Director Optical Network Engineer information
See salary details
$90.8K - $98.5K
0% of jobs
$98.5K - $106.3K
0% of jobs
$106.3K - $114.1K
0% of jobs
$114.1K - $121.9K
0% of jobs
$126.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$121.9K - $129.6K
38% of jobs
The median wage is $133.2K / yr.
$129.6K - $137.4K
26% of jobs
$137.4K - $145.2K
0% of jobs
$145.2K - $153K
0% of jobs
$153K - $160.7K
0% of jobs
$163.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$160.7K - $168.5K
36% of jobs
How much do director optical network engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for director optical network engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A Director Optical Network Engineer oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of optical networking systems within an organization. They lead a team of engineers, develop strategies for network optimization, and ensure that high-speed data transmission requirements are met using technologies like DWDM and SONET. Their role also involves managing large-scale network projects, working with vendors, and ensuring network reliability and scalability to support the organization's business goals.
To thrive as a Director Optical Network Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical networking technologies, network architecture, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by significant leadership experience. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like DWDM, SONET/SDH, ROADM, and network management systems, as well as certifications such as Cisco or Juniper, is highly valuable. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help drive teams and projects toward successful implementation. These skills are crucial for managing complex network infrastructures and ensuring high-performance, scalable, and reliable optical networks.
A Director Optical Network Engineer regularly works with cross-functional teams, including operations, product management, and customer support, to design, implement, and maintain high-performance optical networks. They lead technical discussions, translate business requirements into network solutions, and ensure that network upgrades or changes align with organizational goals. Effective collaboration is crucial, as it helps to quickly resolve issues, optimize network capacity, and drive innovation while maintaining service reliability. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential for facilitating these collaborative efforts.
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