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Director Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with engineers from L1 optical engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables ...

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do director optical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Optical Network Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

How does a Director Optical Network Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure network performance and reliability?

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.

What does a Director Optical Network Engineer do?

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.
More about Director Optical Network Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Optical Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Director Optical Network Engineer job openings:
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Director Optical Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Optical Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Meta

Reston, VA

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 191 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineering Lead to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build the world's largest AI backbone network. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to work on cutting edge Optical and IP networking technologies owning the deployment planning, implementation, and scaling of Meta's AI network infrastructure.
Network Engineer, Optical Deployment Responsibilities:
  • Lead the technical strategy, architecture, and execution for your team’s projects within Edge Network Services (ENS) on network deployment, ensuring alignment with organizational direction and goals
  • Provide hands-on technical contributions (design, deployment, migrate, code reviews, troubleshooting, etc.) on large scale complex programs at the experienced engineer level, demonstrating domain expertise and technical impact
  • Drive strategic planning by building and executing six-month to multi-year roadmaps that support business growth and transformation. Balance high-level strategic approach with hands-on leadership to deliver results across a broad portfolio of initiatives
  • Ensure high standards for reliability, scalability, and performance in all deliverables, driving continuous improvement in engineering processes and technical quality
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery
  • Deploy, migrate and support our global production network including edge, backbone, and data center infrastructure
  • Manage key vendor relationships including contract negotiations, pricing, and evaluation of current and potential partnerships
  • Mentor and onboard new team members, raising the team’s overall technical acumen and building internal community
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviors by helping others, showing respect, connecting people, and driving collaboration within the team and organization
  • 10% to 30% of travel

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 8+ years of Network Engineering, including hands-on responsibility for planning, building, deployment or migrating production network environments
  • 5+ years experience working in Optical Network Engineering
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise and carrier class routing, switching, and optical transport platforms
  • Knowledge of data center design and operational best practices
  • Proven experience leading and executing network deployment and migration projects
  • Experience interacting with vendors and external parties to drive projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Experience with process improvement and systems development, leveraging automation to streamline repetitive workflows
  • Experience in data center, edge, or large-scale network environments
  • High proficiency in automation (Python, Go, etc.) and network configuration management tooling

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$162,000/year to $227,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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