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Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Team Leader - Fabrication

Fairport, NY · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates ...

Team Leader - Fabrication

Fairport, NY · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates ...

Team Leader - Fabrication

Fairport, NY · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates ...

Team Leader - Fabrication

Fairport, NY · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates ...

Network Operations Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$25.24 - $33.94/hr

Founded in 2011, Greenlight Networks designs, builds, and operates a high-speed fiber-optic network ... Partner with the Network Engineering team to identify maintenance and optimization opportunities

Showing results 41-57

Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do entry level fiber optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level fiber optics engineer in Rochester, NY is $141,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Rochester, NY?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Fiber Optics Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,696 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Construction Specialist 1 Transportation (NY HELPS) Region 4

Rochester, NY • On-site

New York State
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$70K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist engineers in reviewing, coordinating, and issuing utility, non-utility, annual, and special use permits using NYSDOT's PermiTrack system.

  • Process permit fees and bonds, manage permit logging, reporting, archival retrieval, and coordinate with Main Office permits including special hauling and fiber-optic.

  • Respond to general permit inquiries via phone and email, and support Traffic Safety and Mobility tasks such as safety and operational studies, work zone traffic control review, and ITS operations.


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Duties Description As a Construction Specialist 1 for the Regional Permits Group, the individual selected will be responsible for assisting engineers in ensuring permit applications are complete and; reviewing, coordinating and issuing utility, non-utility, annual, and special use permits using NYSDOT's PermiTrack system. Additionally, the selected candidate will be responsible for processing permit fees and bonds, permit logging, reporting and archival retrieval, and coordinating with Main Office permits including special hauling and fiber-optic. The individual selected will respond to general permit inquiries via phone and email, and may also be called upon to assist with other related Traffic Safety and Mobility tasks including safety and operational studies, work zone traffic control review and ITS operations.

Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Promotional: One year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as a Principal Drafting Technician (General), Principal Drafting Technician (Structural), Principal Engineering Technician, Principal Engineering Technician (Soils), Mapping Technician 3, Mapping Technologist 1, Senior Engineering Materials Analyst, Senior Engineering Materials Chemist, Materials Testing Specialist 1, Engineering Geologist, or Traffic Systems Technician 2

Open Competitive: High school graduation or equivalent and six years of full-time satisfactory experience in civil engineering or engineering technology related to transportation infrastructure work Substitution: 30 semester hours of training from a technical institute, community college or college in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, construction technology, engineering, physical or applied sciences on a year-for-year basis, up to four years. Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law. Additional Comments Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State.

While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S

and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt The salary range listed reflects the full range for this graded position. For new State employees appointed into graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position

Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. For more salary information please visit https://oer.ny.gov/salary-schedules ________________________________________ DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply

________________________________________ In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence.

Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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