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Fiber Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Network Building + Consulting

Designer I

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

Create civil engineering drawings using Civil 3D AutoCAD for fiber design * Track assigned tasks and be aware of priorities * Keep up with NB+C CAD standards and templates * Read and analyze ...

Network Building + Consulting

Designer I

Richmond, VA · On-site

Create civil engineering drawings using Civil 3D AutoCAD for fiber design * Track assigned tasks and be aware of priorities * Keep up with NB+C CAD standards and templates * Read and analyze ...

Parsons

Security Systems Design Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Security Systems Design Engineer to join our team! In ... Experience integrating or designing both twisted-pair and fiber optic structured cabling ...

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All JobsFiber Design Engineer JobsFiber Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Fiber Design Engineer information

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$23

$42

$64

How much do fiber design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for fiber design engineer in Virginia is $42.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.33 and $49.57 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.

What is a fiber design engineer?

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 design engineers make?

Fiber design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in optical fiber technology and certifications can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized or high-demand environments.
More about Fiber Design Engineer jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Fiber Design Engineer jobs in VA? For Fiber Design Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fiber Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $88,728 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Design Engineer II - Optical

Zayo Group, LLC

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises.
The Design & Implementation Engineer II position is responsible for performing relatively simple tasks with some complexity and diverse circuit design activities. Responsible for managing the network design assignments and rejects for resolution, and is responsible to effectively communicate with internal order management personnel and various internal teams on the progress of the order fulfillment. The Design & Implementation Engineer II is responsible for meeting/exceeding daily and weekly performance targets.
Scope
Works under limited supervision both individually and within a team environment. Work is often complex, requiring logical application of knowledge and experience. No direct supervisory responsibility. Performs work in a semi-structured environment. This position may have a significant impact on short and long-term customer satisfaction and a direct impact on future revenues.
Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for design planning, record creation and order fulfillment of Zayo's products throughout all Market Areas with a primary focus on design of Zayo's growth products.
  • Basic understanding of network QOS, IP routing, Ethernet switching (including 802.11q, 802.11p, 802.3af), and packet and waves tagging mechanisms.
  • Work with Service Activation and Field Technicians when issues arise during pre-build and customer turn up activities.
  • Design & Implementation Engineer II will have limited involvement in the Project Management for multi-site customer project orders.
  • Designs circuits to interface with other carriers and given a limited complexity level in the designs. Implement circuit designs for the core of the network as needed.
  • Provides direction in the circuit design function of the Engineering Department for orders with transport and facilities required to meet identified circuit requirements.
  • Reviews orders for technical correctness and clarifies any design related items back to the responsible departments.
  • Maintains specific customer commitments and deadlines in the Zayo Salesforce/MSS database. Provides order status updates on the order when necessary for the Project Management groups. Maintains specific customer commitments and deadlines in the database.
  • Corrects and updates orders as necessary. Tracks assigned orders to ensure they are being coordinated in a timely manner.
  • Provides support to field operations to resolve complex circuit provisioning problems; reviews and verifies complex technical data in an effort to resolve service or order issues.
  • Tracks the installation of circuits to ensure orders are completed within established guidelines. Updates and corrects orders when necessary.
  • Exercises interpersonal skills in working with both internal and external customers.
  • Performs other related duties or projects as assigned.
  • Manages workload to identify critical issues and prioritize those items that must be completed
  • Works around obstacles and roadblocks within the circuit transport to obtain the priority required by Zayo to meet customer due dates. Shows initiative in getting work done.
  • Participates in operations-related projects, as needed.
  • Supports manager for customer requirements as needed.
  • Performs other miscellaneous duties, including staying abreast of technology and network solutions and cross training when needed.

Qualifications:
  • Requires the ability to meet inflexible deadlines; perform non-predictive multiple tasks; and handle customer conflict to a successful resolution.
  • Computer skills including experience using spreadsheet, word-processing database programs and typing.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of routers and other data hardware.
  • Intermediate knowledge of Data Networking and telecommunications, including understanding of basic bandwidth and services: EoF, 3rd party transport, long haul through our own Network. Products including ELINE, ELAN, Private Line, Dedicated Internet, MPLS.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office and Google programs and project management software. Able to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions in controlled situations. Deal with some abstract but mostly concrete variables.

Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent education, training and/or experience.
  • Minimum of three (3) years telecommunications and/or data networking experience; minimum of two (2) years design engineering experience preferred.

Estimated base salary range: $61,100 - $94,000 USD/annually.
The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.
Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
Benefits, Rewards & Wellness
  • Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave

Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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