working under the supervision of experienced technicians, gaining hands-on experience with splicing cables, testing connections, and troubleshooting network issues. Apprenticeships often combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training to develop both the technical skills and safety knowledge required for a career in fiber optics.

What is the difference between Apprentice Fiber Optics vs Fiber Optic Technician?

AspectApprentice Fiber OpticsFiber Optic Technician
CertificationsTypically in training, may have basic certificationsOften certified, with industry-standard credentials
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training, supervised tasksFieldwork installing, repairing fiber optic cables
Experience LevelEntry-level, learning phaseSkilled, with hands-on experience
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting, learning installation techniquesPerforming installations, troubleshooting

In summary, an Apprentice Fiber Optics is in the training phase, focusing on learning skills under supervision, while a Fiber Optic Technician is a more experienced professional responsible for installing and maintaining fiber optic systems.

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Fiber Optics jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Fiber Optics jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Apprentice Fiber Optics jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Apprentice Fiber Optics job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Fiber Optics job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,068 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Communication Apprentice

Communication Apprentice

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity
Communication Technician Apprentices are employees and have basic employee responsibilities. This level Apprentice will be given instruction and work experience installing basic communication equipment which involves using hand tools and power tools, a basic understanding of electrical blueprints, and knowledge of the NEC. Additionally, each Apprentice must make every effort to become a well-qualified technician. This requires registering for related instruction courses, attending regularly and being on time.
Responsibilities
  • Assisting in pulling various types of wiring.
  • Assisting in Site Grounding
  • Assisting in Pulling Low Voltage Cable
  • Assisting in Prefab Assembly installation.
  • Assisting in Core Drilling
  • Assisting in the installation of Cable Tray.
  • Installing Devices
  • Maintaining clean work area.
  • Securing company tools daily
  • Assist with monthly tool checks.
  • Participating in Job site clean up.
  • Handling material.
  • Preparing the work area.
  • Demonstrating effective use of hand tools such as drill motors, sawzalls, hydraulic knockouts punches, etc.
  • Wearing all Personal Safety Equipment
  • Following safety policies and rules
  • Reading, understanding and demonstrating use of Activity Hazard Analysis
  • Demonstrating proper use and care of tools
  • Displaying understanding of and following material safeguarding and storage practices
  • Displaying understanding of and following equipment safety, safeguarding and storage.
  • Assisting in all size of telecom wire pulling.
  • Participating actively in Daily work briefings.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED are required with 0+ months experience
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from the jobsite and school.
  • Be willing to attend school in the evenings one or two nights a week for three (3) years.
  • This is a 40 hour per week position
  • Overtime work expected when needed Potential of temporary travel may be involved.
  • Up to 50% of travel may be required.
  • Ability to obtain US Secret Clearance.

Desired:
  • Apprentices must be able to follow directions to install a quality product under the guidance of Technicians, Foreman or other leadership.
  • Apprentices must have Basic hand tool set to include Snips and Punch down Tool.
  • Apprentices with experience assisting with Fiber Optics is a plus.
  • Vocational Training is a plus.

Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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M.C. Dean logo

About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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