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Director Optical Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Network Engineer IV at Spectrum, you will be responsible for designing and developing ... Data networking knowledge (OSI Model, TCP/IP, Optical Transport)โ€ฏ * Extensive knowledge of ...

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX

$103.10K - $141.20K/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 ...

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX

$103.10K - $141.20K/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 ...

Network Engineer IV Location: Arlington, VA Zip Code: 22202 Start Date: Right Away Pay Rate: $70 ... Top 3 must have skills: 1. DWDM/Optical Network Systems Experience - Direct hands-on experience ...

Network Engineer IV

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$70 - $81.95/hr

Network Engineer IV Location: Arlington, VA Zip Code: 22202 Start Date: Right Away Pay Rate: $70 ... Top 3 must have skills: 1. DWDM/Optical Network Systems Experience - Direct hands-on experience ...

Network Engineer IV

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$60 - $81.95/hr

Network Engineer IV Location: Seattle, WA Zip Code: 98109 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $60 - 81.95 ... Should have a minimum 4 years of experience in a Optical Network Operations/Support role

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$135K - $191K/yr

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineer to join the team responsible for planning and executing network deployments to build one of the world's largest optical backbone ...

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Director Optical Network Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of May 31, 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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Director Optical Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Optical & Packet Network Engineer - Ciena / ADVA

Purple Drive Technologies

Alpharetta, GA โ€ข On-site

$101.50K - $139.10K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Role: Senior Optical Network Engineer
Technical / Functional Skills
  • Lead the deployment, commissioning, and testing of Ciena optical and packet networking equipment (6500, 5400, 8700 series) or ADVA FSP 3000, 150, or 3000C.
  • Experience with Ciena 6500, Site Manager, and Metro Field Tech scenarios.
  • Good knowledge in Routing and Switching Level 3 (With CCNP/CCIE Certificate).
  • Very good understanding of BGP and OSPF is a must.
  • Perform complex, in-service upgrades and migrations without impacting end-user traffic.
  • Configure and manage Network Management Systems (NMS).
  • Support optical transport network design (DWDM/CWDM).
  • Serve as an escalation point for field engineers and customers to resolve complex issues.

Experience & Technical Knowledge
  • Deep understanding of DWDM, OTN, SONET/SDH, and Ethernet.
  • Experience with Optical Transport Networking (OTN) equipment.
  • Knowledge of Ethernet, IP, and SyncE/IEEE 1588v2 protocols.
  • Relevant experience in the telecommunications industry.
  • Familiarity with Linux, Python scripting, and SQL is good to have.
  • Strong communication skills.