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Dark Fiber Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fiber Engineer

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$68K - $104K/yr

Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media ...

Fiber Engineer

Charleston, WV ยท On-site

$68K - $104K/yr

Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media ...

Fiber Splicer

Troy Grove, IL ยท On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Installing, repairing, inspecting and maintaining inside cables, wires and plug-in equipment to connect telecommunication systems and equipment, including dark fiber and fiber and/or equipment ...

Fiber Splicer

Troy Grove, IL ยท On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Installing, repairing, inspecting and maintaining inside cables, wires and plug-in equipment to connect telecommunication systems and equipment, including dark fiber and fiber and/or equipment ...

Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media ...

Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media ...

Sales Engineer

Portsmouth, NH ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Work across two of the fastest-growing corners of enterprise tech: network transport (Dark Fiber, Wavelength, Ethernet, DIA) and cybersecurity (MDR, XDR, SIEM, SASE/SSE) -- building fluency that ...

Dark fiber and fiberโ€‘based services * Public Cloud Directโ€‘Connects * Wireless LTE * Data center crossโ€‘connects and meetโ€‘me room processes * Familiarity with delivery SLAs, standard ...

Sales Engineer

Somerville, MA ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Work across two of the fastest-growing corners of enterprise tech: network transport (Dark Fiber, Wavelength, Ethernet, DIA) and cybersecurity (MDR, XDR, SIEM, SASE/SSE) -- building fluency that ...

Fiber Route Patroller

$23.41 - $36/hr

Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media ...

The Role As a Senior Lead Product Manager and Strategist, this role defines and advances Lumen's wholesale infrastructure portfolio across waves, dark fiber, dim fiber, managed optical fiber systems ...

Fiber Route Patroller

$23.41 - $36/hr

Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media ...

Showing results 41-60

Dark Fiber information

See salary details

$15

$27

$45

How much do dark fiber jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for dark fiber in the United States is $27.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dark fiber?

Dark fiber refers to unused or 'unlit' optical fiber cables that have been laid but are not currently in service. Organizations can lease or purchase dark fiber to create their own private, high-capacity network infrastructure. This allows for greater control, scalability, and security compared to using traditional telecommunications services. Dark fiber is commonly used by businesses, data centers, and internet service providers to meet high bandwidth demands and ensure reliable connectivity.

What skills and qualifications are needed to work with dark fiber?

To excel as a Dark Fiber Network Engineer, you need a strong background in fiber optic networking, telecommunications infrastructure, and typically a degree in electrical engineering or related fields. Familiarity with fiber testing equipment, GIS mapping systems, and industry certifications such as CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for coordinating with teams and clients. These skills ensure reliable network deployment, minimize downtime, and support efficient expansion of high-speed fiber infrastructure.

What challenges do dark fiber technicians face, and how can job seekers prepare for them?

Dark fiber technicians often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, troubleshooting physical network issues in varied environments, and keeping up with evolving industry standards. The work can involve outdoor installation, maintenance in adverse weather, and adhering to strict safety protocols. To prepare, job seekers should develop strong problem-solving skills, familiarize themselves with fiber optic technologies, and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Gaining relevant certifications and hands-on experience with fiber splicing and testing equipment can also be highly beneficial.

What is the difference between Dark Fiber vs Network Technician?

AspectDark FiberNetwork Technician
Required CredentialsFiber optic certification, technical knowledgeNetworking certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+), technical skills
Work EnvironmentFiber optic infrastructure, data centers, telecom sitesData centers, office environments, on-site installations
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, internet service providers, data centersIT companies, telecom, enterprise networks
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding fiber infrastructure rolesNetworking and infrastructure roles

Dark Fiber professionals focus on installing, maintaining, and managing unlit fiber optic cables, often working in telecom and data centers. Network Technicians handle network hardware, troubleshooting, and configuration across various IT environments. While both roles require technical skills, Dark Fiber specialists concentrate on fiber infrastructure, whereas Network Technicians work with broader network systems.

More about Dark Fiber jobs

What cities are hiring for Dark Fiber jobs?

Cities with the most Dark Fiber job openings:

What states have the most Dark Fiber jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dark Fiber jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dark Fiber job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,818 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Fiber Engineer

Ashburn, VA โ€ข On-site

Zayo Group, LLC
Telecommunicationsย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$68K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises.
The Zayo Fiber Implementation Team is seeking a Fiber Engineer to design the physical fiber path across the Zayo network in support of providing fiber-based services. The Fiber Engineer will manage the inventory of the Zayo fiber network through database tracking of fiber enclosures, fiber optic cable, conduit, building data, and more. Our Fiber Engineer will report to the Fiber Engineering Manager, with regular interaction with the Outside Plant Team, GIS Specialists, Sales Engineering, and Fiber Visualization Specialists.
We're open to this position working remotely within the United States.
Responsibilities
  • Design routes for fiber-based services including Point to point, Ring, and path diverse routing

  • Research existing databases, files, and records for purposes of network design, fiber optimization, and relocation of fiber facilities

  • Provide design schematics of fiber path and splicing work to be performed for fiber projects, relocation of existing fiber facilities, and restoration of existing traffic

  • Ensure fiber optic database is current and accurate by inputting data of physical fiber assets and fiber enclosures into the data management system

  • Ensure inventory of fiber circuits is accurate by inputting fiber usage data into inventory management database and maintaining information as changes occur

  • Establish and maintain effective communications and professional working relationships with customers both internal and external

  • Organize workday efficiently to maximize productivity by utilizing proper time management techniques

  • Assist in the accomplishment of company objectives by performing other related duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • 4-Year College Degree in Engineering or equivalent Telecom Network Experience

  • Minimum of five (5) years fiber design experience that includes ring configurations, FTT projects, and various high volume site deliveries required.

  • Well qualified candidate will have proven aptitude to prioritize tasks and timelines while cross functioning in a fast-paced environment independently.

  • Proficiency in the MS Office suite of tools including MS Visio. Knowledge of Salesforce.com platform is a plus. Knowledge of GIS-based platforms is a plus

  • Ability to correspond effectively with a variety of functional teams and strong interpersonal skills for supporting cross functional teams

  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools and the ability to function independently of supervision

  • Proficient analytical, organizational, and time management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize assignments

  • Basic knowledge of Fiber Network Design preferred

  • Work experience within Telecom Industry preferred

  • Demonstrated ability to utilize database management software system

Estimated base salary range: $68,100 - $104,700 USD/annually.
The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.
Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
Benefits, Rewards & Wellness
  • Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave

Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
As part of the application, hiring, onboarding, and/or employment process, Zayo or its affiliates, partners, and vendors may collect, store, and use biometric identifiers and biometric information (collectively, "Biometric Data"), such as fingerprints, facial geometry scans or other unique biological characteristics. Zayo uses CLEAR1, a third-party identity verification service, to verify applicant identity during the hiring process. CLEAR1 may collect Biometric Data, including facial geometry scans and/or other biometric identifiers, to authenticate your identity. Biometric Data will be retained pursuant to CLEAR1's policies, which can be found here: https://www.clearme.com/clear1-credential-policy-crp. Zayo will not sell, lease, trade, or otherwise profit from any applicant's or employee's Biometric Data. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge this disclosure. Prior to any collection of Biometric Data - including through CLEAR - you may be presented with a separate consent form and asked to provide your written authorization in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), and other applicable biometric privacy statutes.