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Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer Jobs in Washington

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Data Center Technician

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

The ideal candidate has experience working with low voltage cabling, fiber optics, and network ... Collaborate with data center engineers, electricians, and other team members to coordinate ...

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Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer information

What does an entry level fiber optics engineer do?

An Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer assists in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic systems used for telecommunications and data transfer. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with tasks such as splicing cables, testing signal strength, and documenting network layouts. This role often involves both fieldwork and office duties, ensuring that fiber optic networks operate efficiently and meet industry standards. Entry level engineers also learn to use specialized tools and software for diagnosing and fixing issues within fiber optic networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level fiber optics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optical communication principles, basic electronics, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with fiber optic testing equipment, splicing tools, and industry standards such as OTDR and FTTx certifications is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure reliable network installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, which are crucial for efficient telecommunications infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level fiber optics engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level fiber optics engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to work with specialized tools and equipment, interpreting complex schematics, and adapting to strict safety standards. Additionally, they may need time to become proficient in troubleshooting network issues and understanding the nuances of fiber optic installation and maintenance. Collaboration with experienced engineers and field technicians is key, as is developing strong communication skills to report findings and coordinate effectively with project teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer vs Fiber Optic Technician?

AspectEntry Level Fiber Optics EngineerFiber Optic Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like FOA Certified Fiber Optic TechnicianHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting fiber optic systems; office and lab settingsInstallation, splicing, and maintenance of fiber optic cables; fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, networking, and technology companiesTelecom providers, internet service providers, and construction firms

Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineers focus on designing and testing fiber optic systems, often requiring a degree and engineering knowledge. In contrast, Fiber Optic Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance tasks in the field. Both roles are essential in the fiber optics industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environments.

How do I start a career in entry level fiber optics engineering?

To start a career as an entry-level fiber optics engineer, obtain a relevant degree such as electrical or optical engineering, and develop skills in fiber optic installation, splicing, and testing. Gaining certifications like FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician can improve job prospects, and hands-on experience through internships or training programs is highly valuable.

How much do entry level fiber optics engineers make?

Entry-level fiber optics engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, education, and certifications. Starting salaries may increase with experience in fiber optic installation, testing, and troubleshooting using tools like OTDRs and fusion splicers.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Telecommunications Technician 2 - Chantilly, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 449 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 9,000 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 industries.
We are seeking a Telecommunication Technician to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, it systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
  • The Telecommunications Technician 2 is responsible for the installation of communications cabling and equipment in accordance with all applicable plans, specifications, codes, and industry standards.
  • As a technician you should have work experience installing basic equipment which involves using hand tools and power tools, a basic understanding of Telecom Systems, blueprints and knowledge of codes and standards.
  • In this position, you will be gaining understanding & knowledge of Telecommunication Systems including OSP & ISP Copper, CCTV, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) Fiber Optic & Structured Cabling.
  • Additionally, each technician must make every effort to become a qualified BICSI Technician.
  • This candidate will be responsible for supporting complex scopes specific to Healthcare, Government, Higher-Education, Federal Aviation (Preferred) & Mission Critical industries.
  • 50% travel

Qualifications
Clearance/Citizen Type: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, for access to classified information; ACTIVE TS/SCI Clearance with the ability to obtain a Polygraph is REQUIRED
Education/Experience:
  • High School Diploma OR GED required.
  • Minimum 4+ years of experience in related Telecommunications experience specific to the oversight & installation of OSP & ISP Copper, CCTV, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) Fiber Optic & Structured Cabling within diverse construction industries.
  • Requires a BICSI certification, at minimum a BICSI Installer 1 for copper certification
  • Manufacture Certifications and/or Fiber Certification.
  • Experience in & knowledge of telecommunications installation in complex markets including Federal & Government Facilities, Healthcare/Hospitals, Commercial Buildings & Mission Critical Facilities.
  • Ability to pass basic telecommunications knowledge test.
  • Core Market Sector: The candidate being considered must have hands-on experience & knowledge in the installation of Low-Voltage specialty contracting industries, solution-driven initiatives & overall leadership to field-project teams.
  • Demonstrated experience and ability to read and understand plans and specifications.

Requirements:
  • Must have reliable transportation daily to & from the appointed jobsite.
  • Wear long pants and a shirt that covers the shoulders by six (6) inches.
  • Basic knowledge of operating Hand & Power Tools safely, along with adhering to all Safety Regulations & Procedures.
  • Understand how to Survey and document existing telecommunications infrastructure including Copper & Fiber Cables, both active & passive components using electronic devices.
  • Strong communications, time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives. •
  • Consistently report to work on time, work well with others to accomplish a common goal and maintain a safe work environment.
  • Ability to Sketch Rack, Floor & Wall Elevations.
  • Previous working experience in Terminating, Testing & Troubleshooting of Horizontal Copper (Cat 5, Cat 6).
  • Previous experience installing various types of Low-Voltage Cabling.
  • Understanding of Installation, Inspection, Terminating, Testing and Troubleshooting of ISP/OSP Telecommunications Systems (Fiber Optics, Category 5, 6, 6A & Associated Equipment) including:
    • Various pathways and Cable Tray
    • Various Cabinet and Racks
    • Various Telecommunications Devices
    • Prefabricated Components and Assemblies.
    • Telecommunications Grounding Systems
  • Ability to lead the installation of cable from Telecommunications Rooms (TR) to work area outlets (WAO) while following directions & ensuring cables are installed methodically & arranged in proper bundles at TR for ease of dressing & termination.
  • Required to have a full set of Tools obtained prior to the first day of employment as needed to perform the position.
  • Knowledge & understanding of different color codes & strong familiarity with TIA & EIA Standards.
  • Ability to label & test Horizonal Cable as required for the position.
  • Must be able to perform Quality Assurance checks of the team's work to ensure cable installation is performed within all applicable requirements.
  • Maintain a clean working environment & participate in daily job site cleanup.
  • Must secure company tools & materials daily.
  • Ability to successfully install one or more of the following systems including Backbone & Riser Cable (Copper & Fiber), Plywood & Racks, Cable Trays (TC, MDF & IDF), OSP & ISP, along with Site Grounding.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Applications.

Preferred:
  • BICSI Installer Level 2 or BICSI Tech Certification
  • OTDR Certification
  • Experience with Fusion Splicing

What we offer:
  • A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
  • An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
  • Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

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.

Pay Range
USD $27.00 - USD $31.00 /Hr.

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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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