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Fiber Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Race Communications

Fiber Designer I - Remote

Phelan, CA · Remote

$27 - $30/hr

The Fiber Designer 1 plays a key role in the planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring the efficient and effective deployment of telecommunications infrastructure contributing to the ...

Race Communications

Fiber Designer I - Remote

Merced, CA · On-site +1

$27 - $30/hr

The Fiber Designer 1 plays a key role in the planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring the efficient and effective deployment of telecommunications infrastructure contributing to the ...

Race Communications

Fiber Designer I - Remote

Merced, CA · Remote

$27 - $30/hr

The Fiber Designer 1 plays a key role in the planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring the efficient and effective deployment of telecommunications infrastructure contributing to the ...

SpaceX

RCDD / ICT Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

RCDD / ICT DESIGN ENGINEER As an IT RCDD / ICT Design Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a ... This includes the layer 1 fiber and copper data network cabling, operational voice (both wired and ...

SpaceX

RCDD / ICT Design Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

RCDD / ICT DESIGN ENGINEER As an IT RCDD / ICT Design Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a ... This includes the layer 1 fiber and copper data network cabling, operational voice (both wired and ...

SOLV Energy

HV SCADA Engineer II

San Diego, CA

Knowledge of design, installation and commissioning of SCADA networksusing;Fiber Optics,Serial RS ... to Schweitzer Engineering RTAC Platform, Allen BradleyControl / CompactLogix platform, GE ...

Cervélo

Design Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

ABOUT YOU: The Design Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Team. Product ... Working knowledge of carbon fiber composites, plastic injection molding, and metal manufacturing ...

Santacruzbicycles

Design Engineer

Aliso Viejo, CA

ABOUT YOU: The Design Engineer is a core member of the Product Development Team. Product ... Working knowledge of carbon fiber composites, plastic injection molding, and metal manufacturing ...

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All JobsFiber Design Engineer JobsFiber Design Engineer Jobs in California

Fiber Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$23

$42

$64

How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in California is $42.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.18 and $49.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fiber Design Engineers during project execution?

Fiber Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex permitting processes, and adapting designs to site-specific constraints like existing infrastructure or geographical obstacles. Balancing cost efficiency with network performance requirements and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards are also central to the role. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the engineer frequently collaborates with construction teams, local authorities, and clients to keep projects on track.

What Does a Fiber Design Engineer Do?

A fiber design engineer, also known as an outside plant engineer (OSP), is a telecommunications engineer who designs optic cable systems. Your responsibilities include fiber design and its allocation, developing route maps for cable and assessing the terrain through which your cabling must pass, creating budgets for projects, determining the types of materials necessary to complete orders, and ensuring you have the right inventory for each project. Your designs and analyses are then passed off to a contractor or project manager who implements your designs.

What is the difference between Fiber Design Engineer vs Optical Network Engineer?

AspectFiber Design EngineerOptical Network Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certificationsBachelor's in Electrical/Telecom Engineering, certifications like CCNA, Fiber Optic certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning fiber optic networks, planning layouts, and specificationsImplementing, troubleshooting, and maintaining optical networks
Industry UsageTelecom, internet service providers, network infrastructureTelecom, data centers, network service providers

While both roles require similar technical credentials and work within the telecom and network industries, a Fiber Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing fiber optic networks, whereas an Optical Network Engineer handles the deployment, troubleshooting, and maintenance of these networks.

How much does a fiber engineer get paid?

The average salary for a fiber design engineer ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with additional certifications in fiber optics and network design.

What are Fiber Design Engineers?

Fiber Design Engineers are professionals who plan, design, and oversee the installation of fiber optic networks for telecommunications, internet, and data services. They create detailed network layouts, select appropriate materials, and ensure designs meet industry standards and client specifications. Their work involves collaborating with construction teams, conducting site surveys, and using specialized software to optimize network performance. Fiber Design Engineers play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet and communication infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fiber Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fiber Design Engineer, you need a solid background in telecommunications engineering, fiber optic network design, and a relevant degree such as electrical or civil engineering. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, GIS systems, and knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ITU, ANSI) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These capabilities ensure the accurate planning, implementation, and maintenance of reliable, high-performance fiber optic networks.

How much do fiber engineers make?

Fiber Design Engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with advanced technical knowledge of fiber optic systems.

What does a fiber design engineer do?

A fiber design engineer develops and optimizes optical fiber layouts and systems used in telecommunications and data transmission. They use specialized software and testing tools to ensure fiber performance, durability, and compliance with industry standards, often working closely with manufacturing and installation teams.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles do not reach a $500,000 annual salary, some highly specialized or executive-level engineers, such as senior engineering managers or chief engineers in certain industries, can earn this level of compensation. Factors influencing high salaries include extensive experience, advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and working in high-paying sectors like technology or aerospace.
More about Fiber Design Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Fiber Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fiber Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fiber Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fiber Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fiber Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Fiber Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fiber Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,323 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Fiber Engineer

Maximize Engineering Group

San Bernardino, CA

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Summary: The Fiber engineering groups are regional. The engineer is responsible for all aspects of fiber design and allocation, route design, and map creation. Projects requiring Fiber Design can either be customer funded based on service orders or company funded initiatives (ie: expansion, overbuild, municipal projects, etc.)

Essential Job Functions:

Attend Kick-Off meetings (examples when new backbone, lateral, and/or riser fiber is required.)

Design backbone fiber route.

Complete Cost Requests from Sales Engineering with firm costs to be provided for all necessary splicing based on existing network fiber conditions.

Obtain necessary circuit identifiers from groups; or create as required.

Create a Fiber design maps for A-Z fiber locations.

Design fiber route and create all necessary splicing prints and work orders for vendors performing splicing work within the active backbone.

Provide fiber assignments to Construction Team for lateral fibers to last demarc panel

Create Requisitions for Purchase Order approval and payment to vendors.

Submit all necessary Change management notifications and adhere to field activity policies and guidelines.

Provide Operations/Provisioning with final DLR's & test shots for closeout

After completion close out tasks in appropriate system(s).

Approve vendor invoices for the project.

Work hand in hand with Fiber Construction Managers.

Create work orders for overbuild and expansion projects.

Review capacity reports and plan network augments on high utilization fiber routes.

Fiber Design engineers are responsible for all emergency and trouble response. All engineers participate in On-Call rotation.

Work jointly with the NOC, Field Operations, and Change management; and mobilize necessary repair crews to isolate and restore any fiber impairments.

Education/Certifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum 2 year technical degree or equivalent work experience

BS/BA (preference to Civil, Construction, or Electrical, Engineering Degrees) or equivalent work experience preferred

A valid driver's license required

Experience/Minimum Requirements

One (1) to three (3) years of fiber engineering and construction management experience or equivalent and one (1) to three (3) years of field construction management experience with preference to both outside plant and inside plant fiber construction.

Knowledge of Outside Plant Construction techniques (aerial & underground) preferred

Working knowledge of NESC, NEC and OSHA standards preferred

Other Skills/Abilities

Ability to perform network routes on KMZ format

Ability to preform Make Ready engineering construction notes

Ability to produce wind loading calculations on  SpidaCalc or OCalc

Preference will be given to candidates with BSCE, or equivalent work experience

Excellent organizational/administrative skills

Strong project management skills with attention to details

Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of integrity

Strong Microsoft Office (Excel, Visio, Word and PowerPoint) skills

Ability to thrive in a dynamic problem solving environment

Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment

Strong communication skills

Basic telecommunications experience/knowledge

A positive attitude and desire to deliver exceptional results for our customers.

Personal commitment to safety, integrity, and continual professional development

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